Julie West

My experiences as a firefighter, community advocate and volunteer have equipped me with the skills needed for this role. I've been on the frontlines serving our population, gaining a deep understanding of what our community needs. My work in combating domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking has strengthened my resolve to protect the most vulnerable. Additionally, as a mother of three, I’m committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our children and families. These experiences have given me a unique perspective and drive to advocate for the people of District 16.

If elected, my top priorities will be improving access to quality education, expanding healthcare access, and making childcare more affordable and accessible for all families.

I believe every child deserves a strong start, and by investing in education and childcare, we can set them on a path to success.

Access to affordable healthcare is essential for healthy communities, and I am committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive the care they need.

These priorities reflect my commitment to supporting families, enhancing individual freedoms, and creating a brighter future for our district.

In the next 5 years, North Dakota will face challenges in healthcare access, workforce shortages, and ensuring a robust education system. As our state grows, we must address healthcare deserts by expanding access to care, especially in rural areas. Workforce shortages across key industries, including education and healthcare, threaten our communities’ stability and growth. I plan to support policies that attract and retain workers by improving wages, benefits, and working conditions. By investing in education and training programs, we can better equip our workforce for the future and build a stronger, more resilient North Dakota.

Yes, I support using state funding to develop programs that attract, develop, acclimate, and retain our regional workforce. North Dakota's economic growth depends on a strong, skilled workforce, and investing in these programs is crucial. By providing resources for training, education, and supportive services like childcare and housing, we can make our state more appealing to workers and their families. State-funded initiatives can help address critical workforce shortages in key industries and ensure that our businesses have the talent they need to thrive. This investment will ultimately strengthen our communities and drive long-term economic success.

Yes, I support using state funding to attract and retain businesses through incentives like tax credits, provided they create good-paying jobs and contribute to our community’s long-term growth. Strategic incentives can help North Dakota stay competitive, stimulate economic development, and diversify our economy. However, it's crucial that these incentives are transparent, equitable, and tied to clear performance metrics to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to our residents. I believe in a balanced approach that supports both new and existing businesses, fostering an environment where all can thrive and contribute to our state’s prosperity.

The legislature plays a critical role in expanding access to affordable housing and quality childcare by enacting policies and funding programs that address these needs. We must invest in housing initiatives that encourage development, provide assistance to first-time homebuyers, and support low-income families. For childcare, the legislature should increase funding for childcare subsidies, support providers with better pay and training, and create incentives for new childcare centers, especially in underserved areas. By prioritizing these issues, we can remove significant barriers for working families, helping them thrive and strengthening North Dakota's workforce and economy.

Yes, I support state funding for infrastructure projects as they are essential for North Dakota’s growth, economic stability, and quality of life. Investing in infrastructure supports our communities by providing necessary services, creating jobs, and preparing us for future challenges. However, it’s crucial that these projects are managed with transparency and accountability to ensure responsible use of public funds. By prioritizing infrastructure with clear oversight, we can enhance our state's competitiveness, support regional development, and improve overall connectivity and access, while maintaining public trust in how funds are utilized.

I support allocating funding from the North Dakota Legacy Fund for strategic projects and initiatives that provide long-term benefits to our state. The Legacy Fund is a valuable resource that should be used thoughtfully to address critical needs, such as infrastructure, education, and economic development. However, it’s important that any allocations are made with careful planning, transparency, and a focus on sustainable, impactful outcomes. By investing in projects that strengthen our communities and economy, we can ensure that the Legacy Fund serves its intended purpose of benefiting both current and future generations of North Dakotans.

I do not support the elimination of property taxes in North Dakota, as they are a critical source of funding for local services like schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. Eliminating them would shift the burden to other taxes or reduce essential services. However, I am open to property tax reform to ensure fairness and affordability for homeowners. We should explore ways to provide relief, especially for low- and middle-income families, while maintaining the necessary funding for our communities. Thoughtful reform can address concerns without compromising the quality of local services.