Wednesday, December 27, 2006

STATEMENT OF GOV. JOHN HOEVEN ON THE DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD

Governor Directs Flags To Be Flown at Half Staff for 30 Days

BISMARCK, N.D. – In honor of President Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States of American, who died yesterday, and in accordance with a proclamation by President George W. Bush, Gov. John Hoeven has directed all state and federal flags in North Dakota to be flown at half-staff, beginning Wednesday, December 27, 2006.

The Governor also issued the following statement:

“President Ford led our nation when he was called upon to serve. He provided thoughtful guidance and integrity, and will long be remembered as a man of quiet dignity, honesty and sound judgment.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to First Lady Betty and the Ford family. North Dakota and the entire nation join them in mourning the loss of a great American.”

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Monday, December 11, 2006

In Case You Missed It …. Fargo Forum Editorial: Hoeven’s Budget Plan a Good Start

Forum editorial: Hoeven’s budget plan a good start

The Forum - 12/10/2006

Building a state budget when the revenue coffers are overflowing has to be more fun than scraping up funding in lean times. But it also can be more complicated and more risky.

North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven and his budget team have cobbled together what can be fairly called a “good times” budget because the state is looking at the largest surplus in its history – approaching $500 million in all reserve funds. Hoeven’s budget, which he presented to lawmakers last week, would leave nearly $413 million in cash and reserves when all expenditures he envisions are met during the next biennium. It’s an unprecedented cushion.

That set-aside is important because it goes to the heart of the latest budget buzzword afflicting some lawmakers: sustainability. Be careful about spending all that money on new programs, they warn, because when the economy slows, the new expenditures cannot be sustained.

Fair enough. But the warning assumes the governor’s budget tilts toward expenditures that could become albatrosses if the good times turn bad. However, an honest assessment of Hoeven’s proposals confirms his team has been careful to avoid committing the state to unsustainable programs.

A few highlights:

- When combined with a generous $117 million property tax relief plan (which would help keep local school taxes in check) the governor’s$80.5 million for equity and adequacy in schools totals nearly $200 million – a nice increase in the state’s share for public schools.

- Universities would receive$68 million more in the higher education operating budget. Another $20 million is directed to centers of excellence, which are on university campuses.

- Hoeven proposed a 4 percent per year increase in pay for state employees over the biennium.

- Human Services would get$71 million to cover the costs of a reduction in federal Medicaid funding, civil commitments for sex offenders, an inflationary increase for long-term and home- and community-based care, mental health and the needs of developmentally disabled North Dakotans.

There’s more, of course, and all of it will be sliced and diced, parsed and peeled by lawmakers. But thus far, reactions from most legislative leaders on both sides of the political aisle have been cautiously positive. Of course, it’s very early in the process; political posturing and substantive disagreements are guaranteed.

But overall, the governor has advanced an appropriately conservative budget that could have been a runaway expense train because there is so much money in the state’s pot. He didn’t let that happen. Instead, lawmakers have a responsible, pragmatic and responsive budget blueprint from which to work. It’s an excellent start.

Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.

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Thursday, December 07, 2006

The Headline Says It All .... European Socialists eager to work with U.S. Democrats

OPORTO, Portugal (Reuters) - European Socialists promised on Thursday to work to rebuild Europe's strategic alliance with the United States now that the Democrats control Congress after last month's elections.

Socialist leaders attending a meeting of the European Socialist Party pledged that with the Democrats on the rise, strong ties could be renewed with the United States after years of cool relations with Republican President George W. Bush.

Howard Dean, chairman of the national committee of the U.S. Democratic Party, is attending the two-day conference together with the leaders of leftist governments of several countries and party leaders from across Europe.

"We are not anti-American, we want the real America, your America," former Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, president of the European Socialist Party, said in remarks directed at Dean.

To read the full articel click here

Hoeven Lays Out Positive Budget for North Dakota's Future


Funding Priorities, Building Reserves, Providing Property Tax Relief for Citizens

BISMARCK, N.D. Gov. John Hoeven yesterday released his 2007-2009 Executive Budget, a balanced plan that achieves three important objectives for the State of North Dakota:
First, the budget funds important priorities and invests in the future of our people and our state, especially education. It is essential that we make the kinds of investments that continue to produce quality jobs, enable us to take care of people, and continue to improve our quality of life.
Second, the budget is sustainable. Ongoing revenues cover ongoing expenditures, and we increase our financial reserves for the future to more than $400 million.

And third, the budget contains no tax increases, no fee increases, and no borrowing or bonding. In fact, our budget provides $116.7 million in real tax relief for the citizens of North Dakota.
"Working with the Legislature and others we are pursuing our strategic plan for aggressive economic development," Hoeven said. "As a result, we're growing and diversifying our economy, which enables us to fund our priorities; invest in the future; provide tax relief for our citizens; and build stronger reserves than ever before. Our budget is sustainable and prudent, but it is also dynamic and forward-looking."

GOOD FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Revenues Exceed Expenditures


For the 2007-2009 biennium, ongoing revenues and transfers will total about $2.29 billion. At the same time, our ongoing expenditures will total about $2.28 billion, meaning that even with conservative projections, ongoing revenues exceed our ongoing expenditures.

In the current biennium, the state's growing revenues are reflected in a $312 million ending fund balance. In a nutshell, this is the General Fund surplus, or the amount of cash we have above our current level of reserves. This General Fund surplus, when combined with $228 million in current reserve funds, provides a total of $540 million going forward in surplus and reserves.

The Executive Budget takes a portion of these resources $188 million and invests them in one-time capital needs, like economic development, technology systems, equipment, capital projects, extraordinary repairs, and deferred maintenance. These are the kinds of investments that further stimulate economic activity, build infrastructure, help lower costs for the future, make our state more competitive, and improve our standard of living.

Reserves Are Strong

The state's total reserve position created by the Executive Budget is significantly strengthened. The Budget Stabilization Fund is doubled from $100 million to $200 million, and the Oil Tax Trust Fund increased by $50 million, to $178 million. Together, the two reserve funds total more than $378 million. Add to this a cash ending balance of $34 million, and the Executive Budget sets aside a total of $413 million in cash and reserves.

Budget Stabilization Fund $200.0 million
Oil Tax Trust Fund $178.6 million
Cash Ending Fund Balance $ 34.1 million
Total Reserves and Cash $412.7 million

FUNDING OUR PRIORITIES INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

A Strong Budget for Education the Foundation of the Future

K-12 Education Funding: Devotes $80.5 million to improving equity and adequacy in K-12 education funding, including $76 million General Fund and $4.5 million from the Common Schools Trust Fund.

This $80.5 million, combined with the $116.7 million we've committed for property tax relief, provides a total of almost $200 million to both improve K-12 education funding and reduce the burden of property taxes.

· Higher Education Funding: Provides $68 million more for the University System's operating budget: · $52 million in on-going funding, including additional tuition assistance and the full parity and equity requests for the campuses.

1 $16 million in one-time funding for deferred maintenance, ConnectND, and other needs.
Provides $14.5 million for the capital construction and renovation budget.

Creating Jobs and Building a 21st Century Workforce

Centers of Excellence: Provides $20 million for the Centers of Excellence program, which is creating higher paying jobs and career opportunities for our citizens.

Career Specialists and Internships: Funds Career Specialists in each of the state' s nine Joint Powers Agreement alliances to link high school students with the new careers we're creating in North Dakota. Provides funding for Operation Intern, which helps our college graduates get a foothold in the job market, right here in North Dakota.

North Dakota Trade Office: Increases the NDTO budget to $1.4 million, to be leveraged with private sector funding. North Dakota exports have nearly doubled since 2000, from $625 million to $1.2 billion, and the additional funding will help to continue the office's good work.
Agriculture and Energy: Agriculture is no longer just about food we are now seeing dynamic relationships emerge between agriculture and energy.

· Biofuels PACE: A $5 million program that will provide $500,000 of interest buy-down for each new biofuels facility in North Dakota. Combined with the regular PACE and local match, the program makes up to $900,000 available to finance each new ethanol or biodiesel project. This is enough leverage to develop 10 major new biofuels projects.

1 Agriculture Research Extension Centers: Provides $9 million and other funding for a new ag research greenhouse and extension centers not only to promote new advances in food production, but also to help drive the growing biofuels industry in North Dakota.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Keeping North Dakota Safe

Last legislative session, we worked to strengthen our violent and sexual offender laws. In the upcoming session, we propose taking another step toward making our state even safer with mandatory minimums and lifetime supervision for first-time offenders.

Violent and Sexual Offenders: To support these initiatives, the Executive Budget proposes $42 million in funding for a major expansion of the state correctional center in Bismarck and more than $7 million in the Human Services budget to address violent and sexual offenders, including $2.8 million for sexual offender community treatment and $4.4 million for additions at the state hospital to manage and treat the most hardened, civilly committed sexual offenders. Also provides funding for additional law enforcement officers and a new crime lab for the Attorney General.

