Minot Association of Builders - Candidate Forum - Candidate Information

CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION

JASON OLSON

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: RETIRED LIVED IN MINOT: 37 YEARS

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I WILL BE DILIGENT IN EXAMINING ISSUES FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND RECEIVING PUBLIC INPUT PRIOR TO DECIDING HOW TO VOTE ON ISSUES. I BRING CONSERVATIVE VIEWS AND CONCERN THAT PUBLIC DOLLARS ARE WISELY SPENT, KEEPING IN MIND THE STRAIN THAT TAXES ARE FOR EVERYONE WHILE BEING PRAGMATIC ABOUT ADDRESSING PUBLIC ISSUES AND SERVICES THAT MEET THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE PUBLIC TO DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY RESULTS IN AS EFFICIENT OF A MANNER AS POSSIBLE.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I THINK COMMUNITIES SHOULD ALWAYS BE STRIVING FOR AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. A GOVERNING BODY SHOULD BE ACTIVELY SEEKING WAYS THAT CAN FOSTER AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING MAKING CERTAIN THAT ANY GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS IS VIEWED AS NECESSARY AND EFFECTIVE. OVERBURDENSOME AND UNNECESSARY REGULATION SHOULD BE CURBED. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE LIMITED WHENEVER POSSIBLE BUT SHOULD BE PREPARED TO DO WHAT IT CAN TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH.

CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION

LANCE MAKEEFF

STATS >>>

CANDIDATE FORUM

candidate information

OCCUPATION: SELF-EMPLOYED FARMERRANCHER & SALES REP FOR GOLDEN HARVEST LIVED IN MINOT: 32 YEARS

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I REALLY DO NOT FEEL THE POSITION NEEDS AN OVERHAUL, THE POSITIONS HAVE ALWAYS WORKED HARD FOR WARD COUNTY RESIDENTS. WE CAN ALWAYS IMPROVE ON WHAT IS THE ROLE NOW BY WORKING TO COLLABORATE WITH THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES AS WARD IS A HUB FOR THE MULTI-COUNTY AREA.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ANY BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY WE CAN HELP GROW BENEFITS ALL RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY. IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD LINK TO A SW BYPASS ESPECIALLY WITH THE HOSPITAL COMING CLOSE TO OPENING. MAINTAIN TO IMPROVE WHAT WE DO HAVE IN ROADS AND INTERSECTIONS FOR SAFETY AND MAXIMIZE BENEFIT TO RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY.

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thank you to our

SUPPORTING SPONSORS North Dakota Association of Builders Amber Kraft, KW Inspire Realty Gate City Bank Dacotah Bank The Title Team Minot Board of Realtors

CANDIDATES | MINOT MAYOR

SHAUN SIPMA

CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: INSURANCE AGENT LIVED IN MINOT: 25 YEARS: (MINOT MAYOR FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? THE POSITION WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY, REGIONAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL PARTNERS AS WELL AS COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTS OF MINOT. OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, I HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED THE ROLE THE MAYOR PLAYS IN REPRESENTING MINOT AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE, LOBBYING IN WASHINGTON FOR THE CONTINUED MISSIONS AT MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, OUTREACH TO NON-PROFITS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND GENERAL PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY EVENTS

