Jamestown Chamber schedules public forums for city, school races

Jamestown voters will get two public chances to question the people seeking some of the city’s most closely watched local offices before the June 9 election. The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce is setting forums for May 5 and May 7, both from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Dakota Farmers Union, 1415 12th Ave. SE in Jamestown.

The Tuesday forum will feature candidates for the Jamestown Public School Board and Jamestown City Council. The Thursday event will turn to the Jamestown Parks and Recreation District Board and the Jamestown mayoral race. The forums are free and open to the public, and attendees will be able to submit questions during the sessions.

That makes the two evenings one of the few direct opportunities for residents to compare candidates side by side before ballots are cast. The city races carry everyday consequences, from city policy and services to budgets, ordinances and downtown development. The parks board affects recreation assets used by families across Jamestown, while the school board will help guide facilities, academics and community partnership as the district moves through its current strategic plan and starts work on a new five-year plan.

The mayor’s race is drawing the most attention. News Dakota reported that Pat Davis Sr., Dwaine Heinrich and Katie Hemmer are running for mayor. Heinrich, who is seeking a third term, was first elected in June 2018 and re-elected in June 2022. In the City Council contests, David Steele is running unopposed for one seat, while a separate unexpired council seat has Shannon Davis, Brock Mosolf and Pam Phillips on the ballot.

The school race also gives voters a direct say in the Jamestown Public School District’s direction. News Dakota reported that Melissa Gleason and Steve Veldkamp are seeking the rural school board position. Kristi Grounds, the district’s business manager, released the list of June 9 candidates.

The Chamber said it is bringing candidate forums back to the community in 2026, and the schedule lands after the April 6 filing deadline for mayor, City Council, Stutsman County Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Jamestown Public School Board races. With filing closed and the ballot set, the May forums offer a final in-person look at the people who could shape Jamestown’s schools, parks and city government for the next several years.