Nash, Niemitalo take seats on City Council
By Jerry W. Kram
At an organizational meeting Tuesday, Dean Niemitalo and Thomas Nash took their place at New Town’s newest city council members.
They replace Darrell Salter, who retired from the council, and Bill Oliver, who was defeated in the election held on June 10.
Nash came to New Town in 1999. He was raised in Los Angeles California. He has worked as an emergency medical technician for the New Town ambulance since 2003 and is also a member of the New Town Fire Department.
"I liked the peace and quiet here at that time," Nash said. "That was before things have grown like they have now."
Nash said he wanted to be part of shaping the future of New Town, so he decided to run for the city council.
"I was interested in the political aspects of the city and state," Nash said. "I wanted to see if I could add something to the community. It might be a recreation area or more efficient government operation. There are several things I want to accomplish. So I wanted to give it a try."
Nash said there are many issues he wants to work on as a council member.
"We have a policing system that just started and is making progress," Nash said. "Cleanliness of the community is a priority. Boredom. Boredom is one of my top priorities. You look around and see kids and families who say there is really nothing to do. I can understand that. Our restaurants close early. Nothing else stays open after that. I would love to see this city grow, but grow in a direction that keeps that small town feel."
Nash said the city should encourage the burst of growth that will likely follow the completion of the North Dakota Highway 23 Bypass. While the city is responsible for managing the growth, it shouldn’t try to inhibit it, he said.