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MINOT HAS TO BE APPROACHED IN SOME SIMILAR FASHION AS OTHER COMMUNITIES AROUND NORTH DAKOTA BUT ALSO RECOGNIZE THE INCREASED DIFFICULTY THAT IS FACED HERE BECAUSE OF OUR GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. SIMPLY PUT, WE HAVE TO WORK HARDER AND SMARTER. RECENTLY THE OVERHAUL OF THE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCES HAS HELPED BRING MINOT BACK INTO THE CLASSIFICATION OF BEING BUSINESS-FRIENDLY. WE DO NEED TO CONTINUE TO WORK ON IMPROVING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH WARD COUNTY AS RECENT EVENTS HAVE SHOWN THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE THERE TO MEND FENCES FROM DECADES AGO. AS A COMMUNITY, WE WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO UTILIZE AS MANY TOOLS IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLBOX AS POSSIBLE WHEN AND WHERE IT IS APPROPRIATE. THE MAGIC FUND GUIDELINES WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REVISED AND UPDATED TO FIT AN EVER-CHANGING LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC CLIMATE. MORE EFFORT WILL NEED TO BE PUT FORWARD IN ATTRACTING LONG-TERM DOD CONTRACTORS AND BUSINESSES. AT THE SAME TIME, IT WILL BE CRITICAL TO FOCUS EFFORTS ON DEVELOPING THE AG INDUSTRIAL PARK TO COMPLEMENT AND GROW THE INTERMODAL FACILITY THAT CURRENTLY IS RELYING QUITE A BIT ON BASIC AGRICULTURE SHIPPING OUT OF NORTH DAKOTA. THE MORE WE CAN DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY BASED ON STRENGTHS AND STRATEGIC GROWTH MODELING THE BETTER CHANCE WE WILL HAVE OF LONGTERM AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH RATHER THAN A BOOM OR BUST MENTALITY.

CANDIDATES | MINOT MAYOR

MIRANDA SCHULER

STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: INSURANCE AGENCY OWNER & STR OWNER LIVED IN MINOT: 16 YEARS (PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON CITY COUNCIL & SCHOOL BOARD)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

JOHN FJELDAHL

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: FARMER/JOHN'S CABINETS AND WOODWORKS LIVES IN RURAL BERTHOLD (COMMISSIONER FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I HOPE TO CONTINUE CONSERVATIVELY REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE OF WARD COUNTY AS I HAVE. I WILL WORK TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE COUNTY COMMISSION.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I BELIEVE MINOT IS SHOWING GOOD POSITIVE MOVES IN GROWTH AND IN MANY DIVERSE AREAS FROM THE NEW HOSPITAL AND IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE IN AND AROUND MINOT. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE EFFORT ON EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND ENHANCED TRADES EDUCATION, I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS IMPROVING SO JUST WANT EMPHASIS IT MORE.

CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION

ALAN WALTER

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: ENGINEER LIVED IN MINOT: ALL HIS LIFE (COMMISSIONER FROM 2012-2020)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? TO REPRESENT ALL THE CITIZENS INCLUDING THE CITIZENS OF MINOT. I AM FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE, KNOW THE BUDGETING PROCESS AND I HAVE WORKED FOR AND SERVED THE PUBLIC SINCE I WAS 12 YEARS OLD.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAS NOT BEEN SERVED WELL IN MINOT OR THE MINOT AREA. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN ATTITUDE CHANGE TOWARDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON A NUMBER OF LEVELS.

IMPROVED TRANSPARENCY, INCREASED CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT, AND A FOCUS ON COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO REACH GOALS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS IMPERATIVE TO OUR CITY’S LONG TERM GOALS AND OVERALL TAX STABILIZATION. I STRONGLY BELIEVE GOVERNMENT IS NOT BEST SUITED AS A SOLE ECONOMIC DRIVER THOUGH. GOVERNMENT’S PLACE IS TO PROVIDE TOOLS WHEN APPLICABLE AND TO LET BUSINESSES DO pn WHAT THEY DO BEST.

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CANDIDATES | MINOT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD

SABRINA HERRMANN

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS LIVED IN MINOT: 50 YEARS

CANDIDATES | MINOT MAYOR

TOM ROSS

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT ELISON ASSISTED LIVING IN MINOT LIVED IN MINOT: 54 YEARS

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

BEING A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF MINOT, I HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN SEEING THE COMMUNITY THRIVE, I WANT THE BEST THERE CAN BE FOR THE COMMUNITY FAR INTO THE FUTURE. IF I AM INVOLVED IN A PROJECT OR BOARD I MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE TO GET QUESTIONS ANSWERED, AND I WILL BE RESPONSIVE BY ANSWERING AN EMAIL OR PHONE CALL AND GETTING BACK TO SOMEONE IF I AM NOT SURE OF THE ANSWER. I AM A GOOD LISTENER AND AM WILLING TO DO THE WORK IN GATHERING THE DATA NEEDED TO MAKE A WELL-INFORMED AND THOUGHTFUL DECISION BASED ON ALL OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED.

