As West Fargo continues to grow, it’s critical that we plan and build parks, trails, and recreation spaces in step with new development, while staying mindful of levy impacts on taxpayers. I support investing in the behind-the-scenes needs so we can protect what we’ve already built and operate efficiently. With proactive long-range planning and smart reinvestment in aging amenities, we can keep expanding quality, and accessible programs and facilities for residents of all ages.
West Fargo’s rapid growth is increasing demand for parks, trails, and programs, while rising construction and maintenance costs make it harder to expand and upkeep facilities without impacting taxpayers. We also need the staff capacity and operational support to keep our system running efficiently and meeting community needs.
Having served as a West Fargo Park Commissioner for several years, I understand the budget process within our current mill levy and tax structure, allowing us to meet the Park District’s growing needs while avoiding tax increases.
I’m seeking re-election to continue collaborating with our park board and staff to complete the park and recreation projects and programs already underway, and to advance our long-range plans and vision to enhance programs and facilities for everyone.
The Park Board and staff continually assess program and facility needs through both short- and long-term planning to serve all ages in West Fargo. One key need is a dedicated shop facility, which is now being planned and developed to better support our parks staff.
Campaign Phone Number
7012382319
Navigating the new property tax evaluation caps and prioritizing needs should be any board member's top priority. West Fargo lies inside a school district that is comprised of multiple communities with different tax bases so working with them as needs arise is paramount. Finally, Public / Private partnerships can help alleviate the tax burden on our residents and they need to be explored in a way that benefits the public as well.
The easy answer is the Property Valuation Caps being implemented this year. The tough answer is formulating a plan of working with surrounding communities and the school district to address future needs and how to fund them. Creating recreational opportunities using the newly built diversion and land to the north is something else we've been tasked with but have been given no options on how to fund it.
I'm completing my 8th year on the board and 4th as Board President. Our financials have always been great, but we have implemented a more transparent version that separates out each facility and department's revenues and expenses to dial in where we need to do a better job. I'm also not afraid to have the hard conversations.
In the 8 years that I've served we've kept up with the growing neighborhoods to the south and have finally made updates to the aging parks in the North and they are continuing this year in Elmwood and Armour Parks. After years of patchwork fixes at Vets Arena we put it through a vast number of upgrades in the past year. We are working on drainage issues and upgrading trails so this type of work never ceases. And lord know we need to plant more trees.
We lead the area on inclusive equipment in our playgrounds and facilities and are striving for more. We've made a concerted effort to provide more activities and update our facilities for our aging population and there is more to come. Safety and security is also an ongoing topic and finding the right technology to solve those issues has been an ongoing task.
My top priorities 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.
I believe one of the biggest challenges facing the park district is meeting the needs of a district adjacent to multiple communities and a school district that has residences in all. I believe we can make this a strength by continuing to be a good steward and partner with these communities.
As a numbers guy with a background in science and physics, I’m a big believer in a data-driven approach to budgeting. 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.
The current park board and staff have done a wonderful job and we have a fantastic park district. Upgrades to existing parks like Memorial, Elmwood and Vets Arena have been and are great investments. Hearing from people that they want more paths and trees means there is always room for improvement.
Accessibility and inclusion are core principles that I believe we can all agree are worthwhile priorities and essential to building a strong community.
Campaign Phone Number
7017295850
One top priority is to make sure we are accommodating all of our citizens in West Fargo. It is important to keep in mind that though we very much cater to the youth with parks and activities, we need to make available to all ages what the West Fargo Park District has to offer. Another priority is to keep existing parks and park district buildings updated and clean. Clean and safe Park Board places for the residents of West Fargo should be of the utmost importance.
The biggest challenge is having available resources to serve our growing population. West Fargo is growing at a record pace. It is very important to keep up with this growth. Having adequate space for all citizens in our city should be considered while we experience this growth. With that, staffing and upkeep of our current parks and facilities will need to grow as well. Budgeting for this will be challenging to maintain a level of service that is sufficient to the citizens of West Fargo.
Budgeting is one of the most challenging areas. I am a true believer in making the necessary tools and equipment available to do the best job that you can. With this, there has to be tempered expectations as it is very easy to desire the best and most expensive park and facility equipment. Long term budgeting must be addressed and we need to be aggressive with items such as donations and sponsorships.
Our current Board of Directors and the staff that manages our West Fargo Park District have done an incredible job in our city. There is always room for improvement, but the current state of our park district is something we should all be proud of. Having the right people on staff is one of the most important aspects of any field, and I feel like the staff that is currently employed is one of the main reasons we have the wonderful parks that we do!
I am very passionate about accessibility and inclusion. There are many of us in the community that have varying abilities, and it is incredibly important to give everyone an opportunity to enjoy the facilities that the West Fargo Park District produces and maintains. If there are parks that currently do no accommodate all abilities, that is something that would need immediate attention. Park district facilities should be a place for all to enjoy, and I would try to ensure that!
