The Burleigh County Commission reaffirmed its support of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce after questioning the organization's political endorsements.

Chamber President Kelvin Hullet and Wally Goulet, chair of the government affairs committee, defended the chamber's action regarding recalls of the Bismarck School Board and the Mandan City Commission. In both cases, the chamber opposed the recalls.

Burleigh County Commission Chairman Marlan Haakenson questioned the financial support provided by the county and whether it should go to an organization that supports election candidates.

Hullet said that in the case of the Bismarck School Board, the Chamber did oppose the recall, but it did not endorse candidates.

In the case of the Mandan City Commission recalls, the chamber again opposed the recall effort of attorney Ben Pulkrabek and also supported Mayor Ken LaMont and Commissioners Sandra Tibke and Dan Ulmer in their efforts to retain their seats.

The chamber typically holds forums to educate its members on issues, and in the case of the Mandan recall, it was determined that the city's settlement with BNSF Railways over the diesel fuel contamination was the cause, Gouletsaid

He said that proponents and opponents of the recall were invited to the forum, but those favoring the recall chose not to attend.

Goulet also said that the Chamber had worked with the city and state in securing the settlement, and once completed, there was no going back.

"We had a big turnout of those opposing the recall; there must have been 25 people there saying it was a bad thing and asking the Chamber to go on point," Goulet said.

"The Chamber board felt that opposing the recall without supporting the candidates was doing only half the job," he said. "We felt it was the right thing to do (supporting the candidates) under the circumstances."

Hullet said that the chamber had also looked at the People, Parks and Places initiative in Bismarck. After determining that its membership was split on the issue, he said, it decided to not take a position that would have raised Bismarck's sales tax.

"There were a good number of businesses opposed to being tax collectors, but there were an equal number that felt People, Parks and Places was a community betterment issue and were in favor of it,"Goulet said. "We make no bones about it, the chamber does have a political arm. But you won't see us supporting candidates at the city or county level in general or primary elections."

Haakenson said he wasn't sure whether it was legal for the county to use its tax dollars in this way to support candidates. But Haakenson and the rest of the commission agreed that Hullet and Goulet had accounted for the Chamber's actions and was satisfied with their explanation.

In other activity, the county commission:

3 Approved acceptance of a Court Facilities Grant from the state of North Dakota that will pay $8,291 toward renovations of the Burleigh County Court House. The county will have to provide an additional $2,764.

3 Approved the creation of a committee to review the recommendations of the National Institute of Corrections Study. Sheriff Pat Heinert said the committee should have representation from the county commission, district court, municipal court, state's attorney's office, Bismarck Police Department and the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department.

Heinert indicated he would send the report to each of the entities and ask them to recommend someone for the committee.

3 Tentatively set the tour of the Rugby detention center for March 29.

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