Campaign Phone Number
7013713736
First, I will help execute the Fargo Parks strategic plan and future master plan based on public input and data driven decision-making. The plan includes many of the same priorities I have around organizational excellence. I believe in building community partnerships to serve all areas of Fargo. I would represent our senior population with facilities and programs that promote engagement opportunities. I will also promote accessibility for social connection through programming for citizens.
Continued high inflation or a recession could negatively affect budgeting and new projects. Economic conditions could also be a challenge in maintaining facilities, parks and trails. I would address those issues based on the master plan priorities and listen carefully to public input while addressing operational efficiencies throughout the budget to reduce expenses. In addition, I support the board and leadership to continue researching public/private partnerships for funding opportunities.
I have always been entrepreneurial when approaching or designing projects in the roles I have served. Expenditures that will lead to increased revenue make good business sense. When in a budget process, I believe in efficiency, measured effectiveness and fairness. I would be fiscally prudent and reactive to needs while striving for long term budget stability. I want to leave that as part of my legacy giving back to our great community and park district.
When developing parks in new growth areas of Fargo, it is important to gather community input on the facilities and amenities that best serve each neighborhood, while also ensuring a balanced system across the city as a whole. Fargo Parks has made progress in expanding and connecting bike trails. I would be interested in exploring the feasibility of creating an official continuous loop trail around the city, including clear signage to enhance accessibility and user experience.
It’s essential to seek community input when making decisions about programs to ensure they meet the needs of our diverse population. I would build partnerships with the city to explore a bus route connecting Walmart and the Sports Center as a step toward improving transportation access. I would also support developing partnerships with senior living facilities to provide transportation for programs across the community. I support building a fully accessible playground as funding allows.
Campaign Phone Number
701-306-9395
1. Continue to advocate for Fargo residents. As a Commissioner, Vicki has ensured Fargo Parks seeks public input on parks & amenities.
2. Continue to provide affordable & accessible opportunities by serving all ages, capabilities & interests. In 2025, we added adult scholarships & expanded youth scholarships through the Park District Foundation, developed while Vicki has been a commissioner.
3. Complete the Fargo Park District Master Plan, which will ensure Fargo Parks success for generations.
The ongoing maintenance and enhancement of existing parks while adding new parks, facilities, and opportunities accessible to all while being fiscally responsible is our biggest challenge. Fargo’s continued growth demands developing new neighborhood parks connected to our walking/bike paths. Caring for what we have and offering new opportunities is critical.
We must provide something for all ages, including seniors, and an obligation to ensure programs and facilities are accessible to all.
Serving Fargo residents for the past eight years has taught Vicki what is important to our community. She understands the importance of the careful budgeting of taxpayer dollars to provide facilities, parks and opportunities that are important to the health and wellbeing of our community. She understands that Fargo Parks has an obligation to serve all ages and all abilities in our community. She realizes the importance of planning for the future while taking care of the present.
As opportunities continue to be offered to youth and younger adults, we must also continue to expand the opportunities for our aging adults. This rapidly growing group desires to remain active and engaged in our community. Both social and physical activities are important for their health and well-being.
Implement the Fargo Park District Master Plan. The plan’s development began during Vicki’s time as a Commissioner. It covers short and long-range planning for the entire Fargo Park District.
Fargo Parks has begun including a requirement for playground bids to include accessible features. Accessible programs continue to be expanded as well. We continue to budget for improvements to our existing parks and paths. As a commissioner, I will continue to push for accessible parks, facilities, programs and events for all.
Campaign Phone Number
7017994923
We have and continue to work closely with our staff to develop our strategic plan, as we move the Park District forward. The city is growing rapidly, so it is important for the Park System to grow with it, but in a planned fashion that ensures appropriate services without duplicating efforts. We need to continue working closely with the city and school systems to ensure our dollars are spent collaboratively and efficiently, so we get the most out of taxpayers' dollars.
The biggest challenges and opportunities we face at the park district are managing growth sustainably. Growth is a great “problem” to have when we plan for the future. As we continue to grow with the city, it is important that we do not create a donut effect and forget the interior. Examples being projects like the new Island Park pool and Broadway Square. Our park system strategic plan for the entire city helps consistently consider and support the City of Fargo's full recreational footprint.
In my 20 years of service on the Fargo Park Board, I have seen the city triple in size. I have gained a deep understanding of the budgetary process, and we have worked with staff to make that more transparent and inclusive to everyone involved. Also, in recent years, we have stretched the process out over nine months to ensure everyone involved has an opportunity to be heard, understood, and that all needs are considered. Sustained growth while being fiscally responsible has been our goal.
Having a strategic plan for the entire city system, as well as specific plans for Yunker Farm and Island Park, ensures we move forward at a pace that sustains growth while staying aligned with the district's priorities and values. It also ensures we continually assess inventory and prioritize improvements based on the long-range plan and systematic growth. Building the Northside Softball Complex allowed us to turn neighborhood parks throughout the entire city back to the neighborhoods,
From connecting walk/bike paths for each development to making sure we have local playgrounds within a walkable distance from houses, we strive to make our facilities/parks as accessible as possible for all citizens (no matter their age or ability). Working with our partners (the City and Schools) to strategize our mutual goal and ensure we are capitalizing on each other's efforts, not duplicating those efforts. This is how we effectively address accessibility while being fiscally responsible.
My top priorities are accountability, engagement, and community. The Park Board must be a strong steward of public assets, make transparent, data‑driven decisions, and actively listen to residents. Parks and programs should reflect the full diversity of our community and balance today’s needs with long‑term sustainability.