1. PROVIDING ACCESS TO ALL RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO BE A PART OF CITY GOVERNMENT. 2. WORK TOGETHER WITH THE COUNCIL, MAKE THEM A PART OF DECISIONS. 3. STRONG JUDGEMENT, GOOD DECISIONS, BASED ON COMMON SENSE. 4. KEEP A STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH DEPARTMENT MANAGERS AND CITY STAFF. 5. BRING RESIDENTS TOGETHER, INVITE THEM TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTIONS. 6. FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE EMPLOYEES.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I BELIEVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR MINOT TO CONTINUE TO GROW & PUSH FORWARD INTO THE COMMUNITY WE STRIVE TO BE FOR ALL RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES US THE OPPORTUNITY AS A SCHOOL BOARD TO RECRUIT TEACHERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO OUR COMMUNITY, WHICH BENEFITS THE WHOLE CITY. I KNOW THAT THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL AND RENOVATIONS OF MAGIC CITY AND CENTRAL INTO THE 3RD MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL MAKE US A MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE. I BELIEVE WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE WITH OTHER PUBLIC ENTITIES TO CREATE MORE SYNERGY ON PROJECTS THAT CAN BENEFIT EVERYONE.

CANDIDATES | MINOT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD

MITCHELL KRAFT

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: BRANCH MANAGER AT PRAIRIE SUPPLY LIVED IN MINOT: 32 YEARS: (PREVIOUSLY SERVED 4-YEAR TERM)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? THE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN NEEDS TO CONTINUALLY BE IMPROVED. PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE GROWTH AND HOW EDUCATION WILL BE CHANGING, IS SOMETHING I WANT TO BE A PART OF.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? BRINGING BUSINESSES INTO TOWN REQUIRES MANY THINGS. ONE OF THOSE IS EMPLOYEES. BY EDUCATING AND OFFERING OUR STUDENTS MORE WORK-STUDY COURSES, WE COULD PROVIDE THE TALENT AND LABOR NEEDED IN ORDER FOR THOSE BUSINESS TO GROW AND PROSPER.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? WE NEED TO WORK HARDER AND BE MORE AGGRESSIVE WHEN IT COMES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THE LAST FEW YEARS OF DEALING WITH ISSUES AND FAILURES OF THE PAST HAVE PUT OUR EFFORTS BACK. THERE IS NEW ENERGY AND VISION WITH THE CHAMBER EDC AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HOW MINOT GETS BACK INTO THE GAME OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. OUR MESSAGING TO OUTSIDE INVESTORS IS CRITICAL. WE HAVE THE ENERGY RIGHT NOW IN MINOT. WE NEED TO SHARE THAT, WE NEED TO LET POTENTIAL INVESTORS KNOW: 1. MINOT IS OPEN TO BUSINESS. 2. MINOT IS VERY BUSINESS-FRIENDLY.

CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

LISA OLSON

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: RETIRED EDUCATOR LIVED IN MINOT: 37 YEARS: (MINOT CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I WILL USE MY EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE TO CONTINUE MOVING PROJECTS FORWARD. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE BEEN A GOOD LISTENER AND LEARNER AND HAVE REPRESENTED THE CITIZENS OF MINOT WELL.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS KEY TO MINOT'S GROWTH, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY. MINOT SERVES AS A RETAIL, MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL HUB FOR NW NORTH DAKOTA. WHEN WE OFFER THE BEST IN THOSE AREAS, PEOPLE WILL COME. WHEN MINOT'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IS GOOD, IT CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER INVESTMENTS AND IT TAKES SOME OF THE BURDEN OFF OF PROPERTY TAXES. I HAVE SUPPORTED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS THAT HAVE INVOLVED THE CITY OF MINOT AND PLAN ON SUPPORTING MORE IN THE FUTURE.

