Minnewaukan, N.D., Faces Election Turmoil Amid Ongoing Government Controversies

Strategic Insights -

In the rural community of Minnewaukan, N.D., a special election is set for December 1 to fill a vacant mayor's post and a city council seat. The election was triggered by the July 14 firing of longtime city employee Verdeen Backstrom, which has led to a series of resignations and government controversies. Trish McQuoid and Stephen Chase will face off for the mayor's position, while Shane Monda is the sole candidate for the city council seat. The community has been plagued by turmoil since the firing of Backstrom, who had worked for the city for 22 years as public works and maintenance director. The incident that led to his firing involved an alleged use of profanity directed at a city council member, who had informed Backstrom that his son would not be paid for work done for the city. Backstrom has since relocated from Minnewaukan to the Bismarck area.

Key Takeaways:

  • A special election will be held on December 1 to elect a new mayor and a city council member in Minnewaukan, N.D., after the resignation of Mayor Curtis Yri and council member Connie Ambers sparked a wave of government controversies.
  • Trish McQuoid and Stephen Chase will compete for the mayor's post, while Shane Monda is the only candidate for the vacant city council seat.
  • The controversy revolves around the firing of Verdeen Backstrom, a 22-year city employee, who was terminated after allegedly using profanity towards a city council member.
  • The community has been plagued by government turmoil, including a 1997 incident where the entire City Council resigned, leaving only then-Mayor Vern Thompson in office.
  • Former Mayor Mike Every resigned in 2005 after felony charges were filed against him for misusing two city vehicles.
  • Minnewaukan has been struggling with a constant natural disaster, as Devils Lake has risen over 26 feet in elevation and nearly quadrupled in size since 1993, forcing the city to make major improvements to its water and sewer systems.

Statistics:

  • The City Council consists of four members and a mayor in Minnewaukan, with the mayor only voting in cases of tie votes.
  • The special election will be held on December 1 to fill a vacant mayor's post and a city council seat.
  • Devils Lake has risen over 26 feet in elevation and nearly quadrupled in size since 1993.
  • The city has made major improvements to its water and sewer systems over the past decade.
  • In 2007, former Mayor Mike Every pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of theft and fraudulent application for certificate of title.
  • Devils Lake hit a modern-record elevation of 1,450.78 feet this year, but has since dipped to about 1,450 feet.

Sources:

  • Bonham, Kevin. "Special election set for Minnewaukan." Grand Forks Herald, October 5, 2009.
  • Grand Forks Herald, N.D. "Minnewaukan, N.D., Faces Election Turmoil Amid Ongoing Government Controversies." Copyright 2009, Grand Forks Herald, N.D. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.