Stark County Commissioner District 4 Choose 1
The Commission approves policy and the budget, oversees spending, and administers county programs.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
North Dakota Oil PAC, Badlands Board of Realtors
Campaign Email
pclarys@arm-corp.net
Campaign Phone Number
7012901699
What are your top priorities?
My top priorities are maintaining strong public safety services, investing in essential infrastructure, and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly. I will continue supporting law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and reliable dispatch. I also want to build on our Small City Infrastructure Grant Program, strengthen cooperation between Stark County and our communities, and support projects that improve our quality of life.
What is the biggest challenge facing the county, and how would you address it?
Stark County’s biggest challenge is meeting the growing demand for public safety, infrastructure, and essential services while keeping taxes reasonable. I would address it through disciplined budgeting, long-term planning, and cooperation with Dickinson, and our smaller communities. We must prioritize essential needs, reduce duplication, pursue outside funding when appropriate, and ensure every major investment provides a clear, lasting benefit to taxpayers.
How would you address the housing needs of the county?
Stark County should support housing growth by creating an environment where private development can succeed. That means efficient permitting, responsible land-use planning, and investment in roads, water, sewer, and other essential infrastructure. We should work with Dickinson, smaller communities, employers, and developers to identify needs and remove unnecessary barriers while protecting property rights and ensuring growth does not place an unfair burden on existing taxpayers.
Do you expect that the new state law capping property tax budget increases at 3% will impact the county’s budget?
Yes. The 3% cap will require careful planning because costs for wages, equipment, construction, and public safety may rise faster than 3%. Stark County will need to prioritize essential services, control spending, seek efficiencies, and use other available revenue responsibly. I support meaningful property tax relief, but we must implement the law without weakening law enforcement, emergency services, roads, or other core county responsibilities.
How would you address the county’s list of infrastructure maintenance projects?
Projects should be prioritized by public safety, condition, usage, urgency, and cost, rather than politics. Preventive maintenance must come first because delaying repairs often costs taxpayers more.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
I am not accepting any edorsements.
Campaign Email
jpierce0121@yahoo.com
Campaign Phone Number
701-690-0589
What are your top priorities?
My top priorities are public safety, responsible spending and maintaining the infrastructure we already have. I want to make sure our law enforcement, fire and emergency services have the resources they need, while being deliberate with taxpayer dollars. I also believe in planning ahead and addressing maintenance before small problems become expensive ones.
What is the biggest challenge facing the county, and how would you address it?
I think one of our biggest challenges is public safety, especially making sure our rural departments have the resources they need. It's something I'm already committed to. I took over the Stark County Firemen's Chili Cook-Off, and for the past 2 years we've raised over $30,000 per department per year for equipment and gear. That's outside funding helping keep our firefighters safe while reducing the burden on taxpayers
How would you address the housing needs of the county?
I think the bigger issue is affordability. We have housing, but when rent keeps going up and the cost of everything from groceries to utilities is rising faster than wages, people struggle to afford it. The county can't control inflation or what a landlord charges, but we can support economic development that brings good paying jobs, keep taxes in check and make decision that help Stark County remain an affordable place to live and raise a family.
Do you expect that the new state law capping property tax budget increases at 3% will impact the county’s budget?
Yes, I expect it will. Like a lot of families, we feel the weight of property taxes too. The 3% cap makes long-term planning even more important. We need to be deliberate about spending, prioritize what truly needs to be done, take care of what we already have, and make sure we're getting the most of out every taxpayer dollar.
How would you address the county’s list of infrastructure maintenance projects?
I would start by prioritizing projects based on safety, urgency and the cost of waiting. Putting these maintenance projects off has shown that a manageable repair can turn into a very expensive problem. I want a clear long-term maintenance plan so we're taking care of what we already have, planning ahead and using taxpayer dollars wisely.