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CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

MARK J. JANTZER

STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: GENERAL MANAGER - THE COMPUTER STORE, INC. LIVED IN MINOT: 45 YEARS: (MINOT CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PAST 14 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? LISTEN CLOSELY TO CITIZENS, COMMUNICATE WHAT IS BEING CONSIDERED, WHAT THE ALTERNATIVES ARE, AS WELL AS THE FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF THE CHOICES.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE CITY GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE ADDITIONAL BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY. IN SOME CASES THAT MEANS PROVIDING TOOLS OR INCENTIVES, BUT IN MANY CASES, IT MEANS REMOVING OBSTACLES OR GETTING OUT OF THE WAY. WE ARE MORE ENGAGED NOW THAN PREVIOUSLY, WITH AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POSITION ON STAFF. WE NEED TO LEVERAGE THAT ROLE AND USE THE CONTACTS WE HAVE DEVELOPED WITH RETAIL COACH, AND FINANCIAL PARTNERS LIKE BANK OF ND, AND SBPC, TO STRETCH OUR CAPABILITY AND MAKE EVERY DOLLAR COUNT. WE NEED TO WORK WITH DEVELOPERS TO GET TO A WORKABLE SOLUTION. COLLECTIVELY WE NEED TO MAKE GOOD JUDGEMENTS ON GOOD PROJECTS TO SUPPORT, AND PASS ON THOSE THAT DON'T MEASURE UP.

CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

PAUL PITNER

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: CONTRACTOR LIVED IN MINOT: BORN & RAISED (MINOT CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? CONTINUE TO BE TRANSPARENT AND PROVIDE COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

ZACH RAKNERUD

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: SALES MANAGER LIVED IN MINOT: 6 YEARS:

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

BY BEING AN OPEN AND ENGAGED MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, SOMEONE WILLING TO TRY NEW THINGS, ADMIT THEIR MISTAKES, AND BE OPEN TO CHANGING THEIR MIND. TO PREPARE FOR THIS POSITION, I HAVE BEEN REVIEWING THE CITY'S BUDGET CONCERNS, MEETING WITH THOSE IN OUR PUBLIC DEPARTMENTS, AND GOING DOOR TO DOOR TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND HEAR THEIR CONCERNS FIRSTHAND.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING TIMES IN MINOT'S HISTORY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. WE HAVE THE NEW TRINITY HOSPITAL ON THE SOUTH PART OF TOWN, ONGOING REVAMPING OF THE DOWNTOWN SPACE AND CONSIDERATIONS TO MAKE AS THE FLOOD PROJECT MAKES PROGRESS. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE WE WILL NEED FRESH PERSPECTIVES AND AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY. WE HAVE THE TOOLS TO KEEP MAKING MINOT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND I HOPE THAT I CAN SERVE AND DO MY PART TO HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN.

CANDIDATES | MINOT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD

ANDREW DITTUS

STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: ENGINEER - OIL & GAS INDUSTRY LIVED IN MINOT: MOST OF HIS LIFE

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? IF ELECTED, I WOULD BE A PARENT WITH CHILDREN WITHIN MPS AND A VOICE TO NOT ONLY HELP MAKE RATIONAL EDUCATED DECISIONS BUT FIGHT FOR OUR YOUTH AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED AT DEVELOPING OUR FUTURE LEADERS

MINOT HAS BEGUN TO DIP ITS TOES IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUT NEEDS TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE AND STRATEGIC TO MAKE ITSELF APPEALING AND COMPETITIVE.

