Q & A with Wayne
Q: Why are you running for Burleigh County Commission?
I am not the type of person that can sit still and watch life go by. When I learn about concerns that our county residents have, I analyze the issue from a 10,000-foot view. Analyzing things this way allows me to see areas that can be changed and improved. This community has given so much to myself and my family. It has also allowed me to prosper in business. I feel that being a Burleigh County Commissioner would allow me to give back to the communities that I love.
Q: What would you like to accomplish on the Burleigh County Commission?
I see a need to create a County Administrator position. I believe it is important that Burleigh County have a leader in place for the day to day operations of the county. That person will report to the Commissioners. The County Commissioners need to be involved with policy and budgets: not in daily operations. Once that position is established, the county should then go through a Strategic Planning process. This can include the various cities with in Burleigh County. Even though we are separate entities, working together will improve the communites for all that live and work here.
Planning and Zoning is another concern of mine. As our community continues to grow, the county needs to work hand in hand with the City of Bismarck in regards to the 2 mile Extraterritorial Zone (ET Zone). According to ND Century Code the city has the right to enforce the Building Codes as it sees fit. In the course of time that area will become part of the city as the land is developed. Currently this area does not have city services and should be regulated in a combined County/City partnership.
Planning and Zoning is another concern of mine. As our community continues to grow, the county needs to work hand in hand with the City of Bismarck in regards to the 2 mile Extraterritorial Zone (ET Zone). According to ND Century Code the city has the right to enforce the Building Codes as it sees fit. In the course of time that area will become part of the city as the land is developed. Currently this area does not have city services and should be regulated in a combined County/City partnership.
Q: What has the Burleigh County Commission done right that you would like to continue?
Burleigh County Commissioners have had great foresight in several areas:
- With the continued growth of the county, there is an increased number of vehicles utilizing the roadways within the county. I know that the Highway Department has increased its efforts on our roads and bridges. I believe continued maintenance and repairs need to be a high priority.
- The Construction of the Detention Center in Burleigh County is another great success. it has created a great partnership with the City of Bismarck, City of Mandan and Morton County. As a result of the partnership and expansion we are no longer incurring the expense to house our prisoners in other facilities. I feel that putting a focus on employee growth and retention in that facility needs to be another high priority issue.
Q: What are some challenges that Burleigh County is facing in the next 5 years?
Our county continues to grow by more than 1,500 residents annually! This is both a benefit and source of concern. Our planning efforts for infrastructure must be at the forefront of our efforts. Being elected to any local government position, our primary responsibility is to plan for the future while managing what is happening today.
Q: What experience will you bring to the Commission?
For the past 10 years I’ve served as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation Commissioner. This has given me the opportunity to partner with many agencies both public and private. In addition to that I served on the Board of Directors for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber/EDC for 8 years focusing chiefly on the overall community growth and betterment. I have served on a few church boards as well as mentored confirmation students through their journey. I have also enjoyed being a Cub Scout leader, a volunteer coach, and booster club organizer for high school and college sports programs.
Q: What three characteristics do you feel are most important for a Burleigh County Commissioner to possess?
- Be willing to listen
- Be open and transparent
- Be able to make a decision