2024 CANDIDATE FORUM

Cory Swint is a dedicated family man, business owner, and community leader. As a married father of four, his commitment to both his family and his community is unwavering. With a passion for plumbing, Cory has honed his skills to become a master plumber, providing top-notch service and expertise to his clients.

In addition to his successful plumbing business, Cory is deeply involved in local governance, serving as a valued member of the school board for four years. His dedication to education and improving opportunities for students is evident in his tireless efforts to advocate for excellence in the local school system.

In his spare time, Cory enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling and experiencing new places. With a heart for service and a drive for success, Cory Swint continues to make a positive impact in both his professional endeavors and his community at large.

Achievements/other boards & community involvement: Cory Swint, a devoted family man and entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to both his profession and his community.

Dynamic Entrepreneur: As the founder and co-owner of a thriving plumbing business, Cory has demonstrated exceptional leadership and business acumen. Under his guidance, the company has experienced steady growth and earned a reputation for excellence in the industry.

Master Plumber: With a relentless pursuit of mastery in his craft, Cory has attained the distinguished title of master plumber. His expertise and attention to detail ensure that every project is executed to the highest standards, earning the trust and satisfaction of clients.

School Board Leadership: Serving as a dedicated member of the local school board for multiple terms, Cory has played a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and initiatives. His advocacy for student-centered approaches and equitable opportunities has contributed to the enhancement of educational outcomes in the community.

Community Engagement: In addition to his service on the school board, Cory is actively involved in various other boards and community organizations. Whether it's participating in supporting youth sports programs, or volunteering at charitable events, he consistently seeks opportunities to give back and make a positive impact.

Cory's unwavering dedication to excellence, both professionally and in his community endeavors, underscores his commitment to creating a brighter future for those around him.

Qualifications for this office: With a diverse background and a proven track record of leadership and community engagement, Cory Swint possesses the qualifications necessary to serve effectively in public office. His extensive experience as a successful business owner and master plumber has equipped him with valuable skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and fiscal responsibility. Cory's service on the local school board has provided him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing educational institutions and a deep understanding of the importance of advocating for quality education for all students.

Furthermore, Cory's involvement in various other boards and community organizations demonstrates his commitment to civic duty and his ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals. His strong work ethic, integrity, and dedication to serving the needs of his constituents make him a highly qualified candidate for public office. Cory Swint is ready to leverage his skills and experience to represent the interests of the community effectively and make a positive difference in the lives of its residents.

Why do you want to run for this office?: My decision to run for office stems from a deep-rooted commitment to serving this community and making a meaningful impact on the lives of its residents. As a devoted husband, father, and business owner, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing families and businesses in our community. I'm passionate about creating a brighter future for future generations and believe that effective leadership and proactive policies are essential to achieving that vision. I'm running for office to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to continue to advocate for policies that promote success in education. I'm dedicated to addressing critical issues such as improving education, supporting local businesses, and enhancing infrastructure to ensure that our community remains vibrant and resilient.

Moreover, I recognize the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. I'm committed to fostering an open and inclusive government that prioritizes the needs and concerns of its constituents above all else. My reason for running for office is simple: I believe in the power of leadership to drive positive change and I'm committed to working tirelessly to build a better future for our community.

My name is Heather Wheeler and I have lived in Williston since 2010. I am the mother of 3 daughters, all graduating from WHS in 2012, 2020 and 2022. I have been married to my husband Dennis for 24 years. I have been a professional parent consultant/advocate for Family Voices of North Dakota for 13 years and have worked as an advocate for almost 20 years in various capacities with various organizations including Family Voices National, AAP, and private Physicians offices.

Prior to moving to Williston we lived in Northern Michigan where I was actively involved in our school district and special education. I lobbied and advocated for families with children with special health care needs and disabilities at the local, state and federal level. My middle daughter suffers from several significant health needs, has significant mental deficits and is disabled so I understand firsthand the struggles that many parents struggle with each day and have focused the majority of my time on special education and the needs of all children.

Achievements/other boards & community involvement: Currently I am Board President of Family Voices of North Dakota and have been reelected and held that position since 2013. I served on the Family and Patient Advisory board at CHI Williston from 2017-2022 and was co-chair during my last 3 years. I was on the WilMac Special Education board from 2021-2024 and served as president during my last year. In 2016 I was seated at the Utah Medical School URLEND board as a parent (Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) this was in conjunction to a seat with the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) parent/professional board which I served on from 2015-2017. Lastly, I served on the Pathfinders board for special education in North Dakota from 2014-2016.

