News

District candidates answer questions

By Bottineau Courant Staff

09/25/2012

SENATE CANDIDATES:

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

O’CONNELL: David Paul O’Connell (Democrat)

SMITH: Pamela (Pritchard) Smith (Republican)

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A SENATOR IN THE SIXTH DISTRICT?

O’CONNELL: I thoroughly enjoy serving as senator for District 6. I love the responsibility of representing the people of District 6 and the challenge of helping to find solutions to the issues that impact them. I have made many friends and connections in Washington and at the state level. So when we have a disaster – like a flood or drought – I know who to go to and who we can trust so that District 6 does not get forgotten or fall victim to someone’s political agenda. For me, being senator has always been about being a voice for others and taking on the issues – big and small. It is not a 9-to-5 job; it is 24/7, and that is OK with me because I enjoy listening to and fighting for the people of District 6 and what matters to them.

SMITH: I care deeply about our district and our state.  Traveling around the world on behalf of my country has made me appreciate our area even more.  It is vital that we keep the wonderful quality of life we have in North Dakota.  It is that quality of life that brought my daughter and me back home to Bottineau.   Maintaining our way of life, while providing for the needs of our citizens and our economy, is vital to our future.  I want to use the experience and knowledge I have gained during a lifetime of work, to give our citizens a voice in the State Senate and to make a difference.

It is imperative that District 6 have a voice at the Majority side of the table.  As we know, unprecedented resources will be coupled with unprecedented demands.  How the money gets spent will be decided by the Majority Party.  I will be seated in the Majority Party caucus.  And, I know how to deal with politicians, elected officials, bureaucrats, and special interests.  My special interest will be the people of District 6.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A SIXTH DISTRICT SENATOR?

O’CONNELL: The obvious answer would be my experience in the Legislature, including eight years in leadership roles. It has given me invaluable insight into what makes our system work and where it falls short. This experience has also provided me with a diverse political background – Transportation Committee, Education Committee, Appropriations Committee, ND-Canadian Relations Committee – all while serving in North Dakota and representing North Dakotans. The more compelling answer is that as a third-generation family farmer I not only understand the day-to-day struggles facing the people of our state, but I also live them – working two jobs, trying to make ends meet, suffering setbacks, and trying to save for an uncertain future. I want the same things for my family that everyone wants – access to affordable healthcare and education, quality drinking water and housing, transparency in government, and tax relief. I have the experience, resolve, and motivation to keep fighting for the needs of District 6.

SMITH: My roots run deep in District 6.  I was raised in Bottineau.  My parents, Floyd and Ann Pritchard, started their first business in Bottineau for over 40 years.  I graduated from Bottineau High School, attended Dakota College Bottineau, graduated from Minot State University, and received a Masters degree from San Francisco State University.  After 20 years of serving my country around the world, my daughter and I were able to return to the place I love, North Dakota, where I have continued to serve my country as a senior program liaison to the Secretary of Defense, Military Community and Family Programs Office.

I will be a leader in Bismarck, not a follower.  I understand how the system works.  I know the world and I know North Dakota’s place in the world and in our country.  My North Dakota work ethic, my energy, my ideas, and my deep love for this state and this area, will serve the citizens of District 6 well in the State Senate.

SINCE THE STATE HAS A SURPLUS OF MONEY, HOW DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE UTILIZED?

O’CONNELL: With common sense: Put some into savings and use some to help our counties, cities, and townships. The local entities have significant areas they need help with now, including support for rural hospital, clinic, and ambulance personnel as well as infrastructure development and maintenance, and property tax relief. We definitely need to put a percentage into savings for future needs. The financial gurus tell every household to have savings on hand for emergencies; governments should follow this same sound advice. We should not drain the surplus completely. We can save sensibly while responsibly stepping up and providing some much needed help to local entities.

SMITH: We have to understand that it is not our money, it belongs to the taxpayers.  How we handle the surplus will have an impact on future generations.  We have to be practical and hard headed in how we spend the taxpayers’ money.  We must not spend it all.  Tax relief coupled with wise spending practices will provide a balanced approach to continue our prosperity.  We have infrastructure needs, in the west, and across the state that will require wise and prudent spending decisions.  How we allocate our taxpayers’ money will be a major task for the State Senate.  

