Note to readers: The answers to survey questions below have not been edited in anyway. They were provided as is by the candidates.
Name: Jay Panzer (incumbent)
Occupation: Financial Advisor with Choice Financial Investment Services
Age: 36
Family: Married to wife Lisa and three boys Braden (9), Evan (6), and Kasen (4)
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Education: 1999 Graduate of the University of North Dakota
Leadership experience: Current Vice President of the Grand Forks Park Board
Current Vice President of Grand Forks Park and Recreation Foundation Board
Member of the UND Letter winners Board
What is something voters should know about you?
I was born and raised in Grand Forks. Graduated from Grand Forks Central and UND. While at UND, I was a member of the 1997 National Championship hockey team. After a brief professional hockey career in South Carolina, I returned to Grand Forks to raise a family. With three young boys I feel it is very important that they get to experience the same opportunities I had at their age through the Park District activities.
Why are you running for office?
Growing up here, I had many great opportunities afforded to me and am appreciative of what this community has to offer. Serving on the Park Board the past 8 years, I feel this is the best medium for me to assist in strengthening our community which continues to provide a strong quality of life for all ages. I am also very excited about the opening of the Choice Health and Fitness Center this fall. This facility will be one more important piece to help Grand Forks attract and retain citizens in Grand Forks along with being a driving force behind the communities' emphasis on health and wellness.
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What is the most important issue facing the Park District?
I don't think you can put your finger on any one issue that is the most important. With the amount of park land and activities the Park District maintains it would be impossible to say there is one issue that is most important. However, with the uncertainty of Measure 2 at this year's elections and what it could mean to local governmental entities I think it's very important that the Park District pay close attention to the dynamics and potential impact related to Measure 2.
What change would you like to see in the Park District?
I don't think there are any drastic changes that need to be done at the Park District. I understand there will always be ongoing subtle changes but feel there have been great strides made in the last several years. As evidenced in our most recent audit, the Park District is in a strong position and ready for future challenges.
The Park District has expanded its offerings in recent years, sometimes competing with private business. What are your feelings on that?
As a Park District, it is our responsibility to provide opportunities to the citizens of our community while also trying to attract others from outside our community. If we chose to stay away from all competition with private businesses, I think we would be doing a disservice to our citizens.
