Candidate statements from the candidates that will be listed on the pre-printed ballots (in random order):
Roger Greenley
I’ve spent every summer of my life, since I was ten years old (and that’s a lot of summers), on this beautiful treasure called Pelican Lake! Our family developed a lake lot and built a cabin on Broadwater Beach in the early ‘60s. I’m proud to say that home is still in our family today!
Due to family expansion, my wife and I purchased a home on Knollwood Beach in 2010. While we miss the spectacular sunsets of Broadwater Beach, Knollwood has become our beloved home. We spend winters away from Minnesota but every spring we can’t wait to return to the beauty of Pelican Lakes.
My career was as an independent business owner in the financial services industry. The fiscal responsibility of operating my own business will serve me well watching to make sure our tax dollars are invested wisely to protect the future of what we all value so much.
Barbara Zahasky
Our family has cherished our lake property since 1964. Over the years, we have welcomed new generations to our home, hoping to share the unique magic of lake life and instill an appreciation for the importance of preserving our natural resources.
Until relocating here full-time in 2014, I worked as an orthopedic sales representative throughout the Upper Midwest. I have also owned two businesses in the Twin Cities metro area and most recently owned both a business and commercial building in Detroit Lakes. During that time, I was actively involved in the Detroit Lakes business community and continue today to support local businesses through my work as a marketing consultant.
I am deeply invested in this community and would welcome the opportunity to become more involved in protecting and preserving the precious resources that make this area so special.
Matt Noah
My wife, Susan, and I have been married 32 years, have six sons and 1 daughter. I purchased our cabin in 1986 and served on the PGOLID Board about 25 years ago. I am compelled to seek office again solely to continue the good practices of the owners and Board and to meet new challenges which could shape the lake experience for decades to come.
The top issues are water quality, capital expense and property values. Water quality refers to Swimmer’s Itch and aquatic invasive species (AIS). Both affect capital expense and property values. Swimmer’s itch must be addressed on multiple fronts; political with the State DNR and US Fish & Wildlife Service, medical with treatment and preventative measures, and local lakeshore management. Invasive aquatic plant species and zebra mussels must continue to be controlled.
NDSU 1980, Stanford 1981. Fiscal conservative, Faith, Family, Freedom. matt.noah@pobox.com
Tom Friend
I am a Vietnam Veteran and retired Fargo structural steel contractor, originally from Lafayette, Indiana. My wife and I have been year-round residents on Knollwood Beach since February 2000 but we have owned our lake lot since 1989. That’s 36 years getting to know the Pelican Group of Lakes. I believe our lakes are a precious resource that we, as residents, must take seriously. My concerns for Pelican, Little Pelican, Fish, and Bass Lakes are:
- Improving water quality, especially after the 2025 Water Study Findings.
- Finding practical solutions for Swimmer’s Itch.
- Being prepared for Invasive species like starry stonewort.
I am a good listener and like to think I make sensible and fiscally sound decisions. I graciously request your support to elect me to the PGOLID Board!
Sincerely, Tom Friend
Knollwood Beach