Two men, neither having been mayor before, are running for the position as Ken LaMont steps aside at a time that has been described as perhaps the most critical in Mandan's long and colorful history.

Tim Helbling and Rick Parkes are stepping up, believe they have the savvy and vision to lead Mandan through redevelopment of its downtown and take on the aches and pains of a rapidly growing community.

Their experience in governing is a stark contrast, with Helbling having spent eight years on the Mandan Park Board and the last 10 as a city commissioner. It's Parkes' first foray into running for an elected public office.

Will voters turn to Helbling, the experienced veteran of city government, or look to the perspective provided by Parkes? The June 10 municipal election will provide the answer.

Helbling is co-owner of Corral Sales. He and his wife, Susan, have three daughters and a granddaughter.

Parkes is an operations specialist at Mandan's Tesoro refinery. He's married to Kathy and has a stepdaughter, Chelsea VanRoekel.

The candidates were asked to comment on three questions provided by the Tribune. Here's what they had to say.

What will define the success of the diesel oil contamination remediation effort?

Helbling: "When the health department, city and Mandan Remediation Trust Fund all agree that nothing else needs to be done to remove the fuel or contamination and when the state health department signs off telling the city and the MRT that no further action is required and there are new buildings going up on the properties that were required (to be acquired by the city) to make the remediation possible."

Parkes: "One the health department has signed the paperwork to say we have accomplished our remediation goals, any follow-up costs have been paid and we clan close the checkbook. That includes removal of all remediation equipment no longer needed operational in the fire house, the building on Main Street and any other equipment we can safely remove."

How can Mandan enhance its communication efforts with the public and the other governmental jurisdictions?

Parkes: "Putting cameras into the commission chamber is a step in the right direction.

"The city auditor needs a method to inform the residents as to where their tax dollars have been spent so far and future updates as they occur. All departments should follow the auditor's lead as to their future needs and spending.

"Once there is a strategic plan in place and the department heads start informing the public on tax dollars spent and their future needs, much of the mystique will dissipate. It would be nice for the county to do the same. The information is public and should be at the taxpayers' fingertips."

Helbling: "Televising the meetings, along with more direct mail and surveys. The city should also update its Web site with a new look that is easier to read and get information from.

"The mayor could also set aside a couple of hours every week in which he would be in an office at City Hall to answer questions from the general public, such as every Monday from 2 to 4 p.m.

"I would like to see all of the governing entities meet at least twice a year to let each other know what plans and projects they have going and how we could help one another. I would also like to see at least one commissioner or city representative attend the county, parks and school meetings at least once a month."

What role should the city play in development?

Helbling: "The city needs to set the stage and then let the performers in to perform - meaning the city needs to make sure that land is available for city (the city may even have to buy some property) and infrastructure is in place (Water, sewer, street right of way, etc.).

"It will take tax breaks and incentives to lure the larger retailers into our market and I don't feel that without the city's help these types of developments will come to Mandan.

"We need to think outside of the box and offer developers what other communities offer them to get them to build here. It is going to take joint public-private partnerships to make this happen and, yes, the city will need to be heavily involved."

Parkes: "We need to be the conduit for current and new businesses. We should try to make it as smooth as possible to start or continue to do business in Mandan.

"We also need to work with the county so that it knows what Mandan's future needs are and we know what Morton County is facing. Planned development through cooperation."

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