Nonpartisan
Candidate Questionnaire
hat motivated you to run for the West Fargo Park Board? (100 words max)
West Fargo’s growth has been extraordinary, and with that growth comes the need for strong, steady representation. I chose to run for Park Board because I’ve lived in this community long before the population boom, and I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to protect the character and quality of life that makes 58078 such a great place to live.
What personal, professional, or community experiences have best prepared you to serve on the West Fargo Park Board? (100 words max)
Over my past two terms, I’ve worked hard to help the Park District become a more transparent, accessible, and accountable public entity. We’ve strengthened communication with residents, improved the clarity of our decision‑making processes, and built a culture where community input genuinely shapes our work.
Throughout this time, our mill levy has remained steady, even as we enter a new era of capped property valuations. That stability reflects careful planning and a commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources.
If elected as a member of the West Fargo Park Board, what would be your top three priorities for the park district, and why? (100 words max)
Navigating the new property tax evaluations caps and prioritizing needs should be any board member's top priority.
The needs of the growing population surrounding West Fargo may differ than ours and we need to work with those communities to help provide additional amenities. This also entails working closely with the school district on future planning needs.
Public / Private partnerships can help alleviate the tax burden on our citizens but they need to be done in a way that the residents benefit by being able to use whatever is built.
Looking ahead five years, what do you see as the most important opportunities and challenges facing the park district? (100 words max)
The years ahead will require experience, consistency, and the ability to make difficult decisions that balance community expectations with financial realities.
I’m running for a third term because I believe that continuity matters. I want to ensure we keep building on the progress we’ve made, protect the long‑term health of our parks and programs, and continue delivering high‑quality services for every resident of West Fargo.
How would you approach balancing investment in facilities and programs with the district’s long-term financial sustainability? (100 words max)
Long‑term financial sustainability depends on making smart use of the resources already available in our community. One of the most effective ways to do that is by strengthening our partnership with the West Fargo School District. The school district serves not only West Fargo residents but also families from surrounding communities, which means shared facilities can benefit a broader population without duplicating costs.
By coordinating planning, sharing indoor and outdoor spaces, and aligning future facility needs, we can expand access to programs and amenities while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. This approach allows both entities to invest strategically, avoid unnecessary overlap, and ensure that new amenities are built where they will serve the most people.