The Minot Area Chamber EDC Governmental Affairs Committee recently brought community members face-to-face with local candidates during two well-attended forums for the upcoming June election.

Held April 14–15 at Minot City Hall, the forums provided a valuable opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates for Mayor and City Council in a moderated, question-and-answer format. The Mayoral Forum featured candidates Mark Jantzer and Josiah Roise, who addressed topics ranging from support for the military to flood protection. The following day, six candidates for three open City Council seats – Nicole Brasfield, Joan Hawbaker, Isaiah Keller, John MacMartin, Stephan Podrygula, and David Wiley – shared their perspectives on key issues including budgeting, property taxes, and workforce development. A seventh candidate, Eric Locken, who was unable to attend due to prior obligations, had a statement read on his behalf.

We are grateful to everyone who participated both in-person and online via livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. We also thank the City of Minot for supporting these events and helping us foster civic engagement in the Minot area. You can watch both forums below.