Occupation, work experience: I am employed by KLN Enterprises where I am involved in business information reporting and analysis.
Brief Biography: I graduated from Perham High School in 1981 and from Moorhead State University in 1985 with a B.S. Degree in Accounting.
My wife Priscilla and I were married in 1984. We have two children, Nick 19 and Jeremy 17.
We are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where I have served on the Board of Education and as an Elder. Priscilla and I are members of the 549 Foundation and I am currently on the Perham City Council.
In the area of economic development what, if at all, does the city need to do to promote growth?
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In most instances I believe it is very important for the city to help with the growth of the city. This is done through a number of programs including Tax Increment Financing, JOBZ programs and helping in finding buildings or property suitable for potential new businesses. Perham has the luxury, if you will, of having a large number of business professionals who strive to bring development to Perham. All of these factors have contributed to the steady growth Perham has seen.
Please give us your thoughts on the future of the Perham Municipal Liquor store. Do you have a preferred location?
I have heard a number of comments from citizens that the liquor store should stay where it is, and for the couple of times I am there a year, it is fine for me. But the majority of the comments from the customers who use it are it needs to have more space, more parking, better selection and better pricing. Based on this and the facts from other area stores that have expanded, it seems the best thing for the liquor store is to expand. Now as far as location, it should be where there is ample room for display space, and parking and it attracts the most traffic.
What do you feel are the city's top priorities or objectives at this time?
There are a number of items that can fit into this category. One would be the Senior Citizen Center, another would be the Infiltration Ponds for the Sanitary Sewer, the Second Street Reconstruction Project and the possibility of an additional water tower. In a growing community like Perham, I think you are always going to have numerous projects that are going to be on somebody's priority list and it can be difficult to have to decide what gets done and when, based on the money that is available.
What, if any, concerns do you have with the city now, and what ideas would you bring to the table as mayor?
One of the reasons I decided to run for Mayor is I like the direction Perham is going and I would like to help continue the progress the City is making. The concern I would have is that Perham would stop their orderly progressive nature. This attitude builds a strong community and I would be disappointed to see that change. I think as a council member I have been open minded, conservative, yet progressive and would continue in that direction.
