Marshall County voters will decide a contested county commission race in District 5 during the Nov. 3 general election. Republican Tim Dahme and Democrat Jerry Burger are vying for the seat, which is being vacated by incumbent Lynda Luttrell, who is not seeking another term.
In District 1, Democrat Doug Medhaug is running unopposed and will serve another term. Republican Jason Bender is also unopposed in District 3 and will return to the commission.
District 5 generally covers the northwest portion of Marshall County, excluding most of Britton. Ahead of the election, both candidates were given the opportunity to share their backgrounds, qualifications and priorities with voters through the following questionnaires.
Republican Candidate Tim Dahme
1. Please describe your personal background.
My family first moved to Britton in 1978. We left in 1983 and returned again in 1989, the same year I joined the United States Marine Corps. I served on active duty until retiring in 2009. After retirement, I stayed busy by completing both my Bachelor’s degree and an MBA, and spent several years working as a contractor on Marine Corps logistics projects.
In 2011, I returned to Britton to begin the next chapter of my life. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working for Hortons as a buyer, scheduler, and planner; for Mitek as a Project Manager; as a Project Management consultant for Winmill Software; and now as a Project Manager for Freeport McMoRan (FMI). I work remotely for FMI with occasional travel to their headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
2. Why did you decide to run for the commission?
In 2024 and 2025, I had the honor of serving on the Britton City Council. That experience taught me a great deal about how municipalities operate and the challenges they face. City councils have limited flexibility due to small budgets and mandatory spending requirements for essential services. I realized that to make a larger impact for the City of Britton—and for the region as a whole—I should run for a County Commissioner seat, where the scope of influence and responsibility is greater.
3. Why are you a strong choice for the Marshall County Commission?
I believe I am a strong candidate because I bring a combination of education, experience, and lifelong service. My background includes:
• Extensive leadership experience from 20 years in the Marine Corps
• Service on the Britton City Council
• A deep understanding of municipal and county budgeting
• Professional expertise in government finance, contracting, and project management
• Current responsibility for managing a project with an annual budget of $100 million
• A genuine commitment to the residents of Marshall County
My goal is always to serve the greater good and ensure responsible, transparent decision-making.
4. If elected, what would your top priorities be and how would you address them?
My top priority is to deliver a county budget that meets the needs of Marshall County residents and exceeds their expectations. County spending should be guided by what benefits the majority of citizens, not a select few. I also believe we can improve transparency so residents better understand how decisions are made and how funds are allocated. I will work to ensure that county priorities reflect the greatest good for the greatest number.
5. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Marshall County right now, and what would you like to see the commission do about it?
Marshall County faces many of the same challenges seen across the country, just on a smaller scale. Key areas of focus include:
• Affordable Housing: This is a complex issue nationwide. The county should continue partnering with organizations like GLAD to help connect residents with the resources they need.
• Healthcare Access: We are fortunate to have Marshall Healthcare Center, which has made significant improvements—adding a CT scanner, MRI, dental services, and expanding the hospital after years of downsizing. We must continue supporting their efforts to provide high-quality care.
• Job Market & Workforce: The county should evaluate how it can support local businesses, attract talent, and strengthen the workforce to keep Marshall County competitive and vibrant.
• Family-Friendly Communities: We should explore ways the county can assist municipalities in offering services, amenities, and opportunities that make Marshall County an exceptional place to raise a family.
Democratic Candidate
Jerry Burger
1. Please describe your personal background.
My wife, Kim, of 41 years and I raised our two children on my family farm northwest of Britton. I retired from the Marshall County Highway Department three years ago. I am now enjoying my new role as Grandpa.
2. Why did you decide to run for the commission?
I’ve really enjoyed going to commission meetings now that I have retired. I also enjoy seeing how local government interacts with other local entities and the public. I like trying to solve problems.
3. Why are you a strong choice for the Marshall County Commission?
I am not afraid to ask questions and try to come up with solutions. My many years serving on the township board make me uniquely qualified to try to work with everyone.
4/5. If elected, what would your top priorities be and how would you address them? What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Marshall County right now, and what would you like to see the commission do about it?
The biggest problem that I see for the county is our roads and how to improve them while still staying within our budget. I also think we need to look at how to keep the qualified people who work for the county. Most of what I see boils down to money. I think we should concentrate on finding grants that we can apply for to help fund our infrastructure.
