The countywide comprehensive plan proved a strong matter of interest at Tuesday's Burleigh County Candidate Forum, held at the City/County Building.

"Our comprehensive plan was tabled at the last meeting, primarily because of the need for people in the county that had the land out there. They had a concern they did not get proper input," said Jerry Woodcox, current chair of the Burleigh County Commission.

"They had a concern they would not have proper input. Due to everything going on with all the haying people, they wanted a chance to get more public input. We postponed it until January. We have been at it a year and a half. There is no reason a couple of months will make a difference," Woodcox said. "We are planning on moving ahead on it. We are planning on getting it approved. We are going to make some minor changes. I have every confidence it will be done … Even though it's been a long time since we started it. I think it's worth it. We put a lot of money into it. We want to get everyone's input. We don't want anyone complaining they didn't have a proper input."

One of the questions addressed creating a truck bypass at 71st Street Northeast in the plan and if the candidates supported creating alternate roads and compensating property owners for their loss.

"The alternate bypass looks like it is going to be on Highway 1804 or where 1804 crosses. The idea is to keep the plan open, so the right of way can be obtained now," Woodcox said. "If we don't do it now, we're going to be in trouble in 10 or 15 years. As Burleigh County grows and as Bismarck grows, that's going to be needed." He said property owners will be compensated for any right of way land purchased. He added there are several alternatives being looked at.

Property devaluation concerns also were addressed for this access regarding a busy road being near property.

Candidate Brian Bitner said land devaluation does not always occur with road developments. "While road development is necessary, there is no way I would accept government taking land from a private property owner without compensation. … If there is going to be a negative impact on someone's property, we have to look at how to offset that and how we can protect them from a loss," Bitner said.

Incumbent Marlan "Hawk" Haakenson said he could support looking at alternate routes. "Compensation should always be just," he said. He said there was no devaluation of property when state highways came through Bismarck. When he operated the gas station, Haakenson said the valuation of property increased. He didn't feel this road would decrease property valuations in areas outside Bismarck.

The forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bismarck-Mandan and the Community Access Channel.