Hagman seeks Dalton Gardens council seat

One of the reasons Gary Hagman is seeking a city council seat in Dalton Gardens is because he sees "a need to help preserve the sense of community that Dalton Gardens has had in the past and deserves to continue to have."

Hagman, 61, has been a resident of the 2.4-square-mile city for 10 years. He worked in construction management for more than 30 years.

"I feel that community member voices are not being heard. I feel that there is no effort to have a positive and productive relationship between the city and the school," Hagman said. "I am concerned about community safety on our streets."

There are five people vying for two seats up for election on Dalton Gardens' four-member council.

Hagman is up against incumbents Steve Roberge and Dick Epstein, who are seeking re-election to their council seats, and challengers Jeff Dickinson and Scott Jordan.

Dalton Gardens city council members serve at large, with no dedicated constituency zones. The top two vote-getters on Nov. 8 will take the seats.

Hagman said he feels he is the best choice on the ballot because he plans to "genuinely listen" to the concerns of people in the community and work toward resolutions.

Regarding the city's plans to add sewer service to its commercial zone, a strip that runs along Government Way, Hagman said it would help Dalton Gardens' businesses grow rather than limiting them.

"Dalton Gardens is unique in that it is a border city that holds a fair amount of commercial properties," Hagman said. "We need to be conscious of how to serve their growth and not impair these businesses. We need to listen to their concerns and seek what ultimately is best for the community."

Hagman is volunteer at Dalton Elementary School, and an active member of North Country Chapel Church.

He was active for eight years with the Granite Reeder Water and Sewer District at Priest Lake.

"I am well versed in sewer issues within a community," Hagman said.

He is married to Anne, and the couple has one son, James, 8.