With THE LARGE VOLUME OF BLUE COLLAR JOBS IN THE STATE, HOW WOULD YOU INCREASE WHITE COLLAR AND PROFESSIONAL JOBS?
 
O’CONNELL: There has been a shift in our workforce created in part because of new jobs in the oil fields, which are considered primarily blue-collar jobs. But once construction and drilling are done, we will probably see a shift the other direction, where marketing and promoting byproducts are more prominent. Instead of reacting to these shifts, our economic development should focus on having incentives in place for not only entrepreneurs and beginning businesses creating new jobs but also for existing businesses that are looking to expand and grow. The incentives currently offered through the Bank of North Dakota are a good place to start, but we need to make people aware that the funds and programs are available. Incentives will also help give us a competitive advantage in retaining our workforce, so people do not feel like they have to look outside our state for quality opportunities.

SMITH: The first thing is to enhance the business climate in North Dakota.  Many firms are looking to relocate because of onerous tax and regulatory structures.  We need to keep North Dakota open for business by keeping our taxes low and the welcome mat out.  With modern communication capabilities, professionals can work from anywhere.   

We need to work with our colleges and trade schools to ensure that we are producing the skilled and professional graduates in the right disciplines.  Businesses and educational institutions need to partner to ensure our students are ready for business.

We are a farming district so attracting agribusiness companies to locate in our district will bring more professional and white collar jobs.  We must continue to attract professional and white collar businesses to relocate in North Dakota.  As we bring in new business, we will attract more professionals and white collar workers.

WHAT IS YOUR PROPOSAL FOR INCRESING HIGHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AREAS IN NORTH DAKOTA?

O’CONNELL: First, we need to decrease the cost of higher education statewide, not just in rural areas. All North Dakotans should have the opportunity to go to a trade school or college without accumulating a huge debt. It is disgraceful that students pay more in interest than someone who is buying a new car. Our priorities need to shift. Second, we need to make higher education more accessible to rural areas through online courses and online skills laboratories. Distance learning technologies are out there, we should utilize them to increase student outcomes. Third, we need to level the playing field to ensure that rural areas have chances and opportunities to vie for and get education funds that support classes, technology, and instructors.

SMITH: We need to ensure quality and relevant educational opportunities exist so that each student has a path to educational success.  By using technology, such as online learning as well as providing proper career counseling, each student can have a road map to achieve their educational goals and future career dreams.  Community colleges, such as Dakota College Bottineau, have a proven record of preparing students for great success in higher education.  It is imperative that community colleges continue to offer quality programs as part of the education spectrum.  It all starts in high school, where the right curriculum can be a springboard to the future.  We need top notch educators and counselors.  Most of all, we need a commitment from the state that adequate resources will be provided.

HOUSE CANDIDATES:

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

HUNSKOR: Bob Hunskor (Democrat)

SHATTUCK: Cynthia (Cindy) Shattuck employed by Verendrye Electric Cooperative for 34 years. (Democrat)

ANDERSON: Dick Anderson (Republican)

HANSON: Myron Hanson (Republican)

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A REPRESENTATIVE IN THE SIXTH DISTRICT?

HUNSKOR: I have served in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 2001.  I enjoy the challenge of hearing the concerns of constituents in District 6 and searching for solutions.  I may not be successful in getting desired results in all situations, but I make necessary contacts and pursue answers to the best of my ability.  Because of my years in the Legislature, I have a working relationship with state agencies and individuals who can assist me in finding information and addressing issues.

Since I am retired from full time employment, I make it a practice to respond promptly to all concerns and am free to use whatever time is necessary to search out possible solutions.  I am fortunate that my schedule allows me ample time to complete all my District 6 duties and responsibilities

SHATTUCK: North Dakota grants everyone the opportunity for a chance at a better life. It is our duty to make sure that future generations also have this opportunity.

Our state currently faces many challenges, from water & sewer issues, roads, infrastructure, affordable housing, flooding, oil development, P-16 Education and emergency services.  Our state leaders need to work together to maintain and solve these issues and develop long-term plans for our children and grandchildren. Listening and working together we can do this for our state and I want to be a part of the team that moves our state forward.

