John was co-owner and part of the senior management team for the Carter-Lee Lumber Company, Inc.for over 17 years. Then elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1992, leading the ticket. Ruckelshaus authored perhaps the first school voucher bill in the house and legislation that would allow the states prison system to be privatized- both which became law in later years. Ruckelshaus then was appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels as the Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Workforce Development. Currently, Ruckelshaus is the executive director of the Ramp Less Traveled, a non-profit.
“Ruckelshaus believes in strong public schools while at the same time making sure parents have choices with education. Charter schools, vouchers,virtual schools are but just a piece of the choice matrix that Hoosier parents need to make the best choices for their children. Ruckelshaus knows that like in business, one size doesn't fit all. ”
“Ruckelshaus saw first hand during his travels throughout the state in the Daniels Administration that the states higher education system is in need of change. Ruckelshaus looks forward to working with state leaders, university leaders and other stakeholders to move the states higher education system to the next level and one that is more responsive and cost efficient to Hoosier families.”
“Ruckelshaus is a strong believer in that government that governs closest to the people governs best. ”
Paid for by Hoosiers For Ruckelshaus