Nicole Brasfield

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.

Candidate Nicole Brasfield says she is committed to Minot’s growth and well-being.

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

I am motivated to serve on the City Council because I care deeply about the community that has been my home since 2009. I’ve seen firsthand what strengthens a community and what holds it back, and I want to be part of the solution.

My motivation comes from three core beliefs:

– Our tax dollars should reflect our community’s priorities. Residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a real voice in how their money is used.

– Neighborhoods should be safe, clean, and respected. Consistent enforcement of existing ordinances protects property values and ensures no homeowner feels embarrassed or frustrated by neglected properties next door.

– We should invest in amenities that grow Minot’s future. Improving places like the North Hill Softball Fields can bring in more tournaments, more visitors, and more revenue, helping reduce the pressure on property taxpayers while boosting our local economy.

I’m also driven by a genuine commitment to animal welfare. I want to see the City Pound equipped with long‒term, effective solutions that reunite lost pets with their families and help others find safe, loving homes.

Ultimately, I’m running because I believe Minot deserves leadership that listens, understands, and takes action. I want to help build a city we’re proud to call home.

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

My background includes seven years of service as a Ward County Deputy, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Minot State University, and the day‒to‒day experience of running my own small business.

From my law enforcement experience, I bring a strong understanding of public safety, ordinance enforcement, and the importance of fairness and transparency in government. I’ve seen firsthand how safe, well‒maintained neighborhoods contribute to a stronger community, and I know how to approach issues with both firmness and respect.

As a small‒business owner, I understand the challenges residents and local businesses face, from budgeting to customer service to navigating regulations. This perspective helps me evaluate how city decisions impact real people and real livelihoods.

On a personal level, I bring qualities that matter in public service: integrity, accountability, common‒sense decision‒making, and a willingness to listen. I’m not afraid to ask hard questions, and I’m committed to making decisions based on what benefits the community, not what benefits a select few.

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

City spending has to be evaluated through a realistic lens: what services residents expect, what mandates the city must meet, and what revenue the city actually receives. The question isn’t simply whether spending is “too high” or “too low.” The real question is whether spending is responsible, transparent, and aligned with community priorities.

My approach to setting city spending would focus on three principles:

– Protect essential services. Police, fire, roads, water, and sanitation are non‒negotiable.

– Use tax dollars efficiently and transparently.

– Prioritize investments that grow Minot’s future. Improvements to amenities, infrastructure, and development processes can attract new residents, businesses, and visitors, expanding the tax base instead of raising taxes on the people already here.

I also believe the city should regularly evaluate outdated zoning, inspection delays, and other regulatory bottlenecks that slow down development.

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

Shifting general fund property‒tax expenses to special assessments or user fees should only be considered when the benefit is limited to a specific group of residents, not the entire city. I, like many people, do not want to rely on special assessments as a routine budgeting tool. But there are situations where they can be the fairest option.

If a neighborhood requests an improvement that only benefits that neighborhood–such as upgraded streetlights, decorative features, or localized infrastructure, then a special assessment can prevent the cost from being placed on all taxpayers citywide.

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

Minot has dedicated police officers and firefighters who work hard every day, but like many growing communities, we face challenges that need attention to ensure public safety remains strong.

Ensuring our police and fire departments have the personnel they need is essential. As Minot expands, we need to make sure our public safety resources keep pace, whether that means evaluating station locations, equipment needs, or call‒volume trends.

Residents expect ordinances to be enforced fairly and consistently. Residents should feel confident that their concerns are heard and that the city is clear about how public safety decisions are made. Transparency builds trust, and trust strengthens community safety.

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?

I would prioritize Minot’s infrastructure based on public safety, long‒term cost savings, and what residents consistently say they value. Flood protection must remain at the top of the list because it protects lives, homes, and the entire tax base. Roads, water, sewer, and other core systems also need steady investment. Delaying those repairs only makes them more expensive later.

I also support replacing aging watermains and utilities before they fail, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with new housing and business development. Updating zoning and inspection processes is part of that.

Projects that clearly protect the community or reduce long‒term expenses should move forward. Projects with limited benefit or high ongoing maintenance costs should be approached cautiously.

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

Yes, the city should continue pursuing an updated police facility. I would like to see the process unfold with a clear comparison between remodeling the current building and constructing a new facility, including the option of building above the existing parking garages.

My priorities would be:

– Start with an updated needs assessment.

– Compare remodel vs. new construction side‒by‒side.

– Focus on safety, functionality, and long‒term value.

– Maintain transparency with residents. People deserve to see the costs, the reasoning, and the long‒term benefits of whichever path the city chooses.

How do you feel about automated license plate reader technology?

Automated license plate readers can be a helpful public‒safety tool when they’re used with strict policies and transparency. They’re effective for locating stolen vehicles, responding to Amber Alerts, and assisting in serious investigations, but they must be paired with clear rules on data use, retention and oversight to protect privacy.

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 resilient, hardworking community with people who genuinely care about their neighborhoods and each other. We have strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a quality of life that keeps families here long‒term. But like any growing city, there are areas where we can do better.

To help Minot thrive, I believe we should focus on three things:

– Strengthening economic growth.

– Updating outdated zoning and streamlining development.

– Maintaining what makes Minot special. Clean, safe neighborhoods, well‒kept properties, and strong community amenities matter.

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

My focus is on practical improvements that strengthen neighborhoods, support growth, and reflect what residents consistently say they want.

– Strengthening ordinance enforcement.

– Improving development and inspection processes.

– Enhancing community amenities.

– Supporting animal welfare.

– Ensuring responsible, transparent spending.