I know it’s early in the new year, but the 2022 City election isn’t really that far away, and for those interested in running for public office, the clock is ticking.

The 2022 city election will be held June 14; the deadline to file petitions for office is April 11. There are several City positions on the ballot, including mayor, and the Council seats of Lisa Olson, Mark Jantzer, and Paul Pitner.

Candidate packets are available at City Hall. If you’re interested in running for office, here’s what you’ll need:

300 signatures collected from Minot residents

A completed statement of intent

A completed campaign contribution statement

That’s what it takes to get your name on the ballot. But then the real work begins, as you’ll need to communicate your positions on a wide variety of issues to the residents of Minot, and explain how you would provide guidance and leadership should you be elected. After all, the voters will ultimately decide who fills the open seats.

Having a choice of qualified candidates is essential to the success of a Municipal Government, School Board, or County Commission. Competition brings out the best in all candidates; healthy debate and civil disagreement is a necessary part of government at every level. If you’re interested in running, it’s important to be informed of what’s happening on the local level because the decisions you make if elected have a direct impact on the daily lives of members of our community. The Minot City Council, the Minot Public School Board, and the Ward County Commission all faced serious decisions in 2021, and will continue to make important choices this year and beyond.

At the City, we’ll soon begin discussing in earnest the 2023 budget. There are major construction projects coming this year and beyond, and work continues on two of the largest infrastructure projects in our city’s history: The Northwest Area Water Supply project and the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project. There are difficult decisions ahead of us as a city as work to secure our community’s future as a growing and resilient city.

As a member of the Council, you’ll be responsible for financial decisions that affect more than 400 City employees and the community as a whole. You’ll need to balance the needs of the city as an organization with the needs of the entire community. You’ll work with community partners like Ward County, Minot Public Schools, Minot State University, the Minot Park District, Minot Air Force Base and a host of others. You’ll be fairly and unfairly criticized at some point, sometimes for decisions made by other local entities, even though you had nothing to do with the decision. All these things are part of the job.

But, there are a multitude of good things that are part of the job, too. It’s rewarding to be part of an elected body that works to create a long-term vision for the community, and then plays a role in turning that vision into reality. The sense of pride is real when a long-term project comes to fruition, knowing you played a small role through setting budget priorities and funding for specific projects. Those moments are only part of what makes these positions interesting and attractive; being involved in the day-to-day operation of the city doesn’t always involve major decisions, but those everyday decisions are crucial to the continued success of our organization.

If you decide to run for City Council or mayor, I encourage you to educate yourself about local issues and begin the process of sharing your vision with the community. Please remember that you’ll be part of something much bigger than yourself and your individual goals or agendas, and that you’ll take an oath making you responsible to those who elected you.

Leadership comes in many forms and methods, but the foundation remains the same: Doing what’s best for the entire community.

Sincerely, City Hall

You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter on our website.

Editor’s note: Mayor Sipma has announced he is running for re-election. Any other announced candidates will be afforded equal space.