Mitchell council denies appointment of Doug Backlund to Golf and Cemetery Board

The Mitchell City Council voted to deny Mayor Hanson’s appointment of Doug Backlund to the Golf and Cemetery Board after council members questioned whether Backlund’s past public opposition to some municipal golf policies would make him an effective advisory member.

Mayor Hanson said he recommended Backlund because of his business experience with golf properties: "It was my recommendation, and I think, Doug's views and my align a lot of the golf course topics, and he's the only guy I know that's ever owned a golf course," the mayor said. He told the council Backlund’s ownership experience weighed in favor of the appointment.

Council members who opposed the appointment argued the advisory board historically includes members who are supportive and active users of the municipal course. One council member who moved to deny said the board should be composed of people who will "champion the cause" of the municipal course and expressed concern that Backlund had spoken against course expansion and City involvement in competing private interests.

Several residents addressed the council during the public-comment period. Businessman Dave Fridley said he had offered to serve on the golf board in previous cycles and stressed municipal budgeting and operations expertise. A different resident urged the council to give Backlund a chance, arguing that critical voices serve an important oversight function.

After discussion, the council took a voice vote on the motion to deny the appointment; the mayor clarified the motion was to deny the appointment and the motion carried.

The denial means the vacancy on the Golf and Cemetery Board remains open; council members said they would continue to consider candidates and the procedural process for future appointments.