city council

Nancy Edmonds Hanson

Six Moorhead residents joined the City Council Monday to answer half a dozen questions about their interest in serving as the second Ward 2 member. The questions were posed by Mayor Shelly Carlson, whose own appointment in February created the open seat for which the applicants were vying.

The candidates include retired nurse Gail Enkers; nonprofit marketing specialist Evan Balko; Sanford Health logistics specialist Lillian Guetter; software designer Mike Hajostek; former teacher David Marquardt, now a representative of the North Dakota education and public employees’ union; and MSUM online learning team member Heather Nesemeier.

The candidates expressed little disagreement with one another in answering Carlson’s queries about Moorhead’s strengths as a community, its most compelling issues, what remains to be done and their availability to serve. To the last of these, all emphasized their interest, willingness and time for council and committee meetings, as well as openness to listening to residents’ concerns.

About the city’s strengths, most echoed lifelong resident Balko’s statement that he senses a “real passion and care you don’t see on the other side of the river. People just love living here.” Nesemeier, who was involved in local community projects even before moving to Moorhead several years ago, noted she was drawn here by the community’s common spirit.

Several, like Marquardt, lauded the city’s focus on education: “Our public school system is amazing.” He also applauded its safety and recreational opportunities, as well as its “top-notch utilities, fire department, parks and roads.” He said the city needs to do more to “entice people to vacation here and see how wonderful we are.” That, he suggested, would help draw more residents, which in turn would help address the persistent need to grow the workforce.

Economic development was singled out as the city’s major issue by Balko, Nesemeier and Hajostek. “We should keep growing and developing,” Hajostek said. He promised continued support for downtown development and other initiatives now underway, adding that retaining youth with good job opportunities. Nesemeier said she supports efforts not only to bring in more businesses, but to support those that are already here. The labor force can be built, she observed, with good wages and affordable housing.

Enkers, Marquardt and Guetter all brought up the need for a community center and indoor recreation facility. “We need it for wellness,” Enkers said, as well as for a gathering space for families with children and all kinds of community groups. She also supports more development of Woodlawn Park and other outdoor assets.

Marquardt brought it up as well. “We need some kind of indoor facility, not only for sports but for health and fitness.” Guetter concurred: “A community center would be a great addition – a place to socialize and work out.”

The candidates shared their willingness to listen to all citizens’ concerns. Guetter emphasized the need for more inclusion and listening to all groups of citizens. “We have diversity in abundance. We need to hear their voices.”

The council plans to discuss the applicants at its next meeting April 26, then make its decision. City attorney John Shockley pointed out that, other than needing at least four votes if all seven members are on hand or three if one is absent, the city charter leaves the decision squarely in the hands of the council itself. The candidate whom the council chooses will be sworn in at its regular meeting May 8.

Carlson and council member Shelly Dahlquist both urged Ward 2 residents and others interested in the outcome to review the applications filed by the candidates. “If you have questions or concerns, reach out to us,” Dahlquist said.