Former council member to run in 2021

SBJ photo by Geoff Pickle

Justin Burnett is running for General Seat A in 2021.

Former Springfield City Council member Justin Burnett announced he's throwing his hat in the ring to again join the governing body.

Burnett announced his candidacy in a July 11 video posted publicly on Facebook. In a filing with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Burnett indicated he's seeking the General Seat A seat currently held by Jan Fisk. Amid whistleblower allegations of conflicts of interest related to property and J. Howard Fisk Limousines Inc., Fisk last year said she would not seek re-election in 2021.

In the video, Burnett cited a "love of community" for filing his candidacy for the April 6, 2021, general election.

“I believe that together we can unleash the entrepreneurial spirit ... and rebuild our small businesses," he said. "I believe that we can attract new high-paying jobs to our community."

Burnett also alluded to inequality issues that have been at the center of protests this year. During his previous term on council, he supported the repeal of sexual orientation and gender identity protections, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Burnett in the video said he's "ready to have tough conversations" on diversity.

"When we embrace diversity, we are stronger and we find solutions to seemingly impossible situations," he said.

Burnett resigned from council in 2016 following his move from Zone 2. Earlier that year, he separately submitted his resignation over health problems but went on to rescind that action, according to SBJ archives.

Burnett is the only candidate to file paperwork with the MEC for council's General Seat A. The only other person who has registered for the April 2021 council election is incumbent Craig Hosmer for General Seat B.

Burnett's campaign has not yet issued any reports on finances associated with his 2021 council bid, according to the MEC.