Brian Bitner will challenge two incumbents for a seat on the Burleigh County Commission.

Bitner turned in his petitions on Tuesday that will add his name to the June primary ballot along with commissioners Jerry Woodcox and Marlan Haakenson, whose terms are expiring. At this point, all three will advance to November's general election, unless more candidates file petitions before Friday's 4 p.m. deadline.

Bitner is a contractor who says he's already representing a lot of people at the state and local area, so he believes running for county commissioner is the right thing to do.

Because of his interest in extra-territorial zoning, Bitner is a governor's designee to the advisory commission on Intergovernmental Relations. He also is Apple Creek township road supervisor, a member of the Bismarck planning and zoning commission, and also holds seats on the Capital Electric Cooperative members advisory committee and nominating committee.

"So many people kept asking me about running, and I decided it was the right thing to do," Bitner said.

The 46-year-old Bitner is a Bismarck native and former member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He and his wife Lori have two children. Bitner's hobbies include hunting and fishing.

"I'm concerned about the future growth in the Bismarck and Burleigh area, so Ihave an interest in the comprehensive land use plan that is being updated," Bitner said. "I'd like to encourage the cooperation between all government jurisdictions."

In getting his petitions signed, Bitner had a lot of chances to talk to Burleigh residents.

"They're concerned about the fairgrounds; use of ATVs in the ditches; certainly about property taxes in general," Bitner said. "They're definitely concerned about extra-territorial zoning. The current problem is the citizens in Bismarck four-mile zone have no right to vote … no elected representation. I've been real active in trying to improve that law."

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