BISMARCK, ND – A grassroots effort is underway in Burleigh County to recall Commissioner Brian Bitner, citing concerns over financial mismanagement, consolidation of power, and a disregard for transparency. Community members leading the charge argue that Bitner has repeatedly failed in his duty to serve the interests of the people, instead prioritizing control and decision-making that erodes public trust.
At the heart of the recall movement is Bitner’s push to change the Burleigh County Auditor’s position from an elected role to an appointed one. If successful, this move would strip voters of the ability to choose—or recall—the official responsible for financial oversight. Supporters of the change claim it is meant to ensure proper qualifications for the role, but critics argue that it merely consolidates power within the county commission, eliminating an important check-and-balance. The proposal has sparked significant backlash, with residents seeing it as an attempt to sideline voter influence under the guise of reform.
Bitner’s financial leadership has also come under scrutiny, particularly regarding the controversial Provident Building renovation. Initially estimated at a much lower cost, the project has ballooned due to unforeseen issues, including the need for a new HVAC system and water main. The rising expenses, coupled with a lack of secured tenants, have raised concerns about whether taxpayer money is being spent wisely. In recent discussions, officials have even debated pausing the project, a move that further underscores the lack of planning and foresight that has plagued the endeavor.
Beyond financial issues, Bitner has faced criticism for his approach to county governance. When the entire Weed Board resigned in protest over concerns about leadership, rather than addressing their grievances, Bitner and other commissioners appointed themselves to the board. This move has fueled concerns that increasing the commission’s power over appointments—such as in the case of the auditor—could lead to further instances of unchecked control.
Perhaps most damaging to Bitner’s credibility is his reported breach of confidentiality. He allegedly leaked confidential county information to the press, a serious violation that calls into question his commitment to ethical leadership. The disclosure, which involved discussions of a hostile work environment claim, has only deepened public skepticism about his ability to lead with integrity.
The recall effort also points to inconsistent oversight of financial matters. Under a previous county auditor, $5 million went unaccounted for, yet the commission, including Bitner, failed to take meaningful action. It is only now, with a different auditor in place—one whom the commission seemingly opposes—that Bitner has chosen to highlight financial mismanagement. This selective approach to accountability has left many questioning whether his leadership is driven by genuine concern for fiscal responsibility or political convenience.
JoAnn Maloney, Chairperson of the Burleigh County Recall Committee, emphasized the urgency of removing Bitner from office before more damage is done. “This recall is about removing a weak and ineffective leader before he can do any more harm,” she stated. “Brian Bitner has proven that he lacks the leadership, accountability, and competence required to serve the people of Burleigh County. We cannot allow him to dismantle voter power while failing in his own duties.”
The petition to recall Bitner is now circulating, with organizers urging Burleigh County residents to sign in support of restoring transparency and accountability in local government. As the movement gains momentum, the question remains: will voters reclaim their voice in Burleigh County, or will Bitner’s consolidation of power continue unchecked?
Community Petition Seeks Recall of Commissioner Brian Bitner Over Abuse of Power, Financial Mismanagement, and Failed Leadership
Bismarck, ND – A grassroots effort is underway to recall Burleigh County Commissioner Brian Bitner, citing a pattern of misconduct, abuse of power, and a complete lack of leadership. The petition, led by concerned citizens, aims to hold Bitner accountable for his failure to act in the best interest of Burleigh County voters, instead prioritizing personal power grabs and financial missteps that burden taxpayers.
Among the key concerns driving the recall effort:
- Undermining Voter Rights: Commissioner Brian Bitner is pushing to change the Burleigh County Auditor’s position from an elected role to an appointed one, stripping voters of their ability to choose—or recall—the official responsible for critical financial oversight. This shift would consolidate power within the commission and remove a key check-and-balance.
- False Justification for Power Grab: Bitner and the commission claim this change is about ensuring qualifications, yet their proposal does nothing to set new qualification standards—it only removes voter oversight. The reality is that Bitner simply believes he is more qualified than the people to decide who holds this important role, despite his own pattern of failed leadership and poor decision-making.
- Financial Mismanagement – The Provident Building Disaster: One of Bitner’s most glaring failures as a leader is his involvement in the Provident Building remodel, which has turned into a money pit, costing taxpayers millions while failing to secure renters. Rather than focusing on property tax relief for hardworking residents, Bitner has overseen a financial drain that benefits no one. Even more concerning, those bidding on the project have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), raising serious questions about transparency and what Bitner and the commission are trying to hide from the public.
- Self-Serving Power Grabs: In the past, the entire Weed Board resigned in protest over the commission’s poor leadership. Rather than addressing the concerns, Bitner and the commissioners appointed themselves to the board, demonstrating how giving them more appointment power can lead to unchecked control over county operations.
- Leaking Confidential Information: Bitner has deliberately leaked confidential county information to the press, a serious breach of trust and responsibility, as reported by the Bismarck Tribune. This reckless behavior further proves his lack of leadership and accountability.
- Ignoring Financial Oversight Until Politically Convenient: Under the previous auditor, $5 million went missing, yet the commission—including Bitner—failed to act. Only now, when facing an auditor they dislike, is he suddenly acknowledging past financial mismanagement, including mishandling of W-2s and 1099s. This selective oversight raises concerns about Bitner’s inability to lead effectively.
- Failed Leadership and Lack of Accountability: Time and time again, Bitner has shown that he is unfit to lead, ignoring financial mismanagement, undermining democratic processes, and prioritizing power over transparency. His insecurity as a leader is evident in his need to consolidate control rather than face direct voter accountability.
“This recall is about removing a weak and ineffective leader before he can do any more damage,” said JoAnn Maloney, Chairperson of the Burleigh County Recall Committee. “Brian Bitner has proven that he lacks the leadership, accountability, and competence required to serve the people of Burleigh County. We cannot allow him to dismantle voter power while failing in his own duties.”
The recall petition is now circulating, and residents of Burleigh County are encouraged to sign in support of transparent, accountable leadership.
For more information or to get involved, please contact recallbitner@gmail.com.
