Tom Ross

On Friday, almost two years after announcing his candidacy to run for a position on Minot’s City Council, Alderman Tom Ross announced his bid to be Minot’s next mayor.

“As an elected member of Minot’s City Council, it became very clear early on in my first term, a change in leadership is needed,” Ross said.

In an interview with The Minot Daily News, Ross elaborated on that statement and said that he differs with Shaun Sipma, the current mayor, touching on incidents where the current mayor didn’t allow residents to speak at city council meetings.

“I’ve witnessed it once, maybe twice, where he didn’t allow people to speak. It’s a different management style,” Ross said. “The current mayor has a way of doing things, and I think some of the decisions he made in his term put his priorities on top instead of really putting the residents first and the community first. I saw that early on. He, to me, wasn’t making the proper decisions. I really want to make this all about we and not about me, and it’s really not about me. It’s about building the city together with residents, and I don’t think that’s been happening.”

Ross said that he plans to focus on developing Minot as a whole if he wins the election.

“Right now, there is a focus to make downtown dynamic and vital, and I’m all for that, but just because your business is located downtown doesn’t mean you should receive special treatment. The projects that are available for businesses downtown should be made available for other businesses across,” Ross said. “A small businessman on South Hill or North Hill still has the same rights, and should have the same ability to tap into public funds if there are public funds available for their business.”

A lifelong resident of Minot, Ross said in his announcement that he is focused on the future and what lies ahead.

“We have invested a great deal in flood control, stabilizing our regions water supply, and making our city a dynamic destination,” he said. “We cannot take our foot off the gas. We need to move projects forward that will benefit all residents of our great city.”

Ross also said in his announcement he will bring these specific issues to the office of mayor and the City of Minot:

— Every resident who wants to speak at a City Council meeting will be heard.

— The executive committee will include all members of the City Council.

— Empower and reward staff for finding ways to save tax dollars.

— Make Minot a leader in tourism and business.

— Stand up and fight for the rights of City of Minot employees.

Ross was born and raised in Minot and said he is proud of that fact.

“When looking at a candidate for mayor you look at experience, community service, and vision. With 50 plus years of experience living, working, and raising a family in Minot, I checked that box,” he said.

Over his lifetime Ross said he’s had the privilege to serve for several groups and organizations including Minot State University Board of Regents, Minot Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Minot Public Schools Ag Education Advisory Committee, Minot Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, president of FFA Alumni, past member of Sunrise Rotary, MSU Beaver Booster Board of Directors, and founding member of Give360. Ross is the executive director of Elison Assisted Living of Minot. He has three children, Kenzie, Spencer and Michael.

Ross credits his parents for providing him with the tools to succeed and serve. His mother was a registered nurse and his father worked on a number of construction projects in Minot.

Two years ago, Ross campaigned on creating victories in economic development, tourism, and transparency. He said issues that come before the city need to get as many sets of eyes on them as possible, and that means going into every issue with open eyes and an open mind.

“Transparency, openness, being inclusive, are some issues discussed with me by residents who say are important to them,” Ross said, “I look forward to serving all citizens of Minot.”

Sipma announced on Dec. 22, 2021, that he is running for a second term. The election for mayor will take place in June this year.