ANDERSON:  I have been a lifetime resident of Bottineau and McHenry counties and I love and understand rural North Dakota. I want to be involved in keeping our state the best place to live and raise a family, and serving in state government is a great way to accomplish this. I have served on numerous community, area, and state boards and organizations and these experiences have helped me develop the skills and knowledge necessary to serve the people of District 6 as a Representative. I have served one term as a Representative for District 7. To be an effective legislator, you need to be able to work with the Governor and his staff, the majority leadership, urban legislators, and those with an opposing view. You also need to listen to all sides of an issue and gain the respect of fellow legislators to make good effective policy. I spent a lot of time last session developing this foundation that is needed to be a leader for rural North Dakota. I will represent all residents of our district and will work very hard to develop policy that will improve the quality of our rural area. I’m confident that I will be an effective legislator for District 6 if elected.

HANSON: I would like to represent the sixth district because I believe that this session and probably the next one as well will have a significant impact on the way North Dakota looks thirty years from now.  Certainly the continued oil activity will have a number of issues that will need to be addressed.  These would include the infrastructure needs and the need to protect the private farm and ranch land on which the oil industry operates.  As an active farmer, I think that an increasingly urban dominated legislative body needs someone to voice the need for a continued state investment in agricultural research and rural needs.  One priority would be returning more money to the townships for roads so that moving grain to market is as safe as possible.  I also feel that it is important for the state to seek out new opportunities for support industries for the agricultural sector.  One example would be the new CHS fertilizer plant that is being built to supply fertilizer to the state’s farmers.  Education, especially k-12, needs the continued strong support that it currently gets.  My wife, Rebecca, just retired after thirty-six years of teaching in the public school systems mostly here in Bottineau County, and the problems facing these schools are very important to me.  I believe that these issues, along with the taxation discussion are important to the future of North Dakota, and I would like to be a part of this discussion and process.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A SIXTH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE?

HUNSKOR: The challenges of a lifetime of teaching math at a level high school students can comprehend and rubbing shoulders on a daily basis with young athletes parallel, in many ways, working with Republicans and Democrats in the political arena.   The experience I gleaned in the classroom and in the competitive athletic arena has been most useful in negotiating with fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Since becoming an elected official, I have gained valuable experience by serving on several committees, including Education, Natural Resources, Transportation, and Government and Veteran Affairs.  I have learned who to go to in order to address constituent concerns that I may not be familiar with.

SHATTUCK: We do not have balanced representation from political sub divisions in the North Dakota Legislature.

With my experience as Mayor of Velva for eight years, a Past President of North Dakota League of Cities, Past President Velva Association Commerce, served on the Souris Basin Planning Council, McHenry County JDA, Velva Community Development Corporation, Velva Medical Clinic, Souris Valley Care Center and Valley View Manor assisted care center boards.  I feel I have the experience in dealing with issues and will be the kind of advocate our cities and towns need.

ANDERSON: I met all the qualifications set by the state of North Dakota to run as a rerpresentative in District 6. I have experience in agriculture, health care, water and energy resource development, game and fish issues and rural infrastructure. I am a hard worker, and I believe that your best effort should apply to everything you do. To be successful in farming, you need to be a problem sovler, be able to multitask, and have a positive attitude. In my career as a farmer I developed attributes one needs to serve in state government. Legislatures need to be conservative and use common sense developing policy. I have the skills and work ethic that are neccessary to serve the people of District 6, and I would appreciate your support Nov. 6.

HANSON: I have an associate degree from the Dakota College at Bottineau, a degree in secondary education from Minot State University with additional graduate level work in administration at the University of North Dakota.  I have served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and school board member.  I have also served on the board of the Westhope Nursing Home and am currently serving on the board of the Souris River Co-op. I am a life-long member and president of the Lesje Lutheran Church of rural Souris.  I am currently the president of the Northwest Landowners Association, and was their lobbyist during the 2011 legislative session.  I am an active farmer in the Souris area and, with the exception of the six years I spent teaching in the eastern part of the state, a life-long resident of Bottineau County.  I believe that these experiences qualify me to represent the 6th District, and I would appreciate and thank the voters of District 6 for their support.

SINCE THE STATE HAS A SURPLUS OF MONEY, HOW DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE UTILIZED?

HUNSKOR: While it is true the last legislative session authorized increased funding for many needs such as reducing property taxes, assisting with the many challenges in oil country, helping flood victims, and providing increases to allow counties and townships to deal with infrastructure needs, it is also true more financial relief is needed in these areas.

