Occupation, work experience: Napa of Perham. Service writer, sales, tire manager.
Brief Biography: I have 3 wonderful daughters and 2 grandchildren. I was born and raised on a family farm by Oakes, ND. I am a high school graduate, graduating in 1978 from Oakes High School. When I was a senior in high school I was President of my class, the student council, FFA and my 4-H club and I was captain of the football team. During my 4 years in FFA I was named star greenhand, star chapter farmer and I also received the state farmer degree. I was on the Oakes volunteer fire department for 5 years, and I have been a member of the Perham Fire department for 11 years and I am currently 1st assistant chief. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus and serve on the committee of the local Ducks Unlimited Chapter.
In the area of economic development what, if at all, does the city need to do to promote growth?
We have to continue to use JOBZ and TIF and whatever other help is out there for new and current companies that are looking to expand or come into our city.
We have to continue to be open minded and review anything new that may want to come into the city and not turn them down without 1st seeing what they have to offer.
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Do you favor an expansion of the Perham Area Community Center? If yes, what are some of the financing options you would suggest?
We have a great facility and we will keep it that way, but right now I don't see a need to expand unless it is for the senior citizens and then this expansion would have to be for the senior citizens and them only. They need place of their own so that they can leave their crafts or whatever they may be working on at the end of the day so they can continue the next time they come in. This facility would need to be large enough for more room so that different activities could go on at the same time.
If there would be an expansion we would need to look to the state and federal level for funding as I feel we have asked the local people and companies for donations a short time ago, but if the people want to expand, I will listen to any ideas that people have.
Please give us your thoughts on the future of the Perham Municipal Liquor store. Do you have a preferred location?
There is no doubt we need a larger store as there are new varieties of liquor coming into the market all the time and we have to have enough room to accommodate this. We will need a large enough area for parking to accommodate motorhomes, passenger vehicles and vehicles towing boats.
The store has to be large enough not only for now but for the future--as this market will continue to grow. It would be nice to have this downtown, but if not, I don't think it will harm downtown. If we have the product people want at a competitive price, we will draw people from out of the area and they will still go downtown to shop as we have great stores, specialty shops and restaurants for them to utilize.
What do you feel are the city's top priorities or objectives at this time?
We need to find a place for the senior citizens to call their own with plenty of room and easy access for them.
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We need to somehow fill the vacant building downtown.
We need to keep our law enforcement, Fire department and rescue services strong to help keep Perham a safe place to live.
We need to maintain our strong Chamber of Commerce leadership.
We need to keep our water supply safe and adequate.
What, if any, concerns do you have with the city now, and what ideas would you bring to the table as mayor?
In the 12 years that I have lived here, Perham has continued to grow and maintain itself but with state and federal budget cuts, I often wonder how are we going to maintain our parks, streets and utilities.
I will be open minded and willing to listen before making a decision on any matter that may come up. This will be a new and challenging experience for me and I am looking forward to serving the public if I am elected.
