A candidate and issue forum for the upcoming city election was held at the Sherman Center on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University last night.

Mitchell School Board candidates Matthew Christiansen and Deb Everson discussed issues such as school security, the school district’s priorities for the future, the new K-12 social studies standards adopted by the state, and the new high school.

Mitchell City Council candidates Jason Bates, Mike Bathke, Kimberly Lofgren, Susan Tjarks, and Don Everson discussed downtown Mitchell, Lake Mitchell, the city’s fiscal standing, and homelessness.

The Mitchell School District bond issue was debated.  Tim Smith argued that athletic facilities will need to be built sooner or later for the new high school, and the later it happens, the more expensive it will be.  Steve Sibson argued for a combination remodel/rebuild rather than an entire rebuild.

The Lake Mitchell initiated measure was also debated.  Mitchell Mayor Bob Everson said the sale of the eight lots around the lake could bring in at least $800,000 for lake improvement projects.  Lake resident Sherry Stilley said the public access lots should be left for the public and nature to enjoy.

The election is set for Tuesday, June 6th.  Mitchell voters can absentee vote between now and Election Day at the City Finance Office at City Hall in Mitchell.

The forum can be heard below in four parts.

School Board:

https://soundcloud.com/kmit-52365976/forum-5-23-23-school-board?si=cfdf5c70c82e4b06aae271d3327bb1a1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

 

City Council:

https://soundcloud.com/kmit-52365976/forum-5-23-23-city-council?si=cfdf5c70c82e4b06aae271d3327bb1a1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Mitchell School Bond Issue:

https://soundcloud.com/kmit-52365976/forum-5-23-23-school-bond-issue?si=cfdf5c70c82e4b06aae271d3327bb1a1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Lake Mitchell Initiated Measure:

https://soundcloud.com/kmit-52365976/forum-5-23-23-lake-mitchell-initiative?si=cfdf5c70c82e4b06aae271d3327bb1a1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing