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CITY  (NewsDakota.com)–The former police chief of Valley City has thrown his hat in the ring for the upcoming mayoral recall in the city.

Dean Ross made his announcement to NewsDakota.com Wednesday afternoon.

“The truth of the matter is I’ve always loved Valley City.  My love for the town leads me to run for mayor.  I feel like I still have a lot of positive things to offer.”

Ross was a member of the Valley City Police Department for 38 years, and was it’s chief for over 12 years.  He left his position earlier this fall after a long dispute with the former city administrator, Jon Cameron, over the management of funds levied toward Counter Act.

During the dispute, a group of citizens began to encourage Ross to run for mayor, after a successful recal campaign of Mayor Bob Werkhoven and city commissioner Ken Evenson, a recall that, in part, was inspired by the city commission’s handling of the dispute between Cameron and Ross.  
 
Ross maintained during that time that he had not made a decision about running, but did not consider it likely he would run.  Wednesday, he said the time away from the dispute allowed him to rethink the move.

“This isn’t about my issues the past few months.  I didn’t want to make this decision out of anger.  I wanted it to be positive,” Ross said.

Ross says the top concern from people he has spoken with is the possibility of a release of water from Devils Lake.  He believes the commission needs to take “a stand next to none” and be proactive on the issue.

I’ve talked to a lot of people, and the Sheyenne River is their main concern right now.”

Ross also says he feels he has a strong group of supporters, and that he will spend the time between now and the January election listening to people.

“I’m not shy, so when I’m speaking with people, I’m going to ask them about their concerns.  I am not a politician, and I’m not going to make a lot of promises I can’t keep.  But I have a lot of energy to offer the city,” Ross said.

Meanwhile, Valley City fire fighter Duane (Dewey) Magnuson told NewsDakota.com that almost has the necessary signatures to run for the position of city commissioner in the upcoming recall election in January. He would be running against current commissioner Ken Evenson.

Magnuson says he decided to run for the office to help the city heal from its summer long controversy involving former police chief Dean Ross and former city administrator Jon Cameron.

Magnuson, says, “he wants the people of Valley City to have a voice in city hall that won’t shut them down.” He says, “the city needs to come together and get away from the circus atmosphere that tore the city apart last summer. Magnuson is also employed as a parts manager with Perkin’s Inc. of Valley City.  

The recall election will be held Tuesday, January 24.