Bismarck city commissioner Sandi Tabor put aside any conjecture on whether she would run for a fourth term, announcing today that she will not seek re-election in June.

Tabor, who is completing her 12th year as commissioner, will join 20-year veteran Dave Jensen on the sidelines as there will be two new commissioners seated following the June municipal election.

Last year Tabor became general counsel for the Lignite Energy Council and said the increasing demands of the position were a major factor in her decision to step down.

Tabor holds economic and finance portfolios. She's chair of the Renaissance zone committee and a strong supporter of the program's use to revitalize downtown Bismarck.

"The unprecedented growth of Bismarck has presented the commission with many challenges and opportunities. Our approach has been to balance the needs of the citizens with the demands of expansion in order to ensure orderly development," Tabor said in her press release announcing her decision.

Tabor called for Bismarck residents to consider running for the city commission which for the first time in many years will not have an incumbent running in the city election

"As Bismarck continues to grow, we need thoughtful individuals to become involved in the process," Tabor said. "As mayor (John) Warford has said many time, 'Bismarck is a city on the move' and as a city on the move, we need leaders who can think outside the box."

Tabor praised city employees who she feels go out of their way to make a difference in the community.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)