Dear Minot:
What a Christmas season we are having in Minot. The office get-togethers, the downtown tree lighting ceremony, the CPKC Holiday Train, the concerts, pageants, food trays, the cookie drive for airmen at Minot Air Force Base, bell ringing . . . the list goes on and on.
As I sit and pen this Christmas “Dear Minot” letter, I am going to change it just this once to “Dear Santa.” However, my list comes from a few perspectives.
As a father, the only item on this list is for my children and partner to continue on their paths, to continue to learn, be open-minded, engaged, and, mostly, be yourself. It’s what your world needs the most.
As a friend to many, Santa, please continue to bless me with lifelong friendships that continue to build and strengthen, and continue to bring joy to our lives.
As a member of Minot’s City Council, I thank you for the gift of 2024, and the gift of the budget for 2025. My only ask for 2025 is this: That as a Council we continue to work together, to hold respectful debate, and work to make Minot a resilient community dedicated to our families, business, tourism, and growth.
As Mayor, Santa, you have already given me so many gifts, and while I am thankful for them all, my only wish is that you deliver a special Christmas season to the outstanding 426 employees of the City of Minot.
All of our departments - airport, assessors, cemetery, city attorney, city clerk, city manager, code enforcement, community development, engineering, economic development, finance, fire department, fleet management/city shop, HUD resilience office, human resources, information technology, inspections, landfill, library, planning, police department, municipal court, property maintenance, public information office, public works, sanitation/recycling, streets, transit, water billing, water/sewer, traffic engineering, water treatment plant – play a key role in not only the day-to-day operation of our organization, but in the long-term vision for our entire community.
These are the folks who have their feet on the ground every day. They are the ones who are planning our growth, pushing out needed public information, paying the bills, reviewing the contracts, cleaning the streets, fixing the water main breaks, picking up your garbage and recycling, renewing your licenses, inspecting your buildings and homes, keeping you safe, answering your emergency calls, driving the buses, and helping you travel safely through our airport. And by no means is that a complete list – the number of responsibilities shouldered by City employees is much, much longer.
Finally, when you roll the four categories together, I make one request, not so much of you, Santa, but of the 47,000 plus residents of Minot. Smile at someone. Wish someone a Merry Christmas. Thank them for making Minot their home.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.
You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter on our website.