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CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

MARK J. JANTZER

STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: GENERAL MANAGER - THE COMPUTER STORE, INC. LIVED IN MINOT: 45 YEARS: (MINOT CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PAST 14 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? LISTEN CLOSELY TO CITIZENS, COMMUNICATE WHAT IS BEING CONSIDERED, WHAT THE ALTERNATIVES ARE, AS WELL AS THE FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF THE CHOICES.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE CITY GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE ADDITIONAL BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY. IN SOME CASES THAT MEANS PROVIDING TOOLS OR INCENTIVES, BUT IN MANY CASES, IT MEANS REMOVING OBSTACLES OR GETTING OUT OF THE WAY. WE ARE MORE ENGAGED NOW THAN PREVIOUSLY, WITH AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POSITION ON STAFF. WE NEED TO LEVERAGE THAT ROLE AND USE THE CONTACTS WE HAVE DEVELOPED WITH RETAIL COACH, AND FINANCIAL PARTNERS LIKE BANK OF ND, AND SBPC, TO STRETCH OUR CAPABILITY AND MAKE EVERY DOLLAR COUNT. WE NEED TO WORK WITH DEVELOPERS TO GET TO A WORKABLE SOLUTION. COLLECTIVELY WE NEED TO MAKE GOOD JUDGEMENTS ON GOOD PROJECTS TO SUPPORT, AND PASS ON THOSE THAT DON'T MEASURE UP.

CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

PAUL PITNER

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: CONTRACTOR LIVED IN MINOT: BORN & RAISED (MINOT CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? CONTINUE TO BE TRANSPARENT AND PROVIDE COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

ZACH RAKNERUD

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: SALES MANAGER LIVED IN MINOT: 6 YEARS:

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

BY BEING AN OPEN AND ENGAGED MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, SOMEONE WILLING TO TRY NEW THINGS, ADMIT THEIR MISTAKES, AND BE OPEN TO CHANGING THEIR MIND. TO PREPARE FOR THIS POSITION, I HAVE BEEN REVIEWING THE CITY'S BUDGET CONCERNS, MEETING WITH THOSE IN OUR PUBLIC DEPARTMENTS, AND GOING DOOR TO DOOR TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND HEAR THEIR CONCERNS FIRSTHAND.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING TIMES IN MINOT'S HISTORY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. WE HAVE THE NEW TRINITY HOSPITAL ON THE SOUTH PART OF TOWN, ONGOING REVAMPING OF THE DOWNTOWN SPACE AND CONSIDERATIONS TO MAKE AS THE FLOOD PROJECT MAKES PROGRESS. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE WE WILL NEED FRESH PERSPECTIVES AND AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY. WE HAVE THE TOOLS TO KEEP MAKING MINOT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND I HOPE THAT I CAN SERVE AND DO MY PART TO HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN.

CANDIDATES | MINOT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD

ANDREW DITTUS

STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: ENGINEER - OIL & GAS INDUSTRY LIVED IN MINOT: MOST OF HIS LIFE

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? IF ELECTED, I WOULD BE A PARENT WITH CHILDREN WITHIN MPS AND A VOICE TO NOT ONLY HELP MAKE RATIONAL EDUCATED DECISIONS BUT FIGHT FOR OUR YOUTH AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED AT DEVELOPING OUR FUTURE LEADERS

MINOT HAS BEGUN TO DIP ITS TOES IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUT NEEDS TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE AND STRATEGIC TO MAKE ITSELF APPEALING AND COMPETITIVE.

