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)
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