Billy Bright
As a citizen of International Falls, I have been involved in sports and activities since even before attending Falls High School. This has given me an appreciation for the hard work in keeping a variety of sports organizations available in our community and I would like the opportunity to play a similar role and be part of the evolving and development of our city, if elected as East Ward City Council Member. As a founding Board Member of the Bronco Bass Fishing Team and coaching recreation baseball in the past, I learned the importance of volunteers.
After receiving my Associates of Applied Science in Law Enforcement and Associates of Liberal Arts from Vermillion Community College, I returned home and experienced working in the community at Kerry Park Arena for the City, currently, I work for the Koochiching County Sheriffs Dept. as E911/ Corrections Officer.
I think that I am the best candidate for the East Ward City Council seat because I am a younger community member looking to advance the City of International Falls towards a thriving future. I will bring a fresh perspective and outlook to our community. I have worked hard to bring new programs for our kids and strive to keep new ideas coming. I plan on starting a family here in International Falls and would like to give my kids the same opportunity that I had and more in a prospering International Falls. That will only be possible if we start seeing some changes and developments in our community.
Issues that I would like to tackle, if elected, would be to ensure the upkeep of residential and commercial areas in our community, by promoting a stronger blight ordinance to which our current City Administration has not had as a high priority. I believe a strong infrastructure of roads, parks and community activities along with blight reduction will promote a well-established vibrant city where tourism thrives, and younger generations will want to relocate. If elected, I will advocate and research other communities and businesses looking to create or expand to provide for the best opportunity to bring these much-needed jobs to our community.
I am not a standard politician and I have no political connections to the council except for the betterment of the community. I plan on being open minded and I encourage citizens to call me with their concerns. I will stand up for the citizens and make sure their voices are heard. Remember to get out and vote November 6th and remember VOTE RIGHT VOTE BRIGHT!
Leon Ditsch
Background and experience: I was born and raised in International Falls and have lived here my entire life (less two years). I have been married to Roxanne Skogstad-Ditsch for 38 years and have two grown daughters that live in International Falls. My wife and I are both retired teachers and own/ run a group home in the Falls. In my retirement I have a snow, grass, and winter home watch business along with Border Driving School. I am a graduate of Falls High School, Rainy River Community College, and Bemidji State University. I am a past negotiator and president of ISD 363 local association — union.
Why am I the best candidate: Due to flexible schedules, I have time to spend on issues that arise within the Falls and the concerns of the residents. Am I the best candidate? I believe Mr. Bright and myself are both good candidates for the East Ward.
What would I like to accomplish: As we enter International Falls, along Highway 53, both city and business blight are terrible. We are a dirty and unkempt city! We have weeds and grass growing in the sidewalk gaps, grass and weeds growing up to eight or more inches next to our light poles. Businesses are not maintaining their properties. There are burnt-out buildings, businesses using former establishments as storage yards, and billboards that have fallen in the grass along with billboards that advertise the former mall. The list goes on and on. We require private residents to take care of their blight issues but yet our main route into International Falls is a mess. It’s time we do something! I look at other towns such as Littlefork, Baudette, Warroad., etc. and they maintain their main routes into their towns and it is appealing. I ask “Is our town appealing
