When my last week’s column about higher ed was published I didn’t expect the responses it received. As with the responses to my other columns, some of them were good. Really good. Some of those who wrote must be closely involved with higher education as faculty or administrators, or at least serious students of the…
Leier Column: Hunter Education Is Required For Most Hunters
Since pheasant, grouse and archery deer seasons just ended a couple of weeks ago, don’t blame hunters if they aren’t already planning for next fall. But if you have a child, friend or relative who will need a hunter education certificate in order to purchase a hunting license in 2014, now is the time to…
Harms Column: We Should Be Able To Have A Thoughtful Discussion About Oil Safety
I’d like to clarify and elaborate on my personal comments on the oil industry that might encourage some thoughtful discussion in our state. Rob missed a couple of key facts related to my resume. I grew up in the oil industry. I’ve worked in it much of my life; have rough-necked, pipelined and lobbied for…
Leier Column: 2014 Holds Potential For Fishing Excitement
Looking ahead to 2014, it’s hard not to get exited, or stay excited, about the excellent fishing prospects that lie ahead for North Dakota. None of us who are anglers today have ever lived through a time when the state has had more fishing waters than it does right now. Many of these waters have developed…
Kingsbury Column: Putting The Cart Before The Horse
“I have paid North Dakota taxes all my life and my son has a right to flunk out of UND.” That’s what a North Dakota citizen said to me when I was a member of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education and was trying to explain that UND was going to change its admission…
Dorso Column: Shirvani Leaving Means Little Will Change In Higher Ed
Since the wife and I were off to England and Normandy the higher education story has gotten even worse than I expected. The board fires Shirvani for doing what they asked of him because it upset some folks. Those folks being mainly the college presidents who didn’t like the direction Mr. Shirvani was taking things…
Schafer Column: There's No Need For The Marketplace Fairness Act
Online shoppers last year spent an estimated $225 billion in retail. While that number is significant in this economy, it only represents about six percent of all retail transactions. Nearly 95 percent of consumers still prefer to see, feel and touch what they are buying. Nevertheless, the growth in online sales has been impressive enough…
Dorso Column: Great Philosophers And Rejected Legislative Studies
Monday the 3rd we leave for England where I get to remove some more from the old bucket list. We will go to Normandy to be reminded of the tremendous price patriots have paid for our individual freedoms. I also intend to see most of the sights in London but I am most interested in…
Dorso Column: Holmberg Selection For Leadership Widens Legislative Divides
Lloyd Omdahl’s recent column about the selection of Grand Forks Republican Sen. Ray Holmberg as chairman of Legislative Managementmade me stop and think. Omdahl’s contention is that a moderation of the political discourse because of Holmberg’s election will make for a better political atmosphere. I am not convinced that is the case. A better case…
Dorso Column: North Dakota's Executive Branch Is Too Involved In Legislating
The state capitol building in Bismarck is a unique design. But it is what that design signifies or tells that makes it so important. I hope every legislator now and into the future reads this piece. When they or elected officials walk the halls of the capitol I hope they are reminded of the sacrifice…