Venue 519 hosted a City Council candidate forum on Thursday, March 27. In anticipation of election day on April 8, six hopeful City Council candidates sat in front of Belle Fourche residents and answered questions submitted by locals. Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce live-streamed the event on Facebook. The forum was facilitated by Deb Elliott.
Ward 1 candidates include Karen Davis, Kristal Steeves, and Ivy Zimmerschied. Ward 2 candidates are Clark Sowers and Lee Capp. In Ward 3 and Ward 4, Dean Brunner and Bob Somervold, respectively, are running unopposed. Somervold was absent from the event.
A total of 14 questions were presented, divided into categories of General, Budget & Finance, Infrastructure & Public Services, Economic Development, and Government Transparency. Candidates were given one minute to respond to each question.
Throughout the evening, candidates shared their perspectives on key issues facing Belle Fourche, ranging from road repairs and water infrastructure to fiscal responsibility and economic growth. Several candidates emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced budget while addressing the city’s expanding needs.
The forum provided voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and gain insight into their priorities ahead of the April 8 election. The full recording of the event is available on the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for those who were unable to attend.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
