Mike Seminary is the first to turn in his petitions making him a candidate for one of two openings on the Bismarck City Commission.

Assistant city administrator Keith Hunke confirmed the 53-year-old Seminary had turned in his petitions on Thursday and the process of name verification was under way.

Seminary, originally from Fargo, moved to Bismarck in 1985 to run Capital City Communications. The past five years he has worked for Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson Inc. as marketing director.

It's Seminary's third try for an elected office. The first came 24 years ago as a candidate for the Fargo City Commission. Two years ago, Seminary ran for the Burleigh County Commission, finishing fourth in a race for three commission seats.

"I've always monitored the activities of wherever I've lived," Seminary said. "With the void being created with two commissioners leaving, I wanted the city to continue to have good leadership."

Long-time commissioners Dave Jensen and Sandi Tabor have announced they will not be seeking re-election this year.

Seminary added that he learned two things from his run for county commission. First, there is very formidable competition when it comes to name recognition.

"I also learned a lot going door-to-door. I hit 85 to 90 percent of all the homes in Bismarck and enjoyed every minute of it," Seminary said. "When you meet people face-to-face you learn a lot about their joys and pains."

Seminary has been active in United Way for six years, just coming off that board of directors. He is a past member of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce and a former board member for the YMCA for eight years.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)