Nonpartisan

Tom Paskvan

Running for: West Fargo Park Board

North Dakota

Candidate Questionnaire

What motivated you to run for the West Fargo Park Board? (100 words max)

I am very actively involved in my children’s lives—whether at school, church, sports, or other activities. I enjoy contributing by coaching, teaching, and supporting efforts like the PTA. My wife and I truly value this community, and the parks department is a big part of why we chose to raise our family in West Fargo. I would welcome the opportunity to become even more involved and to continue helping make West Fargo a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

What personal, professional, or community experiences have best prepared you to serve on the West Fargo Park Board? (100 words max)

I bring an outgoing personality and passion for solving simple and complex problems. I have a diverse range of job experiences. During high school and college, I spent summers in Alaska as an operations lead at a gold mine, where I managed a team of approximately 20 employees. I also worked as a bookkeeper for a law firm for four years, gaining a strong understanding of budgeting and financial responsibility. Additionally, I managed an undergraduate physics lab for two years, strengthening my problem-solving and organizational abilities. I look forward to applying these skills to support the West Fargo Park District.

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)

I would focus on
1. Maintaining our current facilities and beautiful parks.
2. Encouraging sustainable growth.
3. Continued focus on programming that benefits all people in our city from 0-100 years old.

Looking ahead five years, what do you see as the most important opportunities and challenges facing the park district? (100 words max)

Over the next five years, the park district will have myriad opportunities to expand amenities and programming to match the city’s continued growth. Continued investment in trails for biking and walking, green spaces, and infrastructure that supports activities year around fosters community. Challenges will include balancing that growth with responsible budgeting, maintaining our existing facilities and ensuring equitable access.

How would you approach balancing investment in facilities and programs with the district’s long-term financial sustainability? (100 words max)

Maintaining existing facilities should come first to protect prior investments, while new projects should align with growth and demand. I’d continue to support phased development, partnerships, and grant opportunities. Thoughtful planning ensures we meet today’s needs while protecting the park district’s financial health for the future.