The top vote getter for the City Council is a newcomer to the Jamestown political scene.
Steve Brubakken received the most votes with 2,015 votes according to unofficial results Tuesday night.
“I’d like to thank my family, friends and the people who supported me,” he said. “And I’d like to thank the other candidates for a positive race.”
Joining Brubakken as a newcomer on the City Council is Dan Buchanan, who received 1,460 votes. Charlie Kourajian, the only incumbent seeking re-election, retained his seat with 1,968 votes.
Councilmen Pat Nygaard and Ken Schulz had not sought re-election.
All the winners saw infrastructure as the key issue facing the city.
“I’m willing to commit the time to research any challenges the city has,” Brubakken said. “Infrastructure is still the biggest challenge.”
Brubakken works as a purchasing agent for the North Dakota State Hospital and has lived in Jamestown since 1979.
Kourajian said he was thankful for the support he received.
“It is kind of gratifying that people want to see you serve again,” he said.
Kourajian served as mayor of Jamestown for nine years and has currently served for four years on the City Council.
“In talking to people I’ve heard that taxes are too high and it’s time to get the infrastructure repaired and help the city grow,” he said.
Buchanan said he looked forward to the challenges of the City Council.
“I’m ready to go to work,” he said. “The infrastructure has to be dealt with seriously and now.”
Candidates Jodie Mjoen, Samuel Upton and Jacqueline Dotzenrod all congratulated the winners.
“I congratulate those that got in,” Mjoen said. “I think they’ll do a great job.”
Dotzenrod said the campaign was a positive experience.
“I thank those that voted for me,” she said. “I enjoyed campaigning and meeting new people in Jamestown.”
Upton said he hoped the new councilmen worked for Jamestown.
“I wish the three elected the best in their term,” he said. “I hope they do what’s best for the city, not certain groups. I hope they act upon their word and bring the community together.”
The new members of the City Council will take office on June 25 during the organizational meeting of the council.
Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com
Just One Take 