Democratic-NPL
Candidate Questionnaire
What motivated you to run for the North Dakota Legislature? (100 words max)
I have been active in the politics my whole adult life. I became active when I became a union officer and understood how politics effect our lives. This is not the first time for me to run for office.
What personal, professional, or community experiences have best prepared you to serve as a State Legislator? (100 words max)
I was President of the North Dakota AFL-CIO from 2019-2025 and my main job was as a lobbyist at the capital.
I got to learn about the legislature and the legislative process. I was also the lobbyist for my Local Lodge when I served as an officer. As a steward representing workers, I became more aware of how many issues can affect working families and where to direct them for help.
Served on the Workforce Development Council and
If elected, what would be your top three priorities for the State of North Dakota, and why? (100 words max)
I been able to survey the district yet, so I don't. Their priorities are the important ones as they are who I would be representing.
Looking ahead five years, what do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges facing North Dakota? (100 words max)
There will be enormous opportunities to extract critical minerals in the western part of the state whether it be mining or extraction from coal waste.
Many wells are going into stripper well status and reducing tax revenue. This may cause a serious reduction in revenue.
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)
As a member of the governors Workforce Development Council, I supported these.
As a legislator my job would bed to look at the return on our investment.
Good question to ask people when I canvass.
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)
As a member of the governors Workforce Development Council, I supported these.
As a legislator my job would bed to look at the return on our investment.
Good question to ask people when I canvass.
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 2033. 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)
Housing was one of the topics in the sub-committee I was on, but we couldn't come up with any easy solution.
I would love to hear some suggestions to help alleviate housing issues.
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)
Childcare was something that the ND AFL-CIO took a deep dive into while I was there and helped get a bill introduced to do some subsidizing of childcare workers so it would be easier to hire and retain the workers.
Do you support the development of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project? Please explain. (100 words max)
The sooner it's finished the less the cost.
Do you support the development of a Natural Gas Pipeline to Eastern North Dakota? Please explain. (100 words max)
I know businesses in the east that would like to have natural gas.
There are also some that would be hurt by it.
There has been offers of financial support by our Legislature and Industrial Commission and doesn't seem to be a lot of interest yet.