Taking Care of People

Caring for Our Seniors and Most Vulnerable: Dedicates $71 million in the Human Services Department budget to cover a reduction in federal Medicaid funding; address civilly committed violent and sexual offenders; and provide an inflationary increase for long-term care, home and community based care, developmentally disabled providers, mental health, and other services necessary to take care of people.

State Employees: Provides a salary increase of 4 percent the first year, and 4 percent the second year of the biennium; continues full payment of health care premiums; provides $10 million $5 million in General Funds, and $5 million in federal and special funds for an equity pool to recruit and retain qualified state workers to serve the people of North Dakota.

Supporting Our Men and Women in Uniform

Military Bonuses and Benefits: Continues and expands our $5 million Veterans Bonus program to include non-North Dakota residents in our National Guard. The plan provides North Dakota veterans with $100 for each month of overseas service and $50 for each month of domestic service. In addition, the program provides $2,500 for the heirs of soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and soldiers who receive the Purple Heart.

Tuition Assistance Program: Adds funding to sustain our goal of 100 percent tuition assistance under the Tuition Assistance Program. In addition, it expands the eligibility guidelines of the program to include accredited trade schools.

Counselor Support: Funds licensed counselors to help military members and their families confront the emotional challenges they face with deployment.

RETURNING TAX DOLLARS TO THE PEOPLE OF NORTH DAKOTA

The Executive Budget proposes dedicating a portion $116.7 million of the $167 million in Oil Tax Trust Fund revenues projected in the next biennium to provide tax relief for the citizens of North Dakota. Even after providing this property tax relief, the Oil Tax Trust Fund will increase by more than $50 million to $178 million in the Executive Budget.

"We've put forward a simple, fair plan that provides tax relief to homeowners, businesses, farmers, and ranchers, and we are committed to working with the Legislature on this and other proposals, to develop the best property tax relief plan for our citizens," Hoeven said.

BUILDING A BUDGET FOR THE FUTURE

"We must invest wisely to grow our state and save prudently to ensure sustainability," Hoeven said. "Whether it's improving education, creating more jobs, strengthening our agriculture base, building our energy resources, taking care of people, keeping North Dakota safe, providing tax relief, or supporting our military, we are committed to building a brighter future for our state."
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Once Unloved, Medicare's Prescription-Drug Program Defies Critics, But Issues Remain

Once Unloved, Medicare's Prescription-Drug Program Defies Critics, But Issues Remain

By David Wessel
The Wall Street Journal
December 7, 2006


The Medicare prescription-drug benefit, the biggest expansion of a social program since the Great Society of the 1960s, was panned by critics when it was in previews. Now, after a year's run, the elderly audience seems to be applauding, public and private actors are clicking better in the very complex production, and costs are below initial estimates.

Although the program's launch was marred by bureaucratic glitches, befuddled senior citizens, frustrated pharmacists and physicians, and experts asserting it should have been set up differently, critics' worst fears haven't materialized. That fact is often overshadowed by continuing partisan bickering over the program's design and by persistent public suspicion of drug makers, insurers and pharmaceutical-benefit managers.

Critics said the program, which subsidizes private drug-insurance plans that compete to sell coverage to Medicare's million beneficiaries one by one, would flop because too few insurers would offer policies. Most beneficiaries ended up with more than 40 options. The current complaint is that there are too many choices.

Critics said the program's initial unpopularity proved it was a mistake. It certainly didn't deliver the political boost to Republicans that they had hoped for. But it hasn't been the public-relations disaster that some Democrats suggested.

Now that many seniors are saving money on drugs, instead of struggling to pick a plan, polls have turned favorable. A survey of 3,400 beneficiaries by J.D. Power & Associates found 45% "delighted" with the program, rating their Medicare drug plans 10 on a 10-point scale; another 35% rated them an 8 or 9.

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 80% of seniors enrolled pronounced themselves "satisfied" with their plan, though about one in five reported having "a major problem," most often encountering unexpected costs or having to switch medications from a drug that wasn't covered.

Critics carped about the shortcomings of the twisted, complicated design of the standard benefit, the result of a political compromise aimed at keeping down the cost. Because private insurers aren't required to offer the standard plan, fewer than 20% of enrollees are covered by that standard package.

Still, to the consternation of Democrats and many seniors, most beneficiaries are stuck with the much-derided "doughnut hole," a gap in coverage that requires seniors who avoid catastrophic illness to pay their entire drug tab themselves once they spend $2,250 out of pocket.

Critics said a lot of seniors simply wouldn't sign up, a vexing problem for any voluntary insurance program. Back in 2002, 45% of Medicare beneficiaries lacked prescription-drug coverage for all (18%) or some (27%) of the year. Now, more than 90% of Medicare beneficiaries have drug coverage. In all, 22.5 million people are enrolled in what is known as Medicare Part D, including 6.1 million people on the Medicaid health-insurance program for the poor who were assigned -- with some highly publicized glitches -- to insurance plans by the government if they didn't choose one. Another 16 million have Veterans Administration or employer-provided coverage, often subsidized by the government.

Still, more than one in 10 of Medicare's 43 millions beneficiaries have failed to sign up for drug coverage, including more than three million seniors whose incomes are so low that they would have to pay little or nothing for it. "Everyone agrees that's a big concern," says Mark McClellan, who recently stepped down as Medicare's administrator.

An enthusiastic defender of Medicare Part D, Dr. McClellan says the past year demonstrates consumers "can be a powerful force in health care as they are in the rest of the economy, but they do need support." The government, he cautions, cannot skimp on telephone operators, easy-to-use software and the like if it wants patients to be more involved in managing their own care, as it says it does.

Critics said the drug plans would offer enticingly low premiums the first year, and jack them up the second year. Premiums for many are going to rise in 2007 -- but not sharply. An analysis by Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute of 10 plans that have enrolled nearly 70% of Part D beneficiaries estimated that average premiums in 2007 will be $3.10 a month higher (12%) for those who stick with the same plan.

Critics said the complexity of matching tens of millions of elderly Americans with private-insurance plans would overwhelm the government's bureaucracy, and it has proved to be challenging. More problems are likely to surface on Jan. 1 for seniors who switch plans. Robert Reischauer, director of the Urban Institute think tank, says, "For a highly complex new program, the government and the prescription-drug plans did a remarkable job of implementation. Did it work perfectly? No. Were there little inequities here and there? Yes. But they did an immense amount to make this program work."

Critics said the program would be expensive, so expensive that the Bush administration hid internal estimates before Congress voted, and that it would be a heavy burden on the federal budget for decades to come. It will be. The latest official price tag is $729.1 billion over 10 years, and Congress and the Bush administration didn't offset that with spending cuts or tax increases.

Partly because fewer seniors enrolled than Medicare actuaries projected, Part D will cost taxpayers about $30 billion this year, below the $43 billion originally estimated. Dr. McClellan predicts the official $48 billion estimate for 2007 will be marked down. That isn't only because enrollment is below projections but because prescription-drug plans are pressuring drug makers to hold the line on prices and prodding consumers to use cheaper generic drugs or brand-name drugs for which plans have negotiated discounts.

Democrats argue the program could be even cheaper if the government, rather than private insurance plans, used its clout to negotiate with drug makers. They have vowed to change the law to allow that soon after they take control of Congress next year. They talk about using the hoped-for saving to sweeten the benefit, perhaps eliminate the infamous doughnut hole.

They may have trouble delivering: The official congressional scorekeepers aren't persuaded that the government would actually save money if Congress repeals a provision that bans the Department of Health and Human Services from interfering in price negotiations between drug plans and drug makers. Unless Democrats can take credit for saving money, it will be hard to make the benefit more generous.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Commissioner Jim Poolman: North Dakotans Pay the Least in Auto Insurance in the Nation

Bismarck, ND – Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman announced today that according to a recent report, North Dakota ranked the lowest in the country for combined average auto insurance expenditures. The report, which is issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), is titled "State Average Expenditures & Premiums for Personal Automobile Insurance in 2004".

Poolman said, "This is great news for auto insurance consumers in North Dakota and is consistent with previous years' reports. Our low rates show that the auto insurance marketplace in North Dakota is competitive and healthy."

According to the report, the combined average policy in North Dakota costs $562.45 per year, while the nationwide average is $837.86. Combined coverage is the total cost of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for a vehicle.

Average Auto Insurance Expenditures ~ 2004

Most Expensive
New Jersey ~ $1,221.08 ~ (1)
District of Columbia ~ $1,184.63 ~ (2)
New York ~ $1,171.62 ~ (3)

Neighboring States
Minnesota ~ $829.33 ~ (21)
Montana ~ $683.18 ~ (37)
South Dakota ~ $586.96 ~ (49)

Least Expensive
North Dakota ~ $562.45 ~ (51)
Iowa ~ $579.95 ~ (50)
South Dakota ~ $586.96 ~ (49)


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Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Democrat Assistant Senate Leader Indicted - Faces 10 Years in Prison

From Today's Associated Press - In Case You Missed it

State senator, former Minnewaukan mayor faces felony charges
The Associated Press
Tuesday, November 21, 2006

A state senator and former mayor of Minnewaukan faces felony charges involving his use of two city pickups, a matter he says caused the community no harm.

