Four candidates try for three park board seats

Three Mandan Park Board seats, currently held by board members Jason Arenz, Terry Kraft and board president Tracy Porter, will be on the ballot in the upcoming primary election on Tuesday, June 8.

Terry Kraft has chosen to seek another term, while incumbents Arenz and Porter will be up against challengers Kevin Allan and Ann Keller. Terms on the park board are four years.

Here is a look at the four candidates for the park board:

Mandan Park Board candidates

Jason Arenz (incumbent)

Age: 39

Occupation: SVP – Business Banking

Family: Wife, Tricia. Three boys – Evan (9), Blake (8), Seth (6).

Public service-related experience: Seeking my second term of the Mandan Park Board. United Way committees, volunteer coach for more than a handful of teams.

1. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues, or challenges, the park district faces?

The biggest challenge the MPD continues to face is being able to provide quality Parks and Recreation program and-or facilities on a very limited budget and keep quality employees within a limited payroll.

2. What do you feel best qualifies you to serve on the park board?

Four years of previous experience on the board. I would say that it has run in the family as both my grandmother, Ollie Arenz, and uncle, Roger Arenz have both served many years on past Mandan Park Boards. I understand the financial side of it and have a vested interest in what happens with the future of Mandan, as I have three kids that are utilizing as many Parks and Rec programs as possible. I want all three of my kids to be proud of the city they grew up in – as I was, and am, today.

Tracy Porter (incumbent)

Age: 47

Occupation: Chief Financial Officer at NISC

Family: Married to Jane; children, Jacey and Erik

Public service-related experience: Mandan Park Board for 12 years

1. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues, or challenges, the park district faces?

The biggest challenge has always been the limited tax funds available to support all of the different programs and facilities operated by the Mandan Park District. Most people don’t realize the majority of revenue sources for the park district come from user fees, not property taxes. Over the last 12 years we have completed many nice projects, but always with a very conservative approach to spending. In the next few years, the debt from many of our current projects will be retired and the park district will be in a position to improve and enhance some of our facilities. I think we need to continue to research and pursue some type of multi-use recreation center, but only if our budget can support it.

2. What do you feel best qualifies you to serve on the park board?

In addition to the 12 years I have served on the park board, I have a financial background that helps in the budgeting process, and also a general interest in recreation.

Kevin “Herb” Allan

Age: 38

Occupation: Director of Career Services; University of Mary

Family: Wife, Nora; three children, Elizabeth, Nicholas, and Benjamin

Public service-related experience: Four years experience on Board of Directors for Bismarck Mandan Tennis Association, currently serve as President; Lector, St. Joseph’s Church; Mandan Soccer Club volunteer coach, and former MHS high school and college (U-Mary) tennis coach.

1. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues, or challenges, the park district faces?

Two issues directly related to the Community Center changing hands to the school board are: 1. The first is finding an alternative solution(s) to those activities and events that were previously held at the Community Center. These events in town were easily accessible and in a convenient location, and they kept money here in our community, where it is needed; 2. The other issue that we need to consider and address is a recreation center. The Community Center was a staple to Mandan residents and something that set us apart from Bismarck. The community needs to explore the possibility of the next Community Center or recreation facility that provides utility for all residents and proceed if it economically feasible.

Within its role as community leader, the park board is faced with the challenging task of being responsive to the citizens. The best decisions for our community are only made after input is drawn from the citizens, and not done independently or in a vacuum. Great care must be taken to involve citizens by engaging the community, seeking user groups and citizens’ input on issues, and educating and communicating with them on park board decisions, funding and policies.

Finally, the park board needs to continue providing quality programs and services, while being sensitive and vigilant on issues of taxes and user fees. The park board plays a vital role in helping to shape the quality of life we enjoy in Mandan, and in making our community an attractive place to live and raise a family.

2. What do you feel best qualifies you to serve on the park board?

My educational background is in counseling. A large portion of counseling is listening. This skill will serve me well as a member of the park board and listening to the voices of Mandan residents. As a member of the University of Mary community and through my previous public service, I have gained strong leadership skills which will be an asset to the park board and community. Other characteristics which would make me a strong and effective park board leader are my strong communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with other groups and form effective working alliances, along with my vision and strategic planning. But perhaps my greatest qualification is my ability to take a project and follow it through to completion. I am a very detailed individual that takes charge and gets the job done. Finally, I am passionate about Mandan and seeing it succeed in all areas.

Your support on June 8 would be greatly appreciated and I am looking forward to the opportunity of serving the Mandan community if elected.

Ann Keller

Age: 52

Occupation: School Tester and Assessment Coordinator at the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center

Family: Son, Weston; daughter-in-law, Brooke; grandchildren: Lily and Jaden; and a baby on the way

Public service-related experience: Volunteer with Mandan events, The Art Association, Buggies-n-Blues, 20 years Entertainment Coordinator for the Art in the Park Event

1. What do you feel are some of the biggest issues, or challenges, the park district faces?

With the loss of the Community Center, one of the challenges the park board faces is providing locations for activities and events that once utilized the center and brought people to our community. I see another challenge being the promotion and utilization of the Raging Rivers Water Park to the maximum benefit of the citizens of Mandan. I also know I will learn of many other challenges if elected.

2. What do you feel best qualifies you to serve on the park board?

As a 30-year resident of Mandan, I have always been interested in, and am, a participant in many of the recreational activities Mandan has to offer. I have actively participated in many Mandan community events and have served as entertainment coordinator of Mandan’s Art in the Park for the past 20 years. I like new challenges, and when given a project, I will do a thorough job and get what needs to be done in a timely fashion. I consider myself a good listener, people oriented and a team player. I like the quality of life here in Mandan and am committed to keeping it that way, and look forward to new challenges the future will bring.