Liechty leaving office, three candidates emerge

Talk about it

Mayor Clarice Liechty is passing on a run for re-election in June, but three men are stepping forward as candidates for her position.

Liechty said it isn’t her intention to run again.

“I’m not taking out petitions to run, but if someone wants to write me in they can,” she said. “But if all they want is a meet-and-greeter, that’s not what I am.”

During her four-year term, she wanted to see positive change that would move the city forward, Liechty said. Although she tried, she said, she didn’t get the cooperation she needed from the rest of the City Council.

“We need a complete change in the council,” she said. “Rather than discussing issues, it’s been opposition to a person.”

Liechty said when her term is up, she’ll continue her work with the Liechty’s farm and property business. She said she’s building an apartment complex. Construction has already begun.

“I’m a successful businesswoman, although the JSDC (Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp.) and the council may not see it,” she said. “And I believe I’ve served the community well.”

Dwaine Heinrich, who lost his bid for re-election to a council seat in June 2008, has taken out petitions to run for mayor. He said he’s running “because it’s time to work together and move forward as a community.”

Despite the loss of his council seat, Heinrich has stayed involved in the community and with city issues. He co-chaired with Dan Buchanan the drive to establish a quiet zone for Jamestown.

“With rare exceptions, I have worked with diverse people and groups successfully for many years,” he said.

He added it’s time to work together on issues facing the community.

“I see the role of mayor as a consensus builder,” he said. “That’s what’s needed right now in Jamestown. No mayor can be a successful leader by being the lightning rod for controversy.”

Councilman and former mayor Charlie Kourajian has yet to take out petitions to make his run for mayor official. But he said he will be doing so next week and he’ll start circulating them.

“I’m going to make a run for it. I think I’m needed,” Kourajian said. “I’m a stabilizing force.”

Local resident Don Wegner has requested petitions for his run for mayor. He said Wednesday in a call from Minnesota that he’ll be picking them up at City Hall today.

“I’m taking out petitions and then I’ll see what happens,” he said.

As with Heinrich and Kourajian, Wegner is very involved in community activities.

“A lot of people think I should run with all that I do in the community,” he said.

Wegner, a former Parks and Recreation commissioner, said he believes that what’s needed in the city is cooperation.

“I’d try to get everyone to work together for Jamestown,” he said, and quoted a portion of a John F. Kennedy speech. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

It is what Jamestown residents should be doing, he said.

“If there’s a problem, instead of complaining you should try to help find a solution,” he said.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said so far no one has taken out petitions for the City Council seat up for election. Kelani Parisien holds the seat but has not yet decided if she will run for re-election, she said Monday.

Petitions are not due back at City Hall until April 9 for the June 8 election.

Sun reporter Toni Pirkl can be reached at (701) 952-8453 or by e-mail at tonip@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, election, mayor, liechty