The general election for 2014 is a little more than two months away. There are federal, state and county offices up for election.
One office, state agriculture commissioner, is an important office for the future of western North Dakota. The person who holds this office impacts the agriculture and oil industry in many ways, as the person serves on various state committees that regulate both of these industries.
Candidates have a record to check for information. Their votes on various topics are recorded in the state records for public information. One is the current agriculture commissioner and the other served as a state senator for some time. Personally, I have a few items to consider when I decide who to vote for.
Spending of public funds: How does each candidate handle the public funds of the state? Their personal handling of finances and their voting for state projects are important to me. Are they big spenders or are they conservative?
Government involvement in our personal lives: Has the candidate voted for more government or less government? Does the candidate believe government can solve the issues facing the agriculture and oil industry, or does the candidate believe we the people can solve our own issues?
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Government regulation: Has the candidate voted for more regulation or less regulation to enforce our state laws and rules for the agriculture and oil industry?
Progressive or regressive: Does the candidate show he is thinking of new ideas and ways to improve the agriculture and oil industry in our state? Both of the candidates are businessmen. One is a farmer and the other is a rancher. How do they run their personal business? Are they progressing their operation for the 21st century, or are they operating their business like their father did with no new ideas to improve the production of their business?
As I stated before, this office affects all of us in western North Dakota. We need to know how each candidate thinks and acts before we vote. There is a difference in these two men. Remember, "Talk is cheap, actions are everything."
Editor's note: Nodland is from Dickinson, N.D.