In 2011-2013 I was asked to participate in the AAP Bright Futures parent committee through ND, this is a committee I served on in Michigan in 2006-2008. Also, in Michigan I served with CAUSE (Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education) and lobbied for a number of programs and trainings around the state in 2004-2007.

Qualifications for this office: I am a resident of Williston and have committed myself and my time to the betterment of the community. In 2016 I was elected to the district #1 school board and was reelected. I was elected to the district #7 school board and am now seeking re-election.

I feel I am qualified because I have experience as a board member and as a school board member. I am only one person and do not have control of any board, but I do my duty in asking questions, debating agenda items and ideals and most importantly I listen to the public. As elected officials it is our duty to listen to the public, follow century code, uphold the law and follow the duties and responsibilities of an elected school board member.

Why do you want to run for this office?: I am only one person, but one person can achieve monumental things if they persevere and push. I have always believed that everyone, regardless of their background, health, social statues or any label is entitled to an equal education and should be provided the tools to achieve that. As a school board member, it is our responsibility to ensure that the children in our district are being educated in a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) setting. Children should feel safe going to school and parents should feel that their children are safe. Our current environment and our society, as a whole, can make that difficult at times. I have always been committed to a safe environment for children to be able to learn in and still stand behind that. The funding for education in ND can be complex and aggravating at times. However, I want to ensure that the funds used for education are being used appropriately and to the most benefit that they can be used for. Most importantly though, the community needs to understand how the money is used and why, this is something I want to make sure happens consistently and regularly. All children are special and precious, some need more tools and assistance then others. I want to make sure that all the tools needed are available to all children to be successful, regardless of their abilities.

Lastly, I want to help mend the hurt our community has. There are a number of issues, and it is impossible for one person to solve them all but, education should never be a problem and it should always be available. I would like to see the board and the community working together to solve the problems we have in education in Williston that have nothing to do with the actual education of our youth.

I am not an all-sunshine and roses type of person, as some may perceive me to be, but I am an optimist. Children learn from seeing and hearing adults and following their example, I want to be an example for all children that you can have different points of view and not agree with others on issues, but you can find common ground and you most definitely can respect one another and work to find solutions.

My platform has been Positive Inclusive Forward Motion, and this has not changed.

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

I am a single 61 year old mother of one daughter, (LaLena)son-in-law (Michael )and one beautiful granddaughter (Angelea -sunshine). I have 5-fur babies that I call my children 😆.

I am from the south. Born and raised in Bossier City, Louisiana. I moved my residence to Williston, North Dakota back in Dec 2020. Where I reside with my kids and beautiful granddaughter. My granddaughter is currently attending Hagan elementary, 4th. Next school year she will be attending Bakken Ridge 5th grade.

My passion is, fishing, love cooking and finding new recipes. I love cooking for family and friends, as well as gathers. I love decorating for the holidays. I love watching my New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers, college football. I love spending time with my beautiful granddaughter (sunshine).I love watching crime shows and action movies. I will watch cartoons to bring out my inner child.

Achievements/other boards & community involvement: My achievements are. I completed high at Bossier High School in bossier city Louisiana, I attended College at our community college. Bossier Parish Community college (BPCC) graduated in Medical Clerk and Medical Office Asst. I attend Axia university of Phoenix. studies Social worker and Administration.

I held the position of Secretary and President of the PTA at my daughter's Middle and high schools. Back in Bossier City, Louisiana. I completed in the Distributed Clubs of America. I was completed in my high school beauty pageant. Received Honorable Mention. I owned my own cleaning business back in Louisiana. I am now a member of the PTO at my granddaughter's elementary school Hagan. I also volunteer with fundraising and chaperone on field trips with helping her classroom at times. I also, helped out with disabled students at the middle back in bossier city Louisiana

Qualifications for this office: As for as any qualifications for this office. I believe with my experience with the PTO and helping with disabled students as a one in one. Being a bus driver. I feel I can bring a lot of different insights to the table as a board member. Coupled with having a personable personality I can mix well with making decisions that will be good for all teachers, students and facility. I am a go getter as well as a fighter and don't give in until there is a resolution.

Why do you want to run for this office?: My envision for running for a seat on the school board. Is to try and enhance more of a community communication. Enhance a more brighter side of our education moving forward. With helping to guide our young and ambitious students. In believing that have a future after grade school and high school. These students are our new generation. I would like to embrace there intelligence as the "I can do anything" "the sky is the limit". Help with implementing a way to bring up the academic scores with higher percentage of graduates. Have more a of support system.