Since the last legislative session, ND2.0 held 14 regional meetings to determine the needs of communities in North Dakota.   Some needs identified as a result of these meetings were:

Financial support for housing and staff of day care centers for children
Lower interest rates on student loans
Increased funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
A state oil refinery (cooperate with private industry to build)
Additional support for emergency services

Adequate day care is a necessity.  CHIP has been a very successful program that provides necessary medical and dental care to our youngest citizens.  Using budget surplus monies to help alleviate the day care crisis and provide additional dollars for CHIP would be money well spent.

The Bank of North Dakota had a record profit of 70.3 million in 2011 with 18% of the profit coming from student loan interest.  Oil tax revenue could top 3.5 billion when the state’s current two year budget period ends in June, 2013.  I would suggest using surplus oil money to lower student loan interest rates and consider making student loans available to returning veterans at a lower or even 0% interest rate.  Consideration should also be given to capping or lowering tuition rates.

Just as North Dakota has a state owned bank and a mill & elevator, it should have an oil refinery.  The current oil boom justifies this expenditure even more.

North Dakota needs to seriously consider building for future generations.   I believe day cares, CHIP, student loan interest rates, and a state owned oil refinery are positive ways to invest state dollars for a better future in North Dakota.

SHATTUCK: We have to continue to save the money generated through the ag economy and the rich oil and gas reserves for the dry years, and strategically invest our surplus so we can minimize any downturns in our current economy, as well as our future economy.  We need to invest in our rural communities, rural education, continue to maintain the 70% funding level for education, the infrastructure that has been so affected by the discovery of oil and flooding in rural North Dakota.  The state needs to provide real property tax relief for our citizens.
In addition, as a first responder on the Velva Ambulance Volunteer Service since 2002 I see the importance of these critical emergency rural services from hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and police, funding for which needs to be maintained and increased.

ANDERSON: The state is doing well and we are very fortunate to have a surplus. A lot of the budget surplus is from the development of the state’s natural resources that produce energy. After funding numerous obligations that we need to fund, one being the legacy fund and the necessary appropriations required on the agreed state budget we will have some surplus money. I would support surplus money be used to support infrastructure repair and development and tax relief to tax payers and property owner and about 40% of our revenue comes from the federal government. The last 3 years the Federal government has failed to produce a budget and has a deficit of 16 trillion. I do believe we will have financial cuts coming and the state will have to decide whether to fund these possible shortfalls. The coal industry is struggling to comply with endless EPA regulations and is producing less electricity. The oil in our state is produced using the fracturing of the oil shale. Our state needs to regulate our energy production not the EPA. The regulations on the coal plants and the possible moratorium on fracturing of oil shale could eat up our surplus quickly. We need the federal government to be fiscally responsible and develop a common sense energy policy. I will be conservative on spending issues in our state until this happens.

HANSON: The main areas to be looked at would be the infrastructure needs, education, and tax reform.  It is important though, to be careful in committing the state to any long term spending plans based on revenue expectations from a cyclical industry such as oil, even though these funds are exceeding the most optimistic expectations.  Much of the current surplus is held in such funds as the Legacy Fund which can’t be accessed until a future date.  The general fund ending balance should provide a good basis for addressing relief in these important areas.

With THE LARGE VOLUME OF BLUE COLLAR JOBS IN THE STATE, HOW WOULD YOU INCREASE WHITE COLLAR AND PROFESSIONAL JOBS?

HUNSKOR: According to recent statistics, North Dakota does have a high degree of white collar workers.  The fact is our higher education institutions can’t graduate enough to keep up with the high demand for engineers, architects, doctors, dentists, lawyers, social workers, and teachers due to the oil boom and current state of our economy.  In order for this to occur adequate salaries, affordable housing, educational facilities and opportunities, and reliable child care must be considered and provided.

North Dakota is top heavy with white collar jobs in most state agencies in Bismarck.  Those agencies could have regional offices located in rural North Dakota cities such as Bottineau, Crosby, Beulah, etc.

Regional offices would contribute to the economic development of those communities, and agencies such as the Commerce Department, Transportation Department and others could better serve the needs of rural North Dakotans.  Local personal contact with a state agency would provide easier access to needed information and services.   Rather than driving to Bismarck or doing business by telephone or computer, which can be frustrating, the people of ND could visit their local regional office.

