Hillsboro Commission President Worries That Recent Disputes Make Commission Appear Not Business Friendly

Hillsboro, ND — Hillsboro Commission President Terry Sando is worried that the back-and-forth banter between him and fellow commissioner Levi Reese could be bad for business and bad for the future of the commission. The back-and-forth stems from Sando’s big downtown investment, Goose River Brewing. There have been a number of delays with the business, but Reese is concerned that Sando is skipping steps when it comes to the establishment’s liquor licensing. The Hillsboro City Commission did vote 3-1, with Reese voting no and Sando abstaining, to forward the license to the state Attorney General’s office for approval. Sando notes that the license should have been forwarded to the state a long time ago.

Sando and Reese have had a number of differences when it comes to him acquiring his licensure and he’s worried that it may turn business away. He would prefer that the commission appear to be “business friendly.”

There is also some concern that their back and forth may turn people away from running for commission, which may be evident in this year’s commission election filing. Sando is being challenged by Reese for the President seat and Dave Sather is running unopposed for his spot, but as of Monday’s filing deadline no one had put their name in the hat for Reese’s open seat. While the discussions between commissioners may get heated at times, Sando says it’s usually not personal, but just a part of the overall process.  

You can watch and rewatch all Hillsboro City Commission meetings online at www.YourLiveEvent.com.