Authorities said Mike Every bought the trucks in 2004 and 2005 as surplus government property for city use. He is accused of using the trucks as personal vehicles while serving as mayor.

Every said Tuesday that the matter was partially the result of a misunderstanding, but added "I might have made some mistakes." He did not elaborate, but said he wanted to resolve the matter quickly.

"I had hoped that the issue was resolved. I assumed that it was resolved. Apparently, the Burleigh County state's attorney doesn't think that it is," Every said.

Assistant State's Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell said officials with the federal Office of Inspector General who investigated the case turned it over to her office in late October.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Jordheim said such theft charges generally are left to state courts to prosecute, and that there is "no directly corresponding federal law that equates to the state law he's charged with."

Every, who resigned as mayor in May 2005 amid questions about the pickups, is charged with two Class C felony counts of theft of property and one misdemeanor count of fraudulent application for certificate of title. If convicted on the two felony counts, he would face up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Minnewaukan is in Benson County, near Devils Lake. Every was charged in Burleigh County because that is where he bought the two 1988 pickups for $500 each, and where the state Department of Transportation is located, Sasse Russell said.

The sale terms specified the trucks initially had to be used by a government agency, not as personal vehicles, authorities said.

The Minnewaukan City Council voted to turn the trucks over to the state, and officials last year said the vehicles were transferred to the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board.

"The pickups were given back, the city did not lose any money," Every said.
He said he intends to cooperate with authorities. "Hopefully we'll get it resolved as quickly as we can," he said.

Every, who was elected to the state Senate in 2000, decided earlier this year not to run for re-election, citing a new job and family obligations. He was the Senate's Democratic assistant minority leader in the last two sessions of the Legislature. He currently is managing a Devils Lake restaurant.

Every also was the Democratic candidate for state tax commissioner in 2004. He stopped campaigning after disclosures that he had been late in making child support payments from his first marriage, and he lost to incumbent Republican Rick Clayburgh.

Monday, November 20, 2006

HOEVEN, INDUSTRY LEADERS HIGHLIGHT NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE

FARGO, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven and officials from the state’s manufacturing industry today kicked-off the first ever regional manufacturing conference, Where Manufacturing Matters. The conference, which runs Monday and Tuesday at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites, is designed to present North Dakota and South Dakota manufacturers with real world tools, networking opportunities, and access to world-class experts in manufacturing.

Hoeven highlighted the fact that North Dakota was one of only three states in the nation to show growth in manufacturing jobs in 2005. Last year North Dakota gained more than 7,000 jobs and more than 640 new businesses, manufacturing was an important segment of that growth. Since 2001, North Dakota manufacturers have added over 1,900 new jobs according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), while manufacturing employment nationwide has declined.

“North Dakota has innovative and committed manufacturers and we are working hard to help them remain competitive and successful in our state,” Hoeven said. “The fact that we were one of only three states in the nation to grow manufacturing employment last year and in the last five years is a real testament to our manufacturers, their employees and to North Dakota’s outstanding business climate.”

Hoeven said manufacturing is vital to the state’s economy and is playing a key role in improving wages and providing attractive job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that average annual pay for manufacturing jobs in North Dakota was $36,377 in 2005, up from $31,619 in 2001.

North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle said manufacturing is the fourth largest industry in the North Dakota, making up 10 percent of the state’s total economy in 2005 and contributing $2.2 billion to the state’s gross domestic product according to the BEA.

“Manufacturing plays a major role in generating new wealth for North Dakota, and has been a top contributor of economic growth and diversity to North Dakota’s economy in recent years,” Goettle said. “Every dollar in sales of a manufactured product supports $1.37 in other sectors of the economy.”

A number of key indicators for manufacturing have been increasing in the last five years including:

2001 2005
# of Manufacturing Establishments 793 824
Total Wages $760.2 mm $942.3 mm
Average Weekly Wage $608 $700

Sally Bosh, CFO of Phoenix International, a John Deere subsidiary based in Fargo, said North Dakota’s strength in the manufacturing sector is a result of several factors including an extremely productive workforce, low business costs and business owners who are committed to being here.

“Continuing the growth of manufacturing in the Dakotas is important in stimulating job opportunities, retaining young people in the state and even attracting them from out of state,” said Bosh, who is chairperson for the Dakota Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Dakota MEP). “It is important to help our manufacturers become more competitive and productive through commitments to becoming lean enterprises.”

Manufacturers nationwide, and in North Dakota, are under immense pressure to reduce costs. The Dakota MEP works to help improve productivity which helps wage gains while still being competitive in a world market. The state Commerce Department provides support to North Dakota manufacturers through the Dakota MEP. Randy Schwartz, director of the Dakota MEP, said the prices of manufactured goods in the U.S. have decreased 9 percent since 1995 while overall prices have increased 22 percent.

“Because of rapid advances in technology and stiff international competition, domestic manufacturers don’t have the latitude to raise prices that nearly every other industry in the country has,” Schwartz said. “In order to remain competitive our manufacturers must constantly be seeking ways to become more productive and efficient.”

The Dakota MEP provides technical assistance in a variety of areas, specializing in Lean Enterprise services. Between July 2004 and June 2006, the Dakota MEP working with the North Dakota Small Business Development Center has served 2,705 North Dakota clients. These companies have realized new and retained sales of $69.1 million, have saved $4.5 million in costs, have added or retained 916 jobs, and invested $48.4 million in modernization.

More than 200 people are registered to participate in the two-day conference which features presentations by nationally-acclaimed and industry-leading authors, consultants and business executives.
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Saturday, November 04, 2006

In Case You Missed It …. The Dickinson Press Endorses Jaeger, Stenehjem, Clark, Goehring and Fong

Editorial - Four should return to state office
The Dickinson Press - 11/04/2006

North Dakotans have five key state races to determine Tuesday, as the office of attorney general, secretary of state, ag commissioner, tax commissioner and a Public Service Commission seat are up for election.

We start our endorsements with incumbent Secretary of State Al Jaeger. Jaeger has worked hard to make the overall election process in this state more accessible, efficient and secure. He’s partnered with state auditors across the state in this regard and has sought their insight and advice to provide the best election system possible.

Overall, Jaeger and his staff are responsible individuals who go the extra mile each day to perform the duties of their office as they are assigned.

Jaeger’s challenger, Democrat Kristin Hedger, has loads of enthusiasm for public service and this state. Unfortunately, we do not believe Hedger is qualified to run for office given the questions regarding her residency status.

Jaeger deserves your reaffirmation Tuesday at the polls. (Emphasis Added)

Another individual who deserves to return is Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Stenehjem’s track record is astounding, as he’s been a leader in fighting meth, sex offenders, consumer fraud and much more.

Stenehjem also has been an ardent supporter of open government, which is reflected in his work regarding open meetings and open records.

Stenehjem’s opponent, Mayville attorney Bill Brudvik, is a good guy with solid credentials as an attorney. However, Stenehjem’s performance leaves little to question.

Stenehjem deserves your vote Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)

Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark also has been a responsive public servant and deserves a second six-year term on the PSC.

Clark has played a major role in helping the public become better educated and better understand the functions and role of the PSC. He too, has been very open in sharing information to keep the public informed.

Clark’s challenger, Fargo attorney Cheryl Bergian, is primarily campaigning on the lack of cell coverage in our state. There is no disputing the problems with cell service in North Dakota, but the PSC has limited powers to address this issue.

Clark deserves you support at the polls Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)

Meanwhile, Republican challenger Doug Goehring again gets our support as he makes a second attempt to unseat incumbent Commissioner of Agriculture Roger Johnson.

Goehring fell just short of beating Johnson the first time around, which provided the motivation he needed to give it a second try. Goehring’s overall mindset regarding agriculture and operating farms and ranches from a strong business perspective are what is needed to compete in today’s global market.

The longer Johnson has been in office, the more defensive he seems to become when questioned about policy issues.

Goehring has the enthusiasm, experience and insight to be an effective ag commissioner and deserves your support Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)

Lastly, incumbent Tax Commissioner Cory Fong also has performed admirably since being appointed by Gov. Hoeven to fill the vacancy left by the departing Rick Clayburgh.

Fong has learned a lot since that appointment, and has acted very responsibly in overseeing and directing the duties of his office. We are expecting Fong to really show what he’s capable of in the short term now that his learning curve is behind him.

Fong’s challenger, Democrat Brent Edison, is a solid candidate with a great personality. But there have been no glaring shortcomings in Fong’s performance that would prompt an immediate need for a change.

Fong also deserves your support Tuesday. (Emphasis Added)

- END -

Thursday, November 02, 2006

COMMISSIONER FONG: RECORD INCOME FOR NORTH DAKOTANS IN 2005

BISMARCK, N.D. - Tax Commissioner Cory Fong today announced that recently filed state individual income tax returns show record income for North Dakotans. 2005 individual income tax returns report adjusted gross income was up over eight percent for a record $13.563 billion. Adjusted gross income for 2004 state individual income tax returns was $12.516 billion.
"The growth in adjusted gross income is over twice the rate of inflation for the same time," said Fong. Inflation was 3.4 percent for 2005.

The Tax Department recently completed processing 2005 individual income tax returns that had an extension due date of October 15. For the 2005 tax year, the Tax Department processed over 330,000 individual income tax returns.

"North Dakota is making real progress these days and our economy is growing and expanding," said Fong. We've added thousands of new jobs and we see from the 2005 state individual income tax returns that wages are on the rise."

Recent reports from Job Service North Dakota show that North Dakota added nearly 4,000 jobs during 2005, suggesting widespread gains in employment and a reduction in the unemployment rate to a moderate 3.4 percent.

"Our economy is expanding," said Fong. "And it is consistent with good, sound tax policies that have led to solid job growth."

Fong attributed the success in job growth to the tax department working with other agencies to create opportunities for job creation as well as recent proposals to continue stimulating job growth and economic expansion.

Citing the biodiesel plant in Velva and the new ethanol plant in Hankinson, Fong said, "These are examples of the Tax Department being engaged with other agencies to cut through the red tape, solve problems, and find solutions to encourage new business ventures."

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Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Botched Joke? - Not Funny Senator Kerry!


Conrad, Dorgan and Pomeroy Silent on Kerry Outburst

BISMARCK, ND – Today, North Dakota Republican Party State Chairman Ken Karls released the following statement in response to Senator John Kerry’s (D-MA) comments concerning the education of members of the Armed Forces.

“Senator Kerry is stuck in the 70’s. America’s Armed Forces are an all-volunteer force, and North Dakotans who volunteer to serve in the military deserve to be applauded for their patriotic commitment to protecting our nation, and not have their education level questioned by a US Senator. What is as disappointing as Senator Kerry’s comments is the near-deafening silence of Senator Conrad, Senator Dorgan and Congressman Pomeroy in denouncing Kerry’s insult to our military. Or do they agree with Senator Kerry?”

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA) HAS REPEATEDLY ATTACKED
U.S. TROOPS AT WAR


FACT: Sen. Kerry Implied U.S. Troops Were Uneducated:

Sen. Kerry: "You know education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't you get stuck in Iraq." (NBC 4's Website, http://www.nbc4.tv/video/10195506/index.html, Accessed 10/31/06)

FLASHBACK FACT: Sen. Kerry Said U.S. Troops Were "Terrorizing" Iraqis:

FLASHBACK: Sen. Kerry In Dec. 2005: "[T]here is no reason, Bob, that young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children ..." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 12/4/05)


FLASHBACK FACT: Sen. Kerry Said U.S. Troops Were "Part Of The Problem":

Sen. Kerry In January 2005: "I agree with Sen. Kennedy that we have become the target and part of the problem today, if not the problem." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 1/30/05)


The Picture featured is one of US Troops reacting to Senator Kerry's Comments

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In Case You Missed It ... Grand Forks Herald Endorses Stenehjem, Clark, Jaeger, Fong and Goehring

OUR OPINION : Forum Co. picks for statewide contests-11/01/2006
Our opinion: : This year, the Herald joins Forum Communications Co. in endorsing candidates for statewide office.

Earlier this year, the Herald announced that there would be no editorial endorsements this year. Events intervened, however. Forum Communications Co. bought the Herald in June. FCC endorses candidates in all of its newspapers. These endorsements represent the opinion of FCC.
Here are endorsements in North Dakota statewide races:
…….
For state attorney general: Wayne Stenehjem.
For secretary of state: Al Jaeger.
For commissioner of agriculture: Doug Goehring.
For public service commissioner: Tony Clark.
For tax commissioner: Cory Fong.


To view the full article please visit http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=15300&section=Opinion

North Dakota Democrat’s Out-of-State Special Interest Donation Gravy Train Continues to Roll On

Democrats Try to Buy North Dakota Elections with Out-of-State Checkbook

BISMARCK, ND – According to documents filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the North Dakota Democrat – NPL Party reported raising an additional $53,000 in large donations from out-of-state special interests in the past 10 days.

“The North Dakota Democrat Party continues to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from liberal out-of-state special interests. With their candidates and Party being funded almost entirely with these large out-of-state donations, the voters of North Dakota are beginning to wonder who the Democrats will represent – the people of North Dakota or their wealthy donors from New York, Texas and Washington D.C,” said Jason Stverak, Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party. “North Dakotans deserve to know what are the motives for these individuals to make such large donations and what access it buys with the North Dakota Democrats and their elected officials.”

Additions to the Who’s Who of Democrat Out-of-State Donors

Headwaters Inc PAC Utah $5,000
Richard Scruggs Mississippi $10,000
National Multi-Housing Council PAC Washington, D.C. $3,000
Malachi Mixon, III Ohio $10,000
Monte Friedkin Florida $5,000
Peter Angelos Maryland $20,000

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Tuesday, October 31, 2006

In Case You Missed It ... Fargo Forum Editorial: Goehring for N.D. AG Department

Forum Editorial: Goehring for N.D. ag department
The Forum - 10/31/2006

Menoken, N.D., farmer Doug Goehring has our endorsement for North Dakota commissioner of agriculture. Goehring, who again is attempting to unseat incumbent Commissioner Roger Johnson, faces an uphill battle, if recent assessments of the race are accurate. But his qualifications and knowledge of the challenges of 21st century production agriculture qualify him for the job.

Johnson has been a good commissioner. It would be dishonest to conclude otherwise. But his farming philosophy seems rooted in the past. While he’s worked hard to expand the base of agriculture and agri-business in North Dakota, the basic underpinnings of his views about farming seem anti-business. And these days, farming requires a hard-nosed business model to compete in a hostile global marketplace.

Goehring is a serious student of the economics of modern agriculture. His knowledge of both the small and big issues is impressive. His ability to see the need for the integration of North Dakota farming into the global agriculture marketplace will serve the state well. He’s taken that knowledge and developed an approach to farming that embraces change, yet recognizes the legitimate need for a sound farm support program, including workable crop insurance and a permanent disaster provision in the farm bill.

Goehring is an active farmer. He knows what drought means because he’s been on the land. He knows what it takes to keep a family farm operation in the black when weather and/or market conditions turn bad.

To read the rest of the article please visit: http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/144560

Monday, October 30, 2006

In Case You Missed It …. Fargo Forum Editorial: Stenehjem should stay on the job

The Forum
Published Monday, October 30, 2006

Wayne Stenehjem should be re-elected North Dakota’s attorney general. He’s compiled an impressive record of service. He’s been a national leader in the fight against methamphetamine. He’s a champion of protecting, enforcing and enhancing state’s open meetings and open records laws.

The attorney general is running against Mayville attorney Bill Brudvik. The challenger is an experienced, respected attorney. His motivation to run for the job was not political. He genuinely wants to serve the state as an effective, experienced public official. He wins praise for that approach.

But as qualified as Brudvik is to be attorney general, North Dakotans do not need change in that office. Stenehjem’s tenure has been distinguished by focused attention to the office’s many mandates. He has an excellent legal and support staff, and he’s the first to credit them with the office’s consistent success. That’s a mark of good leadership.

His other accomplishments include reviving a cold case unit, a crime lab upgrade, new techniques to detect and arrest Internet criminals. He’s also been a leading voice for criminal rehabilitation and treatment rather than jail time alone.
Stenehjem has earned a third term.

Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.

If you would like to view the original story please visit http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/144479

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In Case You Missed It …. Fargo Forum Editorial: Clark has earned a second 6-year term on N.D. PSC

The Forum
Published Monday, October 30, 2006

Tony Clark’s service on the North Dakota Public Service Commission has been effective, balanced and appropriately low-key. He realizes the complexity of the PSC’s mandate and takes seriously his role as the public’s voice in utility and other regulation.

Clark is being challenged by Fargo attorney Cheryl Bergian. Her campaign has been mostly a one-note song about the alleged gaps in cell phone service in the state. Yes, there are some gaps. But the PSC’s authority in compelling cell phone companies to close the gaps is limited by law. Clark and the commission have put in place a program to raise awareness of the cell phone gap issue, and it’s working.

But the assumption in Bergian’s campaign that the PSC and Clark can magically wave a wand and guarantee high-quality cell phone coverage everywhere all the time is unrealistic.
Clark has helped move the PSC toward a balance between industry’s legitimate needs and consumer advocacy and protection. Holding that balance is a difficult job, given the PSC’s limited resources. But Clark has done well and deserves re-election.

Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.

If you would like to view the original story please visit http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/144480.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

In Case You Missed It ... Minot Daily News: Jaeger, Fong Should Be Re-Elected

Jaeger, Fong should be re-elected
Oct. 25, 2006
Minot Daily News

Incumbents in any political race usually have several advantages, including name recognition and more money in the bank. Challengers face the often daunting task of convincing voters that the incumbent has done something wrong and doesn’t deserve to be re-elected.Such is the case with the races for North Dakota tax commissioner and secretary of state.•

Cory Fong has been tax commissioner since being appointed in June 2005. He is being challenged by Brent Edison. Since Fong took office, corporate tax collections are up, the department processed a record number of tax filings and the department is roughly $1 million under budget in implementing its Integrated Tax System. Those are significant successes. Edison says he would use the office as more of a bully pulpit, and says the tax commissioner should do more in presenting tax policy alternatives to the legislature. Both candidates say out-of-state corporations should pay their fair share of taxes, and both would like to continue to upgrade the system for online filing. We think Fong’s done a fine job in his short time in office, and we expect him to be a stronger voice on tax policy in his next term. The Minot Daily News endorses Cory Fong for tax commissioner.

