FAQ
Why was it important to you to run for this position?
For several years after college, my wife and I lived out of state. However, because we both grew up in North Dakota, we were anxious to return after starting a family. Being away we appreciated even more the safe communities, good educational systems, recreational options, and friendly people of North Dakota. The pro-business climate helped make it possible for us to start a small business.
I am running for the legislature to give back to the state that has given so much to me and my family, and to work to ensure that my children, other North Dakota kids, and all residents can continue to have the same desire to live and prosper here.
What do you want to accomplish in the first year if you are elected?
My first-year priority will be the same as my campaign efforts- taking time to know the residents of District 8 and learning what is important to them. I plan to be accessible, responsive, and honest with my constituents. I want to continue to learn the key issues for this district and find like-minded fellow legislators to advance those priorities, policies, and investments for the voters I represent.
What do you feel are the top three issues that need to be addressed by the entity you are running for?
I am running for the North Dakota House of Representatives. I think the surpluses in Bismarck need to be returned to the citizens in the form of tax cuts and key local investments, not growing government. I believe the top priorities for the legislature are:
- Reduce the growth of state government.
- Return tax dollars to hard working North Dakotans.
- Fight to get state resources for the district, including for rural roads, law enforcement, emergency healthcare, and good schools.
I will advocate for the funds to be provided for local needs but without strings- let the locals make the decision on priorities and timelines.
What would you do to support a vibrant economy in our state?
work to reduce regulations and advocate for businesses that provide careers and opportunities for North Dakotans . I’ll support agriculture research and value-added business development and advocate for essential services in rural communities.
Energy is also important . The oil and gas industry employs over 50,000 people in our state and the coal industry accounts for another 13,000, many of them live in District 8. As a legislator, I will help continue responsible growth in the face of increasing federal regulation. Due to my recognition of their importance in our economy I am proud to have received support from the oil and gas industry, the Lignite Energy Council, and the business leaders in the Greater North Dakota Chamber.
What is your stance on access to abortion?
I am pro-life and believe that life begins at conception. I believe that human life is God-given and I adhere to the principle that each and every human life has inherent dignity, and thus must be treated with the respect due to a human person.
What is your stance on content selection and access to books in public libraries and K-12 classrooms.
Local communities should be the primary decision makers on what content and books are suitable for the people they serve. The role of state government is to provide a framework for individual communities to make their decisions. As a parent, I’m not overly concerned about the influence of libraries on my children. Kids these days are not getting materials from old-fashioned books, but rather can find any information that stirs their curiosity, objectionable or not, from computers and smartphones.
What is your stance on funding universal free school lunches for K-12?
I’m a strong supporter of programs that help disadvantaged youth. Many of the problems that adults struggle within our state begins in childhood, a nourished child has a better chance to learn and become a productive adult. That being said, nothing is ‘free’, and we have many needs in our state. I think discounted lunches should be provided to families that have a financial need for support.
If you get elected, how do you plan to commit time to this position outside of meetings?
A lot of my time outside of meetings, hearings, and legislative sessions will be in interacting and communicating with the people I represent. I want them to call, text, or e-mail me with their concerns, ideas, and opinions. I will spend a lot of time writing and calling the citizens to make sure I know what they care about. I also plan to participate in legislative forums and community events, especially during the legislative session. Like the personal campaigning that I have been doing for this position for the last several months- nothing beats the value of face-to-face interactions with residents. I have really enjoyed the chance to meet voters from Linton, Strasburg, Lincoln, Hazelton, Lincoln, Wilton, and the other small towns in the District, and I will continue to do that after I am elected.
Why should people vote for you?
I’ve spent my career as an engineer solving problems and bringing people together, and I’ll bring that same approach to the State Capitol. I’m honest, hard-working, driven, and can get things done for our small communities, rural areas, and agriculture. I do not enter this race because of a personal agenda, or with anger. I will work for citizens - not myself.
Being a legislator is about working hard, having integrity, and sticking to your values; everything else is simple.
What do you do when you are not campaigning?
Apex Engineering Group, Co-Founder
In 2010, along with other professional engineers, I co-founded a civil engineering company that primarily works on improving roads and designing water projects. Our business has been blessed with a talented group of people who love improving the world around us. We have grown to about 130 people and Prairie Business Magazine has named our company as one of the 50 Best Places to Work for the last seven years.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
- Church Council Vice President
- Youth Volunteer and Sunday School Teacher
My wife and I have been very involved with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. I am on the church council and currently serve as vice president. My wife, Wendy, is on the long-range planning committee and was formerly on the Church Council. I have been very involved with the youth program, chaperoning youth trips and teaching Sunday school for 8 years. I believe these are challenging times for our youth and it’s especially important for kids to see adults that are willing to be open about their faith, and who live as a good example.
Bismarck Youth Sports
I have been very involved with youth sports and have coached many teams over the years. My favorite age to coach is 3rd and 4th grade. At that age, the kids are developing real skills but are still young enough to do spontaneous happy dances when they make a basket or score a run in a close game.
In addition, I serve on these organizations:
- Bismarck Public Schools, Personal Excellence Committee
- North Dakota Water Users Association, Legislative Committee
- American Society of Engineering Companies of North Dakota, Legislative Affairs Committee
Is there anything else you'd like the community to know about you?
Rural Ag Background: I understand the issues facing our rural communities. I grew up in Hettinger on a small ranch. My father was a large animal veterinarian, and my family remains involved in agriculture. I have watched our state become more urbanized and I believe we need to have legislators that are focused on the needs of rural North Dakota:
- Bolster local law enforcement efforts to fight crime and combat drugs.
- Help counties and townships fund local roads and bridges.
- Support critical local needs like grocery and emergency medical services.
Growing up in a small town I understand these issues and will fight for them in the state legislature. I would appreciate your vote on June 11th, and I promise to work for you.