Ron Merritt

Ron Merritt has announced his campaign as a write-in candidate for the Ward County Commission.

Merritt, former executive director of the Minot Park District, holds a degree in zoology from North Dakota State University and began his career as a zookeeper in 1992 at the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot. He became zoo director in 1998 and executive director for parks in 2005. He retired from the park district in 2023 after 31 years of service. Currently, he is vice president of Business Development at Town and Country Credit Union in Minot.

Merritt joins Miranda Schuler, Zach Raknerud and Jim Rostad as write-in candidates for the county commission. Shelly Weppler and Jedidiah Rader are the only two candidates who will appear on the ballot for three open seats.

Merritt said he is a strong believer in individual rights and freedoms, free speech and the right to keep and bear arms. He supports policies that promote economic development, job creation and quality of life and that help the region’s economy thrive, which lowers the tax burden for everyone.

He also said he believes in treating people fairly, being open and honest about decisions that need to be made and making sure people are heard. He stressed the need to be accessible and transparent.

“Local government is close to the people, and it needs to listen to people before making important decisions,” he said. “Government should have a limited role in people’s lives. It should be as efficient as possible and do a good job providing what people need without getting in the way or being a large financial burden.”