• Al Jaeger has been secretary of state for 13 years. His opponent, Kristin Hedger, has made a point of hammering Jaeger about the accuracy in the election process. She says any electronic system is susceptible to software problems or glitches. Jaeger has consistently responded that election software must already be independently tested, and that the state already conducts its own thorough testing of the equipment. It seems to be Hedger’s only issue of late, and we think Jaeger has adequately addressed those concerns. Jaeger has done a good job in office, and we don’t think Hedger’s main concern – the reliability of our electronic voting system – has been a problem. The Minot Daily News endorses Al Jaeger for secretary of state.

If you would like to view the original article please visit: http://www.minotdailynews.com/Editorials/articles.asp?articleID=6418

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Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Matt Mechtel: Beltway Seduction Corrupts

From today's Fargo Forum

Beltway seduction corrupts

By Matt Mechtel - 10/24/2006

Washington has become a different world, a world far removed from North Dakota.
Unfortunately, many times those who have been elected end up reflecting Washington views and attitudes. Those who succumb to the Beltway seduction believe they are above the law. This is not new. The Abscam scandal was a manifestation of the Beltway attitude. This elitist attitude has been demonstrated, once again, by Congressman Bob Ney’s refusal to resign after pleading guilty to corruption.

This is not a partisan issue; it is a Potomac issue. Whether it isbig-money lobbyists, self-serving journalists or career bureaucrats, the power to corrupt is all around D.C. It is not only criminal and political corruption that threatens our country. Too many congressmen and senators come to reflect the inside-the-beltway view. This view is very different from the Midwestern common sense, conservative approach that we are used to.

I am running for Congress. You have the right to ask what I would do to ensure that your views and attitudes, along with my principles, will not be compromised during my time in Washington. That is a legitimate question and one that every voter should ask of everyone running for office, particularly national office.

I am a farmer and small businessman. I have spent my life working the soil. My family, my faith, my friends and my farm have formed the set of values I live by. I do not intend to leave them in North Dakota. They will be at the forefront of my approach to the issues and challenges facing our country and state the next two years. My family and friends would expect no less, and you should not expect less of me, either. I expect you to hold me to my commitment to resist the allure of the inside-the-beltway crowd and their corruptive power.

I will not be a quiet, back-of-the-room congressman. That is not my nature. I am a farmer; when I see something that endangers my crops and threatens the future, I do what is necessary. I will take that approach in Washington.

I will post on the Web, every day, my activities of the previous day. You will know who I met with, what bills we worked on, what happened in my committee meetings, and what I did on the floor of Congress. I will post what legislation is being discussed and when hearings and votes will be taken. That will allow you, as my boss, to give me your position on any issue under consideration. I will also post the special-interest lobbyists who visit me. So, there will be no secrets. I will sponsor a bill and lead the effort to make this mandatory for every member of Congress.

I will sponsor a bill to prohibit those who leave the House and Senate and the executive branch, for whatever reason, from ever lobbying Congress and the executive branch. Lobbying has become a corruptive influence on legislation. A perfect example is immigration. The overwhelming majority of Americans of all ethnic backgrounds strongly support an end to illegal immigration. Lobbyists from every special interest swarmed over Congress like an invasion of locusts.

We can change the atmosphere in Washington. Shining the light of truth and common sense will work wonders. I know this will not be popular in D.C., but, as every farmer knows, you have to get rid of the weeds and rot before a bumper crop can grow. Washington is no different. We can do better.

Mechtel, Page, N.D., is the Republican-endorsed candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. E-mail matt@mattmechtel.com

Sunday, October 22, 2006

In Case You Missed It ... Bismarck Tribune: Goehring the Choice for Ag Commissioner



In Case You Missed It ….. Bismarck Tribune: Goehring the Choice for Ag Commissioner

October 22, 2006

The state Department of Agriculture serves a major role in North Dakota, and it matters greatly who leads it.
Its commissioner does more than administer programs. The ag commissioner has the capacity to determine priorities in how the department serves the agricultural industry in the state. The commissioner can, to an increasing degree, lead the efforts of producers to develop markets for the food, fiber and, nowadays, sources of fuel that come from the state’s farms and ranches.
Roger Johnson has been leading the department capably since 1996, but it’s time to inject new ideas and new energy.Doug Goehring, a Menoken farmer, would be a good choice to lead the department in this critical era for the state’s farmers, ranchers and the people in the economic engine that agriculture sustains — in a sense, all of us in the state.

The Tribune urges voters to approve Goehring.

To view the full article please visit http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2006/10/22/news/opinion/editorials/doc453a7977dbdd2147775187.txt



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Thursday, October 19, 2006

In Case You Missed It ... Fargo Forum Editorial: Beware of Goodies from Dems

Fargo Forum Editorial: Beware of goodies from Dems

The Forum - 10/19/2006

North Dakota Democrats have rolled out property tax and education proposals that are more political than serious. Not only would they be dead on arrival at the Legislature, they also reinforce the tax-and-spend label that Democrats just can’t seem to shed.

The Democrats’ plans apparently are responses to more fiscally responsible proposals by Gov. John Hoeven and Republican legislative leaders. The Dems seem to be waving potentially very expensive carrots at North Dakota voters in an attempt to pick up votes for their tax commissioner candidate, Brent Edison. Edison is challenging incumbent Republican Tax Commissioner Cory Fong, who was appointed to the job. Democrats believe they can knock him off because he’s not an established incumbent.

The politics of the issue are entertaining, but the dollar-and-cents details are more important. The governor’s property tax relief plan is generous and practical in that it includes a simple mechanism for counties to handle the tax break. Taxpayers would see a clear tax-savings line-item on their annual property tax statements. Based on budget surplus projections, the governor’s more conservative plan appears to be sustainable.

The Democrats’ proposal is a pie-in-the-sky assumption that more state money for school districts would automatically translate into property tax relief. It’s also very expensive –
$160 million for schools, compared to Hoeven’s $60 million in additional funding for K-12 education.

(The governor’s property tax plan would cost the state an estimated
$116 million in direct relief to property owners.)

To read the full article please visit http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/143277

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Friday, October 13, 2006

In Case You Missed It ... Bismarck Tribune: Clark Should Stay on PSC

Bismarck Tribune

October 13, 2006

Clark should stay on PSC

Tony Clark, the incumbent president of the North Dakota Public Service Commission, displays an impressive amount of knowledge about the entities and industries the commission deals with or is charged with regulating.

The Tribune's opinion is that North Dakota voters would do well to re-elect him in November.Clark's knowledge of telecommunications public policy is recognized nationally. But he can as easily talk about the progress made in the reclamation of land mined for coal. He becomes animated in speaking about the need for upgrading the electrical transmission infrastructure, so necessary for the future health of an important industry in the state, power generation.

He admits readily that there has been a great deal he's needed to learn in his more than five years as a commissioner - after all, how many of us need to know the requirements for licensing auctioneers as a prerequisite to qualifying for our jobs?

It wasn't as if he came to the position lacking a breadth of experience in public service. He served in the Legislature and had responsible positions in the state's executive branch.

To view the full article please visit www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2006/10/13/news/opinion/editorials/122204.txt

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Democrat Senate Leader Caught With Hand in the Cookie Jar

TEN QUESTIONS FOR SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV) RELATED TO HIS $1 MILLION LAND DEAL

QUESTION ONE: Why Did You Fail To Disclose Your Land Deal, Thus Violating Ethics Rules In The Process?:

"Reid Did Not Disclose To Congress An Earlier Sale In Which He Transferred His Land To A Company Created By A Friend And Took A Financial Stake In That Company ..." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"Senate Ethics Rules Require Lawmakers To Disclose On Their Annual Ethics Report All Transactions Involving Investment Properties Regardless Of Profit Or Loss And To Report Any Ownership Stake In Companies." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"Kent Cooper, Who Oversaw Government Disclosure Reports For Federal Candidates For Two Decades In The Federal Election Commission, Said Reid's Failure To Report The 2001 Sale And His Ties To Brown's Company Violated Senate Rules." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION TWO: Did You Hide Your Partnership With Jay Brown Because He Was At The Center Of A "Major Political Bribery Trial"?:

"[Reid's] Deal Was Engineered By Jay Brown, A Longtime Friend And Former Casino Lawyer Whose Name Surfaced In A Major Political Bribery Trial This Summer And In Other Prior Organized Crime Investigations." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"In 2001, Reid Sold The Land For The Same Price To A Limited Liability Corporation Created By Brown. The Senator Didn't Disclose The Sale On His Annual Public Ethics Report Or Tell Congress He Had Any Stake In Brown's Company." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION THREE: Did You Lobby Your Then-Protégé - And Now Convicted Felon - For Help With The Clark County Commission?:

