Former Government of the Student Body President Bryan Burkhardt is on the campaign trial again, this time for an at-large position on the Des Moines City Council.

Burkhardt, senior in computer engineering, is one of five candidates running for city council. A primary election will be held Oct. 5 to narrow down the candidates to two.

He was GSB president during the ’98-’99 school year.

“I have always considered Des Moines home,” Burkhardt said as a reason for why he wants to run for office.

Dawn Kanoski, senior in journalism and mass communication, is involved in Burkhardt’s current campaign and worked with him on GSB.

“With five candidates, there is a lot of competition just for the primaries,” she said. “Bryan is a great candidate because he has a lot of energy and is very political-minded.”

The focus of Burkhardt’s campaign is “a new perspective” for Des Moines and Iowa as a whole.

“Although the state’s population is growing older on average, we need to ensure that Des Moines and Iowa are livable places for people of all ages,” he said. “Taking younger opinions into consideration when making municipal improvements and policy changes has been minimal in the past.”

Another goal of Burkhardt’s campaign is to invite suggestions about how to diversify Des Moines’ recreational and entertainment opportunities.

He also plans to work to make Des Moines more “neighbor friendly.”

“I want to develop Des Moines into a welcoming environment for everyone that lives and visits here,” he said. “I also want to ensure that every individual and group in Des Moines is given the opportunity to be heard.”

Burkhardt said he plans to try to expand regional government to help maintain shared services and facilities, especially cooperative tax-base sharing.

Despite his youth, Burkhardt said he feels prepared for the position.

“My experience on GSB Finance Committee, Designated Tuition [Student Fees] Committee, Memorial Union Board of Directors Finance Committee and a volunteer for the Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team will all prove to be useful,” he said.

Burkhardt, who is in his final year at ISU, said he easily could have relaxed instead of taking on such a sizable endeavor.

“That has never been my nature. I love challenges,” he said. “Running for political office may not seem exciting to everyone, but to me this is an excellent opportunity.”

Even though Burkhardt basically is paying for his campaign out of his own pocket, he said it has been a positive experience.

“I have learned so much from meeting people, both in support of my efforts and those opposed,” he said.