Independent

Cara Cody-Braun

House of Representatives | North Dakota

Endorsements (3 Max): AFL-CIO

Candidate Questionnaire

What motivated you to run for the North Dakota Legislature? (100 words max)

I was motivated by the desire to have more balance in the legislature in Bismarck. I feel the current situation of a super majority leads to cronyism and a lack of transparency. Sadly, we lost our candidate in District 11, and I felt strongly we needed to maintain her seat.

What personal, professional, or community experiences have best prepared you to serve as a State Legislator? (100 words max)

My many years in education have prepared me to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders. I am able to listen to people's concerns and be responsive. Working as a teacher I put in long hours "planting seeds" and thinking about future outcomes. I think those skills will parlay well into the legislative role.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities for the State of North Dakota, and why? (100 words max)

I would like to work to strengthen ND public schools and availability of childcare. Children are the future of our state and our most precious asset; by taking care of them, many other good things will follow. We will keep and attract young families to ND which in turn helps our worker shortage and fosters businesses and housing.

Looking ahead five years, what do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges facing North Dakota? (100 words max)

Managing our resources in a sustainable way is going to be a significant challenge. Likewise, our resources provide us with many opportunities for growth and change. Improving school outcomes also is a challenge, but it offers an opportunity to lead the nation with strong leadership.

Do you support the use of state funding for programs and initiatives aimed at attracting, developing, and retaining talent throughout North Dakota? Please explain. (100 words max)

Yes, ND has a shortage of teachers, doctors, lawyers, as well as entry level workers. We need to be open to a variety of strategies for attracting people here as well as fostering our own people in these areas.

Do you support the use of state funding for economic development, such as incentives, tax credits, and other programs to support business retention, attraction and expansion? Please explain. (100 words max)

Absolutely. I am a fan of incentive programs. When done well, they can be win-win situations for all involved. My relative owned a downtown restaurant and had an incentive loan to update the premises for the neighborhood improvement. It brought in more business for them, helped make the downtown a destination place, and proved to be an investment that paid off for all.

In 2023, F-M Metro COG conducted a study of the metro area’s housing market that identified the need for 16,400 housing units across the region by 2032. What policies or tools can the Legislature use to support the development of attainable, market-rate housing in Cass County and across North Dakota? (100 words max)

Again, I think the state can provide incentives to builders as well as buyers to help grow the type of housing needed. As a mother of grown adults I have seen how quickly starter homes can go.

Access to quality childcare continues to be a major concern for families and employers across the state. If elected, how would you work to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare in North Dakota? Please explain. (100 words max)

I would like to see us use our schools to provide more early childhood programs such as public preschool and daycare. ND does not take full advantage of the federal Headstart program which could help many more ND families. Investing in our children and families is an investment in our future. School readiness is one of the biggest factors in future success.

Do you support the development of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project? Please explain. (100 words max)

I would prefer other means of maintaining the Red River Valley water supply rather than moving water from the Missouri Basin. I find that very concerning ecologically. I am open to learning more about this project and how it would be handled.

Do you support the development of a Natural Gas Pipeline to Eastern North Dakota? Please explain. (100 words max)

Yes, natural gas is a clean burning and efficient resource. It makes use of ND's own assets. I would support that with continued development of renewable energy.