With encouragement from family and friends, Jim Peluso decided he will run for a position on the Burleigh County Commission.

Peluso is one of eight vying for three county seats. The top six in the June primary will advance to November's general election. It is Peluso's first run for an elected office.

Living outside Bismarck city limits, Peluso can sense his neighbors and other county residents are concerned with the growth the city and county are experiencing.

"I fear the rapid growth may threaten our quality of life. We shouldn't put economic development and progress ahead of citizens and existing business," Peluso said. "I promise to provide a common-sense approach to county government and will work hard to retain the quality of life we treasure."

Peluso came to Bismarck from northern Minnesota in 1975. He went to work for the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District in 1976 and is currently facility manager responsible for the ice arenas and swimming pools.

Having been involved with youth hockey for many years and working on various boards since coming to Bismarck, has led Peluso to support the People, Parks and Places initiative proposed by the park district. He said the initiative, which raises Bismarck's sale tax a half percent, is vital to the community's youth.

"I'm not a politician and running on a common-sense platform. If I don't know about something, I'll find out," Peluso said.

Peluso said he isn't sure whether he can support the proposed consolidation of Bismarck and Burleigh County governments.

"Right now, without really having looked at it hard, I would be against it," Peluso says. "I wouldn't want to see the county become just another department of the city. Right now, the county is more than capable of doing its job and there are some very professional people involved."

Having worked for the park district, which is run by a board of elected officials, Peluso is well aware of the interaction of employees and the commission which holds sway over them.

"I support everything good in Burleigh County - hunting, fishing, nature, security, people and the county's dedicated employees and volunteers," Peluso said.

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