BROOKINGS – Verna Longville has filed for a three-year seat on the Brookings City Council. The election is April 10.

“I am running because when I chose to become a resident of Brookings, I was grateful for the safe, clean and progressive environment,” she said.

There are two, three-year seats up for election. They are currently held by Patty Bacon and Nick Wendell. Both have filed to run in the election, as has Nick Schmeichel. 

Another open council seat is a one-year position currently held by Holly Tilton Byrne, who has filed to run, as has Joey Collins.

Brookings Mayor Keith Corbett was unopposed in his bid for re-election this year, so he will retain the post for another three years.

Longville is originally from Belle Fourche.

She attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish and studied computer programming, but “I did not get a degree,” Longville said. “I went to Associated Schools in North Miami Beach, Florida, for the travel industry.”

“I relocated back to this area in 1994,” she said.

She started working in the Brookings community 12 years ago and moved to Brookings eight years ago.

She and her husband, Rick, have three children and three grandchildren.

Longville is the human resource manager at Bowes Construction. Part of her duties include recruitment and safety.

“Prior to coming here, I have 25 years of human resources employment in the fields of mining, manufacturing and construction,” Longville said.

She’s running for office for the first time.

“I thought about running prior to this year, but I wanted to become more familiar with Brookings and make sure that we can continue to grow and to build a foundation for generations to come,” Longville said.

She believes she can bring a lot to the council and to the town.

“With my experience, I believe that has given me great insight and I’m willing to invest my time and experience to help in the decisions that will continue to make Brookings the top choice for families and businesses,” Longville said. 

“I know how workforce development, economic development, housing and infrastructure are vital components to a thriving community,” she added.

“I believe I can bring a lot of knowledge and assist our local businesses, to expand and invest locally, create an environment to enhance the skills of the current workforce.”

Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.