Republican

Rich Slagle

House of Representatives | North Dakota

Candidate Questionnaire

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

I received a number of encouraging calls and visits by a number of respected individuals in the area who believe that I would provide value and would represent the citizens of Fargo in Bismarck. In addition, I believe that the way that I attempt to understand challenges and work to provide solutions is often times mentioned as a strength....truly believe that we need more "win-wins" in Bismarck.

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

I have served my communities in numerous ways over the past 40 years...I have served on 5 councils and commissions, led the Fargo Community's Flood Fight Volunteer efforts in 2010 and 2011, been a member of Rotary, a former CEO of a business that employed over 125 people, currently serving on 5 Non Profit Board of Directors...which is all to say that I enjoy serving, giving back to the people I work with, serve or lead...a good formula for success.

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

1. A stronger public safety and law enforcement policy across many communities.
2. Support a robust business climate with focus on lowering our taxes, reducing regulations and promoting affordable housing and child care solutions.
3. Quality education is a must and school districts need to be supported but also need to be accountable and creative in their delivery of education.

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

I believe the Energy sector provides great optimism for the future especially with the advent of enhance oil recovery (EOR) methods as well as the continued technological advancements in agriculture providing ample growth for our state's economics.

I do believe that are communities are challenged with a rising crime scenario..in some cases despite what certain data shows...feelings are strong for stronger law enforcement policies.

I also believe that our spending needs to be in sync with our revenues and any major deviations must be met with a strenuous analysis of the reasoning behind the ask(s).

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 I do. Workforce Development and recruitment are key to the success of state.

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)

I do within reason and duration....it will be important to review applications and their proformas to understand the length and corresponding value of their requests.

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)

Providing incentives (as discussed above) that allow developers to master plan housing developments that have a variety of home types tied into attractive and walkable/recreation neighborhoods.

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 encouragement and incentives studied that would incentive certain organizations and/or non profits/school districts to open up more opportunities for families. I would suggest looking at the YMCA and asking how do we work with them to open more facilities...should their be additional tax credits given for childcare expenses.

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

Yes, especially since it is already significantly underway and stopping or halting it would make no sense. The liability of a low water supply from the Red River would be too great for some of our major metropolitan area.

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

Yes. I am very aware of the needs by certain industrial and agricultural companies that would very much benefit from a great source of energy. We have made great strides in capturing the flared gas in the Bakken and giving them a distribution avenue only makes sense.

Execution time: 0.1133 seconds

ACF lookup time: 0.1125 seconds

Execution time: 0.0004 seconds

ACF lookup time: 0.0003 seconds