Ronald Barta announces candidacy for Grand Forks County Commission

Feb. 22—GRAND FORKS — Ronald Barta has announced his candidacy for the Grand Forks County Board of Commissioners.

Barta, a retired army veteran, enters into the primary against incumbent

David Engen

and

Terry Bjerke

. The County Commission seats held by Engen and Cynthia Pic are up for election. In the primary, voters will choose the four candidates to move on to the November election. In a release announcing his candidacy, Barta said his experience serving in the armed forces is what is needed for the commission.

"I am proud and excited to announce my candidacy for the Grand Forks County Commission," Barta said. "Today's political environment requires a proven leader with the skills in program management, fiscal responsibility, accountability and communication; fortunately in my 35 years of federal service I have been specifically trained in those skills."

If elected to the board, Barta said his goal is to cut costs within Grand Forks County.

"I will review programs with the intent to identify and execute cost savings for Grand Forks County residents," Barta said. "I will establish ways to measure effectiveness of programs and decrease policies that provide little to no return on investment."

Barta continued that he would "drive an agenda to decrease the tax burden on the residents (of Grand Forks County) and improve their quality of life."

Barta served in the military for more than 20 years and spent another 11 years working for the federal government, according to his release. He helped run programs for the Army in Europe and after retiring continued to help run programs in both Europe and the United States.

"I am excited to come home and provide the leadership and skills I gained serving my country to the residents of Grand Forks," Barta said.

Grand Forks County primary will occur on June 11. The four candidates who win then will move on to the Nov. 5 general election for the two seats.