Former House Candidate Dario Herrera (D-NV), Hand Picked To Run By Harry Reid, Was Sentenced To 50-Months In Jail For Accepting Bribes While Chairing The Clark County Commission From 1998-2002. (Adrienne Packer, "Judge Hammers Herrera," Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/22/06; Jane Ann Morrison, "Reid Says He's Abandoning Candidate Recruitment In Wake Of 2002 Fiasco," Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12/15/03)

In 2002, When Sen. Reid Was "Pressed About All [Of Herrera's] Ethics Problems," He Said: "[Herrera Is] An Honest Man" And "Reaffirmed That Herrera Had His Vote Of Confidence." (National Journal's House Race Hotline, 3/12/02)

Reid Spokesman Nathan Naylor: "Dario [Herrera] is an outstanding candidate, and he has the full support of Senator Reid." (John Mercurio, "[Herrera's] Rocky Month," Roll Call, 4/1/02)
Judge Larry Hicks: "I have never before witnessed a witness spin so carefully the evidence ... This is a collection of convictions that is shocking and extremely disturbing ... this man was Chairman of the Clark County Commission when all these felony offenses occurred." (Adrienne Packer, "Judge Hammers Herrera," Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/22/06)

QUESTION FOUR: Did A Former Aide Express Concern To You That You Should Report The Land Deal?:

"[The Associated Press] First Learned Of The Transaction From A Former Reid Aide Who Expressed Concern The Deal Hadn't Been Properly Reported." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION FIVE: Why Did You Not Disclose "Gifts" Of Extra Income Relating To The Land Deal?:

"Ethics Experts Said Such Informality Raises Questions About Whether Any Of Brown's Tax Payments Amounted To A Benefit For Reid. 'It Might Be A Gift,' Cooper Said." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"[Stanley Brand, Former Democratic Chief Counsel Of The House ] Said The IRS Might View The Handling Of The Land Taxes As Undisclosed Income To Reid ..." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION SIX: Why Did Government Officials Feel "Pressured" By Your Discussions On Behalf Of Del Webb Corp.?:

"Around The Time Of The 1998 Sale, [Fred] Lessman And His Company Were Completing A Complicated Federal Land Transfer That Also Involved An Arizona-Based Developer Named Del Webb Corp." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"For Years, Reid Also Had Been Encouraging Interior To Make Land Swaps On Behalf Of Del Webb, Where One Of His Former Aides Worked. In 1994, Reid Wrote A Letter ... On Behalf Of Del Webb, And Then Met Personally With A Top Federal Land Official In Nevada. That Official Claimed In Media Reports He Felt Pressured By The Senator." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"The Next Year, Reid Collected $18,000 In Political Donations From Del Webb's Political Action Committee And Employees." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION SEVEN: What Was Your Involvement When A Consultant Used Your Name In Pressuring The Clark County Commission To Rezone The Land Included In This Deal?:

"Clark County Intended For The Property Reid Owned To Be Used Solely For New Housing, Records Show. Just Days Before Reid Sold The Parcels To Brown's Company, Brown Sought Permission In May 2001 To Rezone The Properties So A Shopping Center Could Be Built." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"Career Zoning Officials Objected, Saying The Request Was 'Inconsistent' With Clark County's Master Development Plan. The Town Board In Spring Valley, Where Reid's Property Was Located, Also Voted 4-1 To Reject The Rezoning." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"Before The Approval In September 2001, Brown's Consultant Told Commissioners That Reid Was Involved. 'Mr. Brown's Partner Is Harry Reid, So I Think We Have People In This Community Who You Can Trust To Go Forward And Put A Quality Project Before You,' The Consultant Testified." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION EIGHT: Why Did You Not Disclose Your Ownership Stake In Patrick Lane LLC?:

"Reid And His Wife, Landra, Personally Signed The Deeds Selling Their Full Interest In The Property To Brown's Company, Patrick Lane LLC, For The Same $400,000 They Paid In 1998 ..." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"Despite The Sale, Reid Continued To Report On His Public Ethics Reports That He Personally Owned The Land Until It Was Sold Again In 2004. His Disclosure Forms To Congress Do Not Mention An Interest In Patrick Lane Or The Company's Role In The 2004 Sale." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"Reid Isn't Listed Anywhere On Patrick Lane's Corporate Filings With Nevada, Even Though The Land He Sold Accounted For Three-Quarters Of The Company's Assets." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION NINE: Did You Fail To Pay Property Taxes On This Land Deal?:

"[Reid And Brown] Continued To Pay The Property Taxes From Their Personal Checking Accounts Even After The Land Was Sold To Patrick Lane In 2001 ..." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

"[U]ltimately, Reid Paid About 74 Percent Of The Property Taxes ... One Year, The Property Tax Payments Were Delinquent And Resulted In A Small Penalty ..." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

QUESTION TEN: Why Did You Hang Up The Phone On A Reporter Who Wanted To Discuss This Land Deal?:

"Reid Hung Up The Phone When Questioned About The Deal During An AP Interview ..." (John Solomon and Kathleen Hennessey, "Reid Got $1 Million For Land He Hadn't Owned For 3 Years," The Associated Press, 10/11/06)

Click Here To Listen To Sen. Reid Hang Up On A Reporter.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Mechtel Talks Military Issues

Matt Mechtel, Republican candidate for Congress, said that we must add personnel to our military. In news conferences held in Grand Forks and Minot, he laid out proposals related to meeting the challenges posed by the War on Terror.

“We must increase the size of our military to meet the threats posed by 21st Century terrorism. I agree with Senator McCain on this issue. We have to be able to put more troops on the ground wherever we are threatened. I recommend that we set a goal to add 100,000 troops, primarily in the Army and Marine Corps, to our active duty forces.”

Mr. Mechtel also called for speeded up deployment of the missile defense system to protect us and our allies.

“SDI will provide a shield for us and for our allies to protect us from missile attacks by rogue nations or terrorist groups. It will stop nations such as North Korea and Iran from threatening their neighbors with nuclear missile blackmail.”

He supported increasing pay and benefits for our military personnel.

“We need to increase the pay and benefits for all our troops; active duty, reserves, and national guard personnel. This will aid in attracting and retaining the best troops available.”

He called for enhanced military cooperation with Japan, Israel, and India. He also said that we have to protect our military and intelligence secrets better.

“Our military must be able to carry the fight to our enemies. They must have the ability to prevail in this war. There will be no higher priority for me in the next session of Congress.”

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

In Case You Missed It ….. Bismarck Tribune: Stenehjem has Earned Third Term in Office

Bismarck Tribune

October 10, 2006

Stenehjem has earned third term in office

Wayne Stenehjem and Bill Brudvik both have experience as attorneys to draw on, which is good, since each wants to be the North Dakota attorney general for the next four years — Stenehjem for his third term, Brudvik as a first-timer.

The similarity pretty much ends with their being lawyers.Brudvik has substantially more years of experience devoted to the practice of law, especially in representing cities, schools and water interests, while Stenehjem was busy serving the people of North Dakota in the political arena and as a capable attorney general.

The grounding in practical politics, chairing the judicial committees of both House and Senate, and after election as attorney general leading the staff in the representation of the state and its entities in significant litigation and mandated regulatory functions — these add up to enough of a reason to re-elect Stenehjem.

Perhaps the clearest distinction between the two men is in Brudvik’s saying, “I am a lawyer, not a career politician,” and Stenehjem’s for the most part demonstrating how a state attorney general’s role both fits into and should be held apart from politics.

Brudvik has latched onto Stenehjem’s record of decisions. He cites how he thinks the attorney general was responsible for prolonging the negotiations over a lawsuit by school districts against the state (Brudvik says, too long, and at too great an expense). He also faults how Stenehjem handled (Brudvik says, failed to investigate sufficiently) complaints in the controversy involving the Republican governor and members of the Board of Higher Education in the firing of university system Chancellor Robert Potts.

It comes with the territory, having one’s decisions criticized and one’s judgment questioned, when the race is for such an important position as attorney general and a challenger looks for issues weighty enough to unseat the incumbent. Stenehjem acted within the realm of good judgment.

Stenehjem offers his list of accomplishments and his record. They merit giving him another term.

To view the full article please visit http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2006/10/10/news/opinion/editorials/doc452af390556a5671542079.txt


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Monday, October 09, 2006

In Case You Missed It ….. Jaeger Best Fit for Secretary of State Post


Bismarck Tribune
Jaeger Best Fit for Secretary of State Post
October 9, 2006

Some jobs just aren’t exciting on the surface.

This election year many of the local and state races involve offices that perform important functions but operate out of the limelight.

The secretary of state’s race is one of them.The department handles campaign finance and disclosure reports; coordinates elections and results; and handles business filings, among other things.

Important work, but not something that grabs the public’s attention.

Republican Al Jaeger has held the office since 1993.

He’s worked over the years to improve the services the office provides the public.

He’s made technological improvements. He’s trained election workers on new machines and encouraged North Dakotans to vote.

Jaeger can go through an impressive list of accomplishments. It’s what he was elected to do, and he’s done a good job.