The employees of these offices would not be disengaged from the needs of rural communities, but would be part of these communities which would result in better service.
 
SHATTUCK: Agriculture and the oil and gas industry are our two largest industries.  They are dominated with blue collar workers because of the nature of those fields.  Strategically planning and creating companion industries will help grow those white collar jobs and new professions.  As the average increases in salaries improve, new opportunities and entrepreneurship naturally follow.  White collar workers seek more amenities and community offerings.  Parks, museums, art, musicals and theatre have to be emphasized to name a few...
We also need to make sure our work force has the education needed to work in white collar jobs, and this need goes hand in hand with keeping college affordable.

ANDERSON: I think blue collar jobs are great. I appreciate people that are skilled and use their hands to build and repair things because they are productive workers and the foundation of a good economy. White collar jobs will come from blue collar’s productive work.

HANSON: Continued job creation is the key, as managerial jobs follow the creation of blue collar jobs.  Related services in the medical field, accounting, banking, legal services, and teaching will grow with the continued growth in blue collar jobs and the resulting higher population.

WHAT IS YOUR PROPOSAL FOR INCREASING HIGHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AREAS IN NORTH DAKOTA?

HUNSKOR: This question may suggest there is less opportunity to access higher education in rural communities than there is in ND’s urban communities.  This is true when it comes to face-to-face instruction, but there are other methods being used by the ND University System to provide access to individuals seeking a higher education degree regardless of where they live.  These methods include online course work, interactive video network, and dual credit courses for high school students.

Can North Dakota do better?  Yes, we can.  We should broaden the reach of our community colleges so that institutions like Dakota College at Bottineau are given the opportunity to offer coursework within a larger region.  Community colleges offering two-year programs in career and technical education, transfer preparation, and paraprofessional education are an increasingly important component of our higher education system.  Tomorrow’s rural communities will depend upon a new generation of highly skilled individuals who have the capacity to attract quality manufacturing and value added agricultural processing.  Businesses considering a move to ND, or any state for that matter, look first at workforce capabilities.  A talented and highly skilled workforce will strengthen our economy and build a bridge from our resource dependent economy to a more diverse and enduring economy of the future.  We need skilled paraprofessionals in health care, engineering, manufacturing, law and business.  With a strong university system that makes investments in our community colleges, the future of our rural communities will be much brighter.

ND Citizens living in rural communities have access to the best colleges and universities because of the increasing number of courses being made available through the internet. Students living in North Dakota communities who have high speed internet can take courses from all eleven institutions in the ND University System.  We need to build on this and make sure that every rural community has access to high speed internet to access these courses.

SHATTUCK: I would like to see more of the scholarships, both academic and athletic, go to North Dakota students.  Currently, college prices are making college almost unaffordable.  The state needs to step up and either increase funding to the universities or make cuts to keep costs down. I would also like to see a state-funded program that will help pay back student loans for those graduates that choose to stay and work in our state in some of the hard to fill positions.

In addition, technology and inter-active TV have tremendous potential for the improvement of educational opportunities in the rural areas.  We have to be more responsive to job opportunities by providing the necessary education to compete for those jobs.  Creating networks with our smaller colleges and high schools, allowing class offerings to reflect our changing economy with online classes and the flexibility to adapt are important.  If we can create those educational opportunities in the rural areas, those jobs will stay in rural North Dakota.

ANDERSON: Higher education opportunities in our area will come from advances in technology and outreach programs from other colleges. The internet and access to information at home will advance educational opportunities for everyone that has access to this technology.
I would like to thank the Bottineau Courant for the opportunity to answer some questions. I hope it was informative for the people of District 6. Everyone needs to vote, our veterans and military personal have sacrificed a lot to preserve our freedom and provide all an opportunity to participate in an election.
 
HANSON: North Dakota has thirteen institutions of higher learning and just about all residents live within a 100 mile radius of one them.  There is ample opportunity for on campus attendance for those that have the time.  For those who must work full time, the expansion of online classes or interactive video would provide a chance for those wishing to pursue a degree and additional opportunities.  State support through the Board of Higher Ed. for specific programs dedicated to this would be the way to go.