The biggest challenge is balancing existing debt, ongoing maintenance, and future growth. I would address this through conservative budgeting, clear prioritization, and stronger partnerships with community organizations to expand programs and maximize existing spaces without significant new costs.
I bring values of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and fairness. Budget decisions should be grounded in community input, aligned with a clear strategic vision, and evaluated for long‑term impact. Funds should be allocated equitably so benefits are shared across neighborhoods, ages, and interests.
I support targeted, efficient improvements that maintain existing facilities and creatively reimagine how spaces are used. By listening to residents and partnering with local organizations, we can adapt parks and programs to better meet evolving needs without overextending the budget.
Accessibility means reducing barriers related to cost, physical access, and programming. I would prioritize inclusive planning, ensure facilities serve all ages and abilities, and use community feedback and data to guide decisions so everyone can benefit from parks and recreation opportunities.
Campaign Phone Number
7019290547
1. Smart Spending and Planning
We must use tax dollars effectively and plan for the future to keep our parks strong for generations to come.
2. Affordability and Access
Our park system should be affordable and welcoming for everyone — because great parks and programs should never be out of reach.
3. Transparency and Communication
Shining a light on what’s available and how decisions are made so every resident feels informed, heard, and invited to participate.
The biggest challenge is keeping up with growth without overextending financially. We must balance expansion with sustainability to ensure the system remains accessible and high-quality for all residents.
I would champion expanding community input and the usage of metrics (capital cost/usage/maintenance) to prioritize projects that deliver the most value. We must also pursue partnerships, grants, and user-based funding where appropriate to stretch taxpayer dollars.
I bring discipline, transparency, and accountability. Every dollar should be evaluated based on need, usage, and long-term impact.
I work as a regulatory policy specialist with Xcel Energy where I focus on complex issues involving infrastructure, long-term planning, and public accountability. As an attorney, I’ve represented a wide array of clients and worked to balance competing interests and find practical solutions. I would bring these same skills and values to the Park Board.
We should focus on both maintaining what we have and making targeted upgrades that reflect how residents actually use our parks. That includes improving trail connectivity, updating facilities that no longer serve their initial intended purpose, and investing in flexible, multi-use indoor spaces that could be used all-year-round. The winters here are long, all residents should have access to amenities that promote mental and physical well-being during the darkest and coldest months.
Accessibility means physical access, affordability, and awareness. We should continue improving ADA-friendly design, expand trail connectivity, and keep programs reasonably priced. Just as important, we need better communication so residents know what is available. When parks are easy to access, easy to afford, and easy to understand, more people will use and benefit from them.
Endorsements
Fargo Area Conservatives
My top priorities are maintenance, long term stewardship, and connectivity. From my experience, details like trail conditions and upkeep in places such as Island Park matter. As a downtown park, it should represent Fargo at its best and set a clear standard. That standard should slowly extend across all parks. I also support well designated, connected trails so parks are reliable, easy to use, and part of everyday life.
The biggest challenge is balancing growth with long term maintenance, which often results in delayed response. I have seen how issues like mowing, trail conditions, or small repairs remain unresolved for too long. Over time, that lowers the overall quality of our parks and reduces attendance. I would focus on faster response, clear maintenance standards, and a “do it once and do it well” approach so issues are handled properly and do not repeat.
My experience has taught me that spending more does not guarantee better outcomes. In science, results depend on good planning and execution. I would bring that same approach by focusing on priorities, making informed decisions, and using resources carefully. I value transparency and consistency so residents can see where funds go and trust that parks are maintained in a responsible and disciplined way.
Improvements should focus on consistent maintenance, repairing trails, addressing cracks in paths, improving cleanliness, and ensuring clear, even standards across all parks. Capital investments are important, but long term maintenance is even more critical. We need consistency so residents and visitors can see and trust that parks are well cared for. From my experience, differences in upkeep are noticeable, even in central areas like Island Park, which should represent Fargo at its best.
Accessibility, as I see it, is about real usability throughout the year. Standing water in early spring, cracked trails that can be dangerous, and limited parking near the river reduce access. Snow removal and cleanup could also be faster. Accessibility also means continuous, well connected, and clearly designated trails for walking, running, and biking, especially along the Red River. Parks should be usable, not just available, and maintained consistently.
Campaign Phone Number
701-799-1276
My priorities are accessibility, balanced investment, and long-term planning. Accessibility must be built into every decision – including physical access, affordability, and transportation. We must ensure parks and facilities are well distributed across the community and continue investing in existing neighborhoods. With strong planning, we can support growth while maintaining what we have.
The biggest challenge is managing growth while maintaining existing parks and facilities. As demand increases, we must be intentional about where and how we invest. That includes developing long-term solutions for North Fargo so residents of all ages have access to community and recreational spaces. By planning ahead, prioritizing needs, and listening to residents, we can make smart, sustainable investments.
I would bring discipline, transparency, and a focus on priorities. We must ensure programs are affordable for participants and taxpayers. That starts with understanding the true cost of maintaining what we have before committing to new investments. With clear priorities and informed decisions, we can invest wisely while protecting long-term financial sustainability.
We should focus on improving what we already have. That includes upgrading aging facilities, addressing maintenance needs, and making targeted improvements where usage is highest. We also need to remove barriers that limit how people use our parks – whether that’s layout, connectivity, or design. Small, thoughtful upgrades can make a big difference in how welcoming and functional our parks are for residents.
Accessibility must be the standard, not the exception. Residents should be able to expect every park and facility to be usable, with accessible equipment, pathways, parking, and transportation. Today, that is not always the case. I would prioritize a full, system-wide assessment to identify barriers and create a clear, actionable plan to address them, ensuring consistent access across the entire park system.