To view the full article please visit http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2006/10/09/news/opinion/editorials/doc4528061735c0f421902560.txt

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Sunday, October 08, 2006

Dwight Grotberg: A Better Plan for Farmers

From today's Fargo Forum

Your opinion: A better plan for farmers
By Dwight Grotberg - 10/08/2006

On Oct. 3, The Forum asked the question of where I stand on disaster legislation for our farmers. I believe we can secure funding for current disasters by laying out a new plan for future ones now.

A few days ago the disaster supplemental bill for our agricultural losses failed to pass again. The blame has been put on the president and Republican members of Congress for striking it down.
I believe it’s also the responsibility of our senator to write legislation that will get passed. This is the third year in a row that tying disaster assistance onto other pending legislation has failed. As a state, we need the president and both houses of Congress on the side of our farmers. We are losing national support, and we need to change our approach to making our needs known.

Three years of inadequately covered disasters are taking their toll on many farmers. In the future, North Dakota farmers need a plan that protects them from inevitable hard times.
I will work for legislative changes for our farmers as well as all consumers of energy. These changes include an overall strategy and long-term approach to secure a greater demand base for American agricultural products and stimulate a National Security Initiative through domestic energy production:

- A National Security Initiative for energy that works together with the 2007 farm bill. Energy prices are causing serious inflation throughout our economy. America can and should be the source for our energy needs, and traditional petroleum products and bio-fuels from America can meet this demand at a lower cost to consumers and the federal government.

- Reducing restrictions on building refineries and increasing domestic petroleum production. We must be able to meet petroleum demand by tapping into our reserves on coastal waters and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge region, as well as North Dakota’s own oil and coal reserves.

- Billions of dollars can be saved in the farm bill by higher demand for energy commodities such as corn, soybeans and canola. Increase in demand for these types of commodities helps to solve overproduction of other commodities. Livestock producers benefit from an abundant feed by-product supply. To prepare for disasters, we should use these potential savings to invest in a disaster relief fund and offer affordable insurance that matches cost of production. Federal assistance for emergencies can be provided quickly if the funding is already available.

- Protect our farmers and ranchers from environmental mandates that negatively affect production. Both grain and livestock producers are threatened from over-reaching national programs that don’t work for their local situations. Farmer-initiated and controlled conservation should be encouraged.

- Allow farmers and ranchers to put a significant percentage of their annual gross income into a tax-free shelter they could draw upon when a crisis occurs or when opportunities arise.

- Compensate farmers for land planted prior to flooding. Farmers are now covered only on those acres that are prevented from being planted. Yields should be calculated on only the harvested acres. Excess water is costing North Dakotans millions of dollars every year. Both farmers and local suppliers of inputs such as seed and machinery are affected. We need a solution to this problem.

- Protect our bio-fuel, sugar and livestock industries from unfair world trade issues. Free trade as a whole is beneficial; unfortunately, some industries become negatively affected and need to be protected.

We have to stop legislating from crisis to crisis. We need to be represented as a people with a plan in order to regain support from non-agriculture-centered states and our president. My plan will be based on growing both food and energy, for our farmers and for our national security.

Grotberg is a Wimbledon, N.D., area farmer and the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Poolman Protects North Dakota's Consumers


Poolman Permanently Revokes Fargo Agent's License

Bismarck, ND – Today Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman permanently revoked the insurance license of Fargo insurance agent David A. Skjerven. This action is a result of Skjerven's alleged misuse of millions of dollars of client funds.

Poolman said, "Skjerven's actions are deplorable. He took the trust that was given to him and has misused it in a way that has had disastrous effects on the lives of his clients."

Poolman's investigation revealed that Skjerven borrowed money from previous or current insurance clients and has failed to repay the money. State law prohibits a licensed insurance agent from soliciting or accepting a loan from any person with whom the agent has had an insurance relationship within the last ten years. It is alleged that Skjerven borrowed more than $2 million from clients.

"It seems the number of customers Skjerven defrauded seems to be growing on a daily basis. This clear breach of public trust is truly shameful," Poolman said.

The Department's investigation against Skjerven will continue. And Poolman stated, "I will do whatever I can to hold Skjerven accountable both criminally and civilly for this blatant abuse of his customers."

Skjerven has a right to an administrative hearing, but has waived that right and has instead agreed to the revocation of his North Dakota insurance license. In an earlier action, Poolman issued a Cease and Desist order that barred Skjerven from engaging in the business of insurance and started proceedings to revoke Skjerven's license.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Matt Mechtel Talks About the War on Terror and Protecting the American People


Matt Mechtel, Republican candidate for Congress, said that the United States must win the War on Terror and must not “cut and run”.

In news conferences held in Fargo and Bismarck, Mr. Mechtel said that, as painful as the war is, the alternative is much worse.

“The future, as envisioned by our enemies, is one of slavery, death, and darkness.”

He called for Congress to declare that a state of war exists between the United States and the forces of Terror.

He said that we need to have a security fence along the entire southern border and we need to strengthen our northern border. Mr. Mechtel said that the Patriot Act, the NSA program, the financial monitoring program, and the ability to use whatever means necessary, short of outright torture, to interrogate our enemy prisoners, must be made permanent.

“We must not tie the hands of those who are fighting this war abroad and at home.”He declared that we are in a World War and we must fight it that way.“This is a fight for the future of our nation and the world. And it is a fight we must win. I am going to be a leader, not a follower, in this effort in Congress.”

Monday, October 02, 2006

Jaeger Receives More Praise!

In Case You Missed It ….. Secretary of State Al Jaeger’s Public Service Announcements Win Awards

Fargo Forum

Political Notebook
Janell Cole and Don Davis10/02/2006

Voting ads win

A television and radio ad campaign urging voters to bring identification along to their polling places has won two awards for best public service announcements from the North Dakota Broadcasters Association.

The “I’m Pat Schmidt” ads were produced for the North Dakota Association of Counties by Odney Advertising.

The ads will be broadcast again this fall and can also be seen or heard on the secretary of state’s Web site, www.nd.gov/sos/electvote.

If you would like to view the article, please visit http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=141553

- END -

Sunday, October 01, 2006

KXMB TV - Hedger's residency questioned

Questions continue to surround the Hedger Campaign.

Hedger's residency questioned
Sep 27 2006 7:36PM
KXMB TV

This woman is running for Secretay of State, but some question if she should be able to.

Can Kristin Hedger run for statewide office as a North Dakota resident? That's an issue following the Democrat candidate for Secretary of State.

Click Here to read the rest of the news report: http://www.kxmb.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=49399

In Case You Missed It ….. Bismarck Tribune Editorial: Tax relief proposal workable

Bismarck Tribune Editorial: Tax relief proposal workable
Sunday, October 01, 2006

Gov. John Hoeven characterizes his property tax relief proposal as simple and basic. It is that. It’s also restrained and workable.

County tax officials would figure a residential property owner’s bill in the normal way and take 10 percent off the top. Owners of farm land and commercial property would get a 5 percent reduction.

The state would then reimburse the counties with the total amount that they have discounted. Decisions about spending and tax mill levies are local matters, and nothing in the governor’s proposal changes that.

The plan could be altered by the Legislature in the upcoming session, but it likely would be a mistake to make the formula more complicated.

It would be an effective approach to giving relief to property owners statewide, because they do pay too much in property tax.

It also would be a responsible way of spending down the $500 million surplus in the state treasury and anticipated revenues.

Taxpayers might delight in having an even deeper cut in their annual statement, but state support of K through 12 public education should have a valid claim on a good chunk of the surplus. Hoeven also would like a prudent amount of the surplus retained to cushion the state during fiscal bumps.

A competing idea has been floated to reduce the total amount of taxes North Dakotans pay by making a cut in the state’s share of the sales tax, or by cutting the sales tax by a smaller percentage and giving a bit of help on property tax.

That dog won’t hunt.

If you would like to view the article, please visit http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2006/10/01/news/opinion/editorials/doc451ed2b74c8d4767877534.txt
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Saturday, September 30, 2006

North Dakota voting systems thoroughly tested and reliable

ConradI hope you will take the time to read this Letter to the Editor from Cass County Auditor Mike Montplaisir that appeared in today's Fargo Forum.

Seems that once again Kristin Hedger's attacks are off the mark. Nothing new there.

North Dakota voting systems thoroughly tested and reliable
By Michael Montplaisir
Saturday, September 30, 2006

machines,” published Thursday, Sept. 21, in The Forum, I feel it is my duty as an election official in North Dakota and as a member of the committee responsible for selecting the election equipment used in North Dakota, to correct any existing misconceptions.

Since the passage of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), a number of people have been involved in planning the future of elections in the state. In 2003, the Legislature passed legislation accommodating the provisions of HAVA. Shortly thereafter, a statewide planning committee, which included representation from no fewer than 13 interest groups and private citizens, prepared a State Plan for HAVA compliance, which was reviewed and approved by the federal government.

With the state’s plan in place, a statewide election equipment procurement committee researched equipment options and proposals and hammered out contract details for new election equipment for the state. Before any equipment was implemented, the equipment was tested, certified and accepted by the state, and extensive training was provided for the state’s 53 county auditors and their staff.

