MINOT, N.D. — We’re going to end up doing something really, really dumb with the Legacy Fund. It was created by the North Dakota Legislature, with approval from the voters, back in 2010. As of February the fund had about $5 billion in it thanks to revenues from oil and gas development. Yet, at this…
Guest Post: Mandan’s Leadership Promotes Bland Irrelevance
This guest post was submitted by Raheem Williams, policy director for the North Dakota Young Republicans. North Dakota has developed an infamous reputation as one of America’s least desirable tourist location. The state has proposed a few solutions to draw in tourists – gimmicks such as the numerous redesigns of the official state logo and an expensive temple dedicated to a…
Guest Post: Let’s Dream Big and Build the Theodore Roosevelt Library
This guest post was submitted by Patrick Finken. He helped create the Norsk Hostfest and produced the Party of the Century that drew over 100,000 fellow North Dakotans to the state capitol mall in 1989. His company, Odney, also created the very successful Legendary brand strategy and campaign for the North Dakota Tourism Division. North…
Plain Talk: Congressman Armstrong Tells Critics “I Had an Oil Well in My First Campaign Ad”
Congressman Kelly Armstrong has come under fire this week for his background working and investing in the oil industry. Some say it should disqualify him from serving on a House committee tasked with addressing climate change. “Congratulations to the D.C. media. It took them two months to figure out I’m in the oil industry,” Armstrong…
Plain Talk: Senator Cramer Says He’s “Sure” Trump Supports Electoral College Because It Won Him Election in 2016
President Donald Trump is widely seen as a populist leader. So why, in the wake of criticism of the Electoral College from Democrats, would he be saying he supports it given that it’s a decidedly anti-populist institution? Asked on this episode of Plain Talk if maybe Trump supports the Electoral College because it was why…
Plain Talk: Is the Legacy Fund at Risk From Initiated Measures? and Some Thoughts on the Demise of the Sunday Close Law
Lawmakers in Bismarck are debating reforms, but as the law stands now North Dakota’s initiated measure process is wide open. Interests with a lot of money can pay to have their signatures collected, pay for a slick marketing campaign, and change the state’s laws. Even our state’s constitution. With billions of uncommitted dollars sitting in…
Print Column: We Are Too Deferential to Law Enforcement
MINOT, N.D. — America’s vast military might resides under civilian control. The commander-in-chief of our armed forces is the President of the United States, and for good reason. Law enforcement, too, is under civilian control. Or it’s supposed to be anyway. Given the deference shown toward cops it can seem like the tail is wagging…
William Brotherton: Let’s Build the Teddy Roosevelt Library
This guest post was submitted by William J. Brotherton. He’s a UND graduate (1980), a member of the TR Medora Foundation, a licensed attorney in North Dakota and Texas, and the author of Burlington Northern Adventures: Railroading in the Days of the Caboose (South Platte Press, 2004). He lives in Argyle, Texas. Bravo to Governor…
Plain Talk: Energy Transfer Partners Talks About DAPL’s Impacts, and Should the Christchurch Shooting Video Have Been Censored?
On this episode of Plain Talk, Vicki Granado from Energy Transfer Partners (the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline) talks about that projects impacts on North Dakota’s economy, taxes, as well as its impact on national politics. Also, in recent days there has been an effort by the tech industry and governments around the globe…
Plain Talk: Is It Ok to Treat People Differently Based on Their Race?
On this episode of Plain Talk, Lt. Governor Brent Sanford talks about a dispute between the executive branch and state lawmakers in Bismarck over revenue forecasts. Setting aside disagreements over spending policy, Sanford says lawmakers are manipulating revenue forecasts to hide money. Also, a New York Times columnist says it’s ok to treat people differently…