Scott Wagner

As a 33-year small business owner and former three-term Cass County commissioner I believe I have the right experience and background to make a positive impact in our state legislature. Our Legislature needs more people who have served in local government. People who understand issues at the local level like property taxes, public safety, and critical infrastructure needs.

My background includes serving three terms as a Cass County Commissioner. I’ve also served as an original member of the F-M Diversion Authority, 12 years on the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation board, Chair of the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund board, and I’m the former President of the North Dakota County Commissioners Association and Chair of its legislative committee. On the national level, I severed on the National Association of Counties Community and Economic Development steering committee.

District 45 is a very geographically diverse district. It includes portions of North Fargo, West Fargo, rural Cass County, including a number of small communities. My district’s needs/challenges are the needs/challenges of both rural and urban North Dakota. I’ll focus on pro-growth initiatives that support a diversified economy, investing in critical infrastructure needs and public safety. While at the same time making sure to be good steward of the taxpayer’s money.

I’ll focus on pro-growth initiatives that help strengthen our economy, invest in public safety to keep our communities safe, and support critical infrastructure needs. We need to deliver top-notch services to our citizens. But we also need to look for areas to improve and chart North Dakota’s course for future success. We need to continue to evolve as a destination for those seeking a high-quality of life, safe communities, and a good place to do business.

I spent 12 years on the Greater F-M EDC working on this issue from a policy and funding side. I think it is critical to work with all stakeholders to find ways to address this need. Including ensuring educational curriculum aligns with the needs of the private sector. We also need to continue to diversify our economy. It is my understanding that we have college graduates in high paying fields that can’t find jobs locally. We need to keep these individuals by recruiting companies that need those graduates.

As someone who was a part of our local economic development efforts for over a decade, I have numerous thoughts on what constitutes successful strategies and initiates. From a legislative perspective, I believe local communities should have the flexibility to use what they need in their economic development tool chest to meet local challenges. However, I believe the first question that should be asked before using any incentive is, “How does the taxpayer benefit from the use of this incentive?”