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CANDIDATES | MINOT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD

SABRINA HERRMANN

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS LIVED IN MINOT: 50 YEARS

CANDIDATES | MINOT MAYOR

TOM ROSS

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT ELISON ASSISTED LIVING IN MINOT LIVED IN MINOT: 54 YEARS

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

BEING A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF MINOT, I HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN SEEING THE COMMUNITY THRIVE, I WANT THE BEST THERE CAN BE FOR THE COMMUNITY FAR INTO THE FUTURE. IF I AM INVOLVED IN A PROJECT OR BOARD I MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE TO GET QUESTIONS ANSWERED, AND I WILL BE RESPONSIVE BY ANSWERING AN EMAIL OR PHONE CALL AND GETTING BACK TO SOMEONE IF I AM NOT SURE OF THE ANSWER. I AM A GOOD LISTENER AND AM WILLING TO DO THE WORK IN GATHERING THE DATA NEEDED TO MAKE A WELL-INFORMED AND THOUGHTFUL DECISION BASED ON ALL OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED.

1. PROVIDING ACCESS TO ALL RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO BE A PART OF CITY GOVERNMENT. 2. WORK TOGETHER WITH THE COUNCIL, MAKE THEM A PART OF DECISIONS. 3. STRONG JUDGEMENT, GOOD DECISIONS, BASED ON COMMON SENSE. 4. KEEP A STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH DEPARTMENT MANAGERS AND CITY STAFF. 5. BRING RESIDENTS TOGETHER, INVITE THEM TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTIONS. 6. FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE EMPLOYEES.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I BELIEVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR MINOT TO CONTINUE TO GROW & PUSH FORWARD INTO THE COMMUNITY WE STRIVE TO BE FOR ALL RESIDENTS. IT PROVIDES US THE OPPORTUNITY AS A SCHOOL BOARD TO RECRUIT TEACHERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO OUR COMMUNITY, WHICH BENEFITS THE WHOLE CITY. I KNOW THAT THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL AND RENOVATIONS OF MAGIC CITY AND CENTRAL INTO THE 3RD MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL MAKE US A MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE. I BELIEVE WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE WITH OTHER PUBLIC ENTITIES TO CREATE MORE SYNERGY ON PROJECTS THAT CAN BENEFIT EVERYONE.

CANDIDATES | MINOT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD

MITCHELL KRAFT

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: BRANCH MANAGER AT PRAIRIE SUPPLY LIVED IN MINOT: 32 YEARS: (PREVIOUSLY SERVED 4-YEAR TERM)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? THE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN NEEDS TO CONTINUALLY BE IMPROVED. PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE GROWTH AND HOW EDUCATION WILL BE CHANGING, IS SOMETHING I WANT TO BE A PART OF.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? BRINGING BUSINESSES INTO TOWN REQUIRES MANY THINGS. ONE OF THOSE IS EMPLOYEES. BY EDUCATING AND OFFERING OUR STUDENTS MORE WORK-STUDY COURSES, WE COULD PROVIDE THE TALENT AND LABOR NEEDED IN ORDER FOR THOSE BUSINESS TO GROW AND PROSPER.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? WE NEED TO WORK HARDER AND BE MORE AGGRESSIVE WHEN IT COMES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THE LAST FEW YEARS OF DEALING WITH ISSUES AND FAILURES OF THE PAST HAVE PUT OUR EFFORTS BACK. THERE IS NEW ENERGY AND VISION WITH THE CHAMBER EDC AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HOW MINOT GETS BACK INTO THE GAME OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. OUR MESSAGING TO OUTSIDE INVESTORS IS CRITICAL. WE HAVE THE ENERGY RIGHT NOW IN MINOT. WE NEED TO SHARE THAT, WE NEED TO LET POTENTIAL INVESTORS KNOW: 1. MINOT IS OPEN TO BUSINESS. 2. MINOT IS VERY BUSINESS-FRIENDLY.