Through all of this, North Dakota’s county auditors have been very active and have received the best possible support and training from the secretary of state and his staff.

By law, the counties test the software and equipment publicly prior to every election, and North Dakota has proactively addressed any potential election day issues by providing every county in the state “back-up” equipment ready to use if needed. Cass County has been using election equipment from Election Systems & Software (ES&S) of Omaha, Neb. since 1984, and during that time, there have been numerous recounts on close races…and there has never been a problem with the results on the equipment.

Cass County and all North Dakota voters are secure in knowing their counties and the state are continually working to ensure every vote counts.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Matt Mechtel Comments on Public Expression of Religion Protection Act

Matt Mechtel, Republican candidate for Congress, congratulated the House of Representatives for passing the Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act. The Act would stop judges from awarding fees and legal costs to groups that sue states and local communities about religious and historical monuments.

“The U.S. House of Representatives stood up to the ACLU and other radical groups who are seeking to destroy our nation’s religious and cultural heritage. These groups not only seek to eliminate our religious heritage, but they also profit from liberal judges imposing excessive fees on local government units.”

He said that he disagreed with Congressman Pomeroy’s vote against the bill.

“The Congressman decided to vote with the ACLU and against the interests of North Dakota taxpayers and citizens. I would have voted for it and would have proudly been signed on as a sponsor.”

Mr. Mechtel noted that the American Legion, several major religious organizations, including the Southern Baptist Convention, and other groups, strongly supported the bill.“These extremist groups cherry pick leftwing, activist judges to hear these cases in order to ensure that the lawsuits are successful. I join with the American Legion and other responsible groups who support this legislation and urge the United States Senate to quickly act and pass this bill.”

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Minot Daily News: Tax Commissioner - Implementing Property Tax Plan Will be Simple

Tax commissioner: implementing property-tax plan will be simple
Tuesday, September 26, 2006

The owner of a $100,000 house in Minot would save about $242 in property taxes under a Republican plan headed to the 2007 Legislature.

State Tax Commissioner Cory Fong, who assisted in developing the plan, held a news conference Monday in the Ward County Auditor’s Office in Minot to discuss how counties would implement the plan. If passed by the Legislature, the tax relief would affect property-tax bills that go out in December 2007.

Gov. John Hoeven, along with state Sen. Dwight Cook of Mandan and Rep. Wes Belter of Leonard, unveiled a plan last week that provides $116 million for property-tax relief. The plan reduces property taxes by subtracting 10 percent of the bill from residential tax statements and 5 percent from agricultural and commercial tax statements.

Homeowners would get breaks totaling $77 million, businesses $22 million, and farmers and ranchers $17 million over the 2007-09 biennium.

The state would write a check to counties to cover the deductions. County auditors would distribute the appropriate share of the state money to cities, park boards, townships, fire districts and other taxing entities.

“We tried to look for a plan that was simple, fair, easy to implement and, obviously, sustainable going forward,” Fong said. “This is meaningful, and it has impact.”

To read the full story visit http://www.minotdailynews.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=5757.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

When Clinton Attacks.....

If you have not had the opportunity to see President Clinton's meltdown about failing to deal with Bin Laden on Fox News click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvQmrtuQUnI.

It is hard to believe that President Clinton attacks President George W. Bush for failing to get Bin Laden in the first eight months of his Presidency when Clinton could not get the job done during his eight years in office.

Minot Daily News: Hoeven Property Tax Cut - "a great plan"

Minot Daily News

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Using surplus wisely

We support Gov. John Hoeven’s plan for North Dakota homeowners to get a 10 percent cut on their property taxes for each of the next two years, a plan that would cost the state $116 million over two years.
The plan is simple: County tax officials will calculate property taxes as they normally do, then simply reduce the tax by 10 percent. Owners of farm land and commercial property would get a 5 percent cut in their tax bills.
Opponents of the plan say the Hoeven administration has had the opportunity to push such an initiative before, but waited until two months before the election to announce the plan. Other Democrats say the plan doesn’t go far enough, that the plan doesn’t offer anything new for education funding.Certainly the timing of the announcement could be criticized, but saving such plans for election time isn’t anything new. The average citizen doesn’t care when the plan is rolled out – they’re just happy that property taxes would be cut 10 percent for the next two years.
With a projected budget surplus of more than $500 million, North Dakota is sitting pretty well right now. The obvious goal is to use that money in ways to best help everyone, including property tax relief and education funding. Hoeven says the property tax initiative won’t change his plan to push lawmakers to increase state aid to schools by at least $60 million over the next two years.
If the state can spend some of the surplus on property tax relief, some on education funding and save some for a time when we may not have a surplus, that makes sense to us. This sounds like a great plan.

Fong Proposes Clear Plan for Property Tax Relief

I hope you will take the time to read this Letter to the Editor from today's Bismarck Tribune.

While his opponent just talks, Cory Fong has put forward a plan to reduce property taxes.

Cory Fong is getting the job done as Tax Commissioner


Bismarck Tribune

Tax relief plan fair, sustainable

By CORY FONG
Bismarck

North Dakota is in the midst of an economic resurgence. Virtually every business sector is growing. Despite the drought’s impact on agriculture, North Dakota’s economy is expected to grow for years to come.

As a result of the strong economy and sound fiscal management, North Dakota has the resources to invest in our priorities like job creation, education and caring for our elderly, without raising taxes. We are in a position to provide, for the first time, direct property tax relief for our families, seniors, farmers and small businesses.

Since being appointed tax commissioner just over a year ago, I have spent a great deal of time and energy working with the governor’s office and legislative leadership to develop a property tax relief plan. I made the issue the centerpiece of my speech at this year’s North Dakota Republican Convention in April.

On Tuesday, we unveiled the fruits of our effort. Our plan will provide for direct property tax relief. It’s not just more government spending with the hope that it trickles down and lowers property taxes, but direct property tax relief that is fair, easy to understand and implement, maintains local control and is sustainable without future state sales or income tax increases.

Our plan provides $116 million in direct property tax relief to the people of North Dakota through a 10 percent reduction in residential property taxes and 5 percent reduction in agricultural and commercial property taxes. The amount of the relief will be subtracted from your county’s annual property tax bill, and the state will reimburse the county for the amount of your property tax relief.

For example, a homeowner with a $120,000 home will get an average of $217 credited a year on their property tax bill. The owner of a 1,300-acre farm or ranch will get an average of $372 credited. And a business owner with a $300,000 commercial property will get an average of $300 credited.

In addition to the efficient, effective management of our agencies, the No. 1 job for all elected officials must still be the creation of more well-paying jobs. With those jobs will come an even stronger economy and more money to invest in our priorities, including much needed property tax relief.

As tax commissioner, I am working hard every day to make North Dakota an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

(Fong is running for election as tax commissioner in the November election. — Editor)

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Hedger Campaign Full of Hot Air

Forum Editorial: Candidate needs to check facts

The Forum - 09/22/2006

The latest blast of hot air from the Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota secretary of state is more politics than policy. Kristin Hedger, who has been trying mightily to discredit the work of incumbent Republican Secretary of State Al Jaeger, lobbed more charges at Jaeger this week, none of which stand up to a fact check.

First, she said the secretary of state’s office “outsources” vote counting. Clever use of words, but a tad dishonest. “Outsourcing” is one of those hot-button terms designed to get attention. But in the context in which Hedger used it, it’s a misrepresentation of how Jaeger’s office has improved vote counting across the state in concert with county auditors.

North Dakota’s vote-counting systems were purchased from the Nebraska firm ES&S. The company won the work by competitive bidding, and its technology was vigorously tested. As with any new technology, there was a glitch or two, but nothing approaching the “hundreds of failures” Hedger suggests.

By the way, ES&S is a reliable company that has provided voting technology to the state for years – before 1993 when Jaeger was elected. His predecessor was a Democrat.

If you would like to read the rest of the editorial please visit: http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/140486

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Mechtel Hails House Vote to Ensure 'Safe Borders and Safe Ballot Boxes"

Matt Mechtel, Republican candidate for Congress, hailed the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to require prospective voters to show proof of citizenship in order to vote.

“This vote shows that the Republicans in Congress are serious about keeping illegal aliens out of the voting booth. Voting is a basic right, reserved for citizens of this country.”

Mr. Mechtel noted that the Democrats in the House of Representatives strongly opposed stopping illegal aliens from voting. One of their stated objections was that this might suppress the vote.“Democrats know a great deal about suppressing the vote.

For a century, Democrats in the South suppressed the black vote. As late as 1964, Democrats were fighting against allowing blacks to vote. Led by Al Gore, Senior and Robert Byrd, they filibustered the Voting Rights Amendment. So, they know, full well, that yesterday’s vote had nothing to do with stopping qualified citizens from voting.”

He said that the Democrats’ opposition to stopping illegal aliens from voting is consistent with their opposition to securing our borders. “Democrats have shown that they do not want to secure our borders or our ballot boxes. The American people want, as Congressman John Mica says, safe borders and safe ballot boxes.”