Isaiah Keller

Seven candidates are vying for three seats on the Minot City Council in the city’s June 9 election. Each of the candidates provided comments on their interest in serving and how they would approach city government.

Isaiah Keller, one of the seven candidates, says his platform is one of fresh ideas and stronger local self-reliance.

What motivates you to want to serve on the city council?

I am motivated by a deep love for the people of Minot and a passion to serve. Much of my adult life has been spent serving in the nonprofit sector, in my church, in my community, in my family, and alongside people who are often overlooked or underserved. I believe everyone is created equal and deserves a voice at the table. Without a voice, there is no advocacy, and without advocacy, there is no real community impact. Minot needs practical, fiscally conservative leadership that protects taxpayers, supports public safety, expands housing opportunities, and makes it easier for families and businesses to thrive.

What knowledge, interests or personal qualities can you bring to the council that will help you to represent the community?

I bring experience in nonprofit leadership, recovery housing, construction, community development, and working directly with people in crisis. As a general contractor and nonprofit director, I understand budgets, permitting, housing barriers, and the real impact government decisions have on working families. Also, as someone in recovery from addiction, I also understand the importance of prevention, accountability, behavioral health, and the right to life. I bring persistence, faith, independence, and tenacity to challenge broken systems and poor decisions. I’m willing to remain humble, study the details, listen to residents, and make decisions that put Minot families first.

Is city spending too high, too little or about right? What approach would you take to setting city spending?

City spending is too high in several areas, especially while residents face burdensome property taxes, fees, and special assessments. My approach would begin with essential services: police, fire, roads, water, infrastructure, and basic city operations. Police and fire departments must be fully funded so they have the staffing, facilities, and equipment needed to protect the community. After that, every department and program should be reviewed for efficiency, duplication of services, and long-term sustainability. We need fiscally conservative policies, clear priorities, and a willingness to reduce bureaucracy before asking taxpayers for more money.

How do you feel about shifting certain general fund property tax expenses to special assessments or utilizing user fees to hold down taxes?

I am very cautious about shifting costs from one pocket to another and calling it tax relief. It seems dishonest. Special assessments and user fees can burden residents, homeowners, and businesses, especially those on fixed incomes. In some cases, user fees may make sense when there is a direct or measurable service being used in that particular area or neighbourhood. But I’m still opposed to it. Also, shifting general public expenses into special assessments can hide the true cost of government and make property ownership more expensive. My priority would be to reduce overall spending pressure, streamline city operations, improve efficiency, and lower the property tax levy rather than simply moving costs into different categories.

Is Minot providing adequate public safety? What needs to be changed, if anything?

Minot has dedicated law enforcement, fire, dispatch, and emergency personnel who deserve respect and full support. Public safety includes police and fire readiness, and it also includes mental health response, addiction services, housing stability, and youth engagement. As someone in recovery from addiction, I would like to see a revival of the Mayor’s Committee on Addiction, potentially expanded to include mental health. We need stronger collaboration between law enforcement, public health, nonprofits, schools, churches, and community partners. Prevention saves money, protects families, and can reduce pressure on emergency systems before situations become crises.

How would you prioritize the city’s infrastructure needs, such as flood protection, roads, watermain replacements, etc.? Are there projects that shouldn’t happen or definitely should?

Infrastructure should be prioritized by necessity and long-term return. Flood protection must be completed as soon as possible and within budget because uncertainty and costs will rise, the longer it takes to complete. This will affect generations of taxpayers. Also, I think the city needs to develop a flood emergency response plan, in the event that flooding would occur in the next year or two, during this building process. I also support practical efficiency improvements, such as clearer signage at bus stops to improve transportation clarity and usability. And I would support prioritizing the replacing of more of the old lead water lines, rather than adding more government positions.

Should the city continue pursuing a police station remodel and if so, how would you like to see it unfold?

Yes. The city council’s decision to move forward with a police station remodel was the right decision. We need to allocate that funding as soon as possible so construction and remodeling can begin. I understand the project is currently in the design and engineering phase, and I would advocate for that process to be expedited in a responsible way so the Minot Police Department has the tools, space, and facility support it needs to thrive. The longer we wait, the more expensive it will likely become in the long run, similar to the flood control project. Public safety must be a top priority.

How do you feel about automated license plate reader technology?

I do not support automated license plate reader technology as a general direction for Minot. Although I understand it has already been approved, and I appreciate that the city council instituted cautionary measures, I would advocate for continued supervision, monitoring, and accountability over the agreement already made. Public safety tools must never become a blank check for surveillance. The city should maintain strict policies on oversight and how information can be used. Residents deserve to know what is being collected, how long it is kept, and who has access to it.

What is your assessment of Minot as a community? Are there ways to make it better, help it thrive or maintain what is good about the community?

Minot is a strong community with hardworking people, churches, nonprofits, small businesses, military families, teachers, and volunteers who care deeply. But Minot is also at a crossroads. We need lower property taxes, more housing, better youth opportunities, and fresh economic ideas. We should promote business development through deregulation, faster permitting, and more efficient processes. We need to aggressively expand housing supply with new homes and new opportunities, working with local contractors large and small. Minot should also promote food systems, gardening, greenhouses, sustainability, and co-op style partnerships between nonprofits and businesses to support a healthier local food supply. Our current choices to purchase affordable and healthy food are minimal.

Are there other specific issues you want to address if elected to the council?

Yes. I want to address property tax relief and new housing opportunities. I also want to help reduce government red tape, reduce permitting delays, address addiction and mental health, increase access for youth to affordable activities and athletics, and increase transparency in city budgeting. We need to continue reducing the size and burden of the land development ordinance, which is over 300 pages long, so contractors and home developers can more effectively do business. Minot’s current process is cumbersome, and that will change if I am elected. I would also like to see greater collaboration between city council, the Minot School Board, and state legislators. I will host consistent town halls to increase community engagement, potentially in partnership with the Minot Chamber of Commerce.