CANDIDATES | MINOT CITY COUNCIL

LISA OLSON

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: RETIRED EDUCATOR LIVED IN MINOT: 37 YEARS: (MINOT CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I WILL USE MY EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE TO CONTINUE MOVING PROJECTS FORWARD. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE BEEN A GOOD LISTENER AND LEARNER AND HAVE REPRESENTED THE CITIZENS OF MINOT WELL.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS KEY TO MINOT'S GROWTH, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY. MINOT SERVES AS A RETAIL, MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL HUB FOR NW NORTH DAKOTA. WHEN WE OFFER THE BEST IN THOSE AREAS, PEOPLE WILL COME. WHEN MINOT'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IS GOOD, IT CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER INVESTMENTS AND IT TAKES SOME OF THE BURDEN OFF OF PROPERTY TAXES. I HAVE SUPPORTED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS THAT HAVE INVOLVED THE CITY OF MINOT AND PLAN ON SUPPORTING MORE IN THE FUTURE.

pn

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CANDIDATES | MINOT MAYOR

SHAUN SIPMA

CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: INSURANCE AGENT LIVED IN MINOT: 25 YEARS: (MINOT MAYOR FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? THE POSITION WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY, REGIONAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL PARTNERS AS WELL AS COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTS OF MINOT. OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, I HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED THE ROLE THE MAYOR PLAYS IN REPRESENTING MINOT AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE, LOBBYING IN WASHINGTON FOR THE CONTINUED MISSIONS AT MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, OUTREACH TO NON-PROFITS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND GENERAL PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY EVENTS

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MINOT HAS TO BE APPROACHED IN SOME SIMILAR FASHION AS OTHER COMMUNITIES AROUND NORTH DAKOTA BUT ALSO RECOGNIZE THE INCREASED DIFFICULTY THAT IS FACED HERE BECAUSE OF OUR GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. SIMPLY PUT, WE HAVE TO WORK HARDER AND SMARTER. RECENTLY THE OVERHAUL OF THE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCES HAS HELPED BRING MINOT BACK INTO THE CLASSIFICATION OF BEING BUSINESS-FRIENDLY. WE DO NEED TO CONTINUE TO WORK ON IMPROVING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH WARD COUNTY AS RECENT EVENTS HAVE SHOWN THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE THERE TO MEND FENCES FROM DECADES AGO. AS A COMMUNITY, WE WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO UTILIZE AS MANY TOOLS IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLBOX AS POSSIBLE WHEN AND WHERE IT IS APPROPRIATE. THE MAGIC FUND GUIDELINES WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REVISED AND UPDATED TO FIT AN EVER-CHANGING LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC CLIMATE. MORE EFFORT WILL NEED TO BE PUT FORWARD IN ATTRACTING LONG-TERM DOD CONTRACTORS AND BUSINESSES. AT THE SAME TIME, IT WILL BE CRITICAL TO FOCUS EFFORTS ON DEVELOPING THE AG INDUSTRIAL PARK TO COMPLEMENT AND GROW THE INTERMODAL FACILITY THAT CURRENTLY IS RELYING QUITE A BIT ON BASIC AGRICULTURE SHIPPING OUT OF NORTH DAKOTA. THE MORE WE CAN DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY BASED ON STRENGTHS AND STRATEGIC GROWTH MODELING THE BETTER CHANCE WE WILL HAVE OF LONGTERM AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH RATHER THAN A BOOM OR BUST MENTALITY.

CANDIDATES | MINOT MAYOR

MIRANDA SCHULER

STATS >>>

OCCUPATION: INSURANCE AGENCY OWNER & STR OWNER LIVED IN MINOT: 16 YEARS (PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON CITY COUNCIL & SCHOOL BOARD)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR?

JOHN FJELDAHL

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: FARMER/JOHN'S CABINETS AND WOODWORKS LIVES IN RURAL BERTHOLD (COMMISSIONER FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I HOPE TO CONTINUE CONSERVATIVELY REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE OF WARD COUNTY AS I HAVE. I WILL WORK TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE COUNTY COMMISSION.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I BELIEVE MINOT IS SHOWING GOOD POSITIVE MOVES IN GROWTH AND IN MANY DIVERSE AREAS FROM THE NEW HOSPITAL AND IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE IN AND AROUND MINOT. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE EFFORT ON EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND ENHANCED TRADES EDUCATION, I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS IMPROVING SO JUST WANT EMPHASIS IT MORE.

CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION

ALAN WALTER

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: ENGINEER LIVED IN MINOT: ALL HIS LIFE (COMMISSIONER FROM 2012-2020)

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? TO REPRESENT ALL THE CITIZENS INCLUDING THE CITIZENS OF MINOT. I AM FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE, KNOW THE BUDGETING PROCESS AND I HAVE WORKED FOR AND SERVED THE PUBLIC SINCE I WAS 12 YEARS OLD.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAS NOT BEEN SERVED WELL IN MINOT OR THE MINOT AREA. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN ATTITUDE CHANGE TOWARDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON A NUMBER OF LEVELS.

IMPROVED TRANSPARENCY, INCREASED CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT, AND A FOCUS ON COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO REACH GOALS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS IMPERATIVE TO OUR CITY’S LONG TERM GOALS AND OVERALL TAX STABILIZATION. I STRONGLY BELIEVE GOVERNMENT IS NOT BEST SUITED AS A SOLE ECONOMIC DRIVER THOUGH. GOVERNMENT’S PLACE IS TO PROVIDE TOOLS WHEN APPLICABLE AND TO LET BUSINESSES DO pn WHAT THEY DO BEST.

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CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION

JASON OLSON

STATS >>> OCCUPATION: RETIRED LIVED IN MINOT: 37 YEARS

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I WILL BE DILIGENT IN EXAMINING ISSUES FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND RECEIVING PUBLIC INPUT PRIOR TO DECIDING HOW TO VOTE ON ISSUES. I BRING CONSERVATIVE VIEWS AND CONCERN THAT PUBLIC DOLLARS ARE WISELY SPENT, KEEPING IN MIND THE STRAIN THAT TAXES ARE FOR EVERYONE WHILE BEING PRAGMATIC ABOUT ADDRESSING PUBLIC ISSUES AND SERVICES THAT MEET THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE PUBLIC TO DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY RESULTS IN AS EFFICIENT OF A MANNER AS POSSIBLE.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? I THINK COMMUNITIES SHOULD ALWAYS BE STRIVING FOR AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. A GOVERNING BODY SHOULD BE ACTIVELY SEEKING WAYS THAT CAN FOSTER AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING MAKING CERTAIN THAT ANY GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS IS VIEWED AS NECESSARY AND EFFECTIVE. OVERBURDENSOME AND UNNECESSARY REGULATION SHOULD BE CURBED. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE LIMITED WHENEVER POSSIBLE BUT SHOULD BE PREPARED TO DO WHAT IT CAN TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH.

CANDIDATES | WARD COUNTY COMMISSION

LANCE MAKEEFF

STATS >>>

CANDIDATE FORUM

candidate information

OCCUPATION: SELF-EMPLOYED FARMERRANCHER & SALES REP FOR GOLDEN HARVEST LIVED IN MINOT: 32 YEARS

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR? I REALLY DO NOT FEEL THE POSITION NEEDS AN OVERHAUL, THE POSITIONS HAVE ALWAYS WORKED HARD FOR WARD COUNTY RESIDENTS. WE CAN ALWAYS IMPROVE ON WHAT IS THE ROLE NOW BY WORKING TO COLLABORATE WITH THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES AS WARD IS A HUB FOR THE MULTI-COUNTY AREA.

HOW CAN MINOT IMPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? ANY BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY WE CAN HELP GROW BENEFITS ALL RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY. IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD LINK TO A SW BYPASS ESPECIALLY WITH THE HOSPITAL COMING CLOSE TO OPENING. MAINTAIN TO IMPROVE WHAT WE DO HAVE IN ROADS AND INTERSECTIONS FOR SAFETY AND MAXIMIZE BENEFIT TO RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY.

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thank you to our

SUPPORTING SPONSORS North Dakota Association of Builders Amber Kraft, KW Inspire Realty Gate City Bank Dacotah Bank The Title Team Minot Board of Realtors