Congratulations, Gov. Schafer. And thanks for offering to help your home state and alma mater

A North Dakotan takes over UND’s helm

NEW UND LEADERSHIP

Former Gov. Ed Schafer this week was named interim President of the University of North Dakota upon the forthcoming retirement of current President Robert Kelley. This is a good decision.

Schafer has a long history of leadership not only in North Dakota but nationally after having served a stint as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He also has served on the UND Alumni Association and the UND Foundation boards of directors, which are now combined. Schafer has been a commencement speaker at the University. He’s been bestowed with a UND Honorary Doctorate degree. He has been presented the prestigious Sioux Award. He graduated from UND in 1969.

Many would wonder why anyone in their right mind would want to walk into what is generally perceived as a hornet’s nest currently at the University. There’s a laundry list of issues that have surfaced in recent years and each needs to be resolved.

That said, Ed Schafer will be tasked with cleaning up those difficult circumstances, many of which are public perceptions. His skill set as a mediator and leader, and his broad sense of governance -- especially the Legislative and Executive branches and their inner workings -- will be an asset as he works to get everyone on the same page before the next President is named as early as July 2016.

While we would expect the future interim President to begin to create a transition plan sooner than not, it would be practical if President Kelley were to immediately make room for the shift in leadership -- conceivably in advance -- of his official Jan. 12 retirement date, in our opinion.

On a final note, many nostalgic North Dakotans hearken back to the days when the President of UND and the President of NDSU were also North Dakotans. Tom Clifford’s blood ran green and white. Laurel Loftsgard’s ran green and gold. Few understand North Dakota likes those who hail from the state. This will be one of Schafer’s preeminent skills and gifts as he takes the reins, albeit temporarily, of the University of North Dakota.

Congratulations, Gov. Schafer. And thanks for offering to help your home state and alma mater.

BE INSURED

The open enrollment period to sign up with the Health Insurance Marketplace continues until Jan. 31, 2016. If you don’t have health insurance, please give this serious consideration. If you know others who are uninsured, encourage them to do the same.

While countless naysayers begrudge what they call Obamacare, we join the chorus of others who look at the bright side of having millions more people insured. Regardless of age, sex, previous condition, or financial status, Americans now can get insurance affordably and easily. Certainly, it’s not perfect, but it’s a healthy start. And it’s better than what we had.

The menu for health insurance is vast. People can select jumbo deductible policies to cover catastrophic circumstance or they can pick high-end, broader coverage with low co-pay and deductibles. Costs are reduced in form of premium tax credits if one’s income level warrants it. Countless Americans with limited incomes receive significant reductions in insurance premiums.

People currently participating via the Marketplace have until Dec. 15 to reinstate or update their plans so as to assure continuous coverage beginning Jan. 1. Between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15, policy effective dates are Feb. 1. Then, between Jan. 16 and Jan. 31, the effective date becomes March 1. Open enrollment after Jan. 31 is then unavailable until Nov. 1, 2016, so it’s imperative to apply early and get your insurance coverage in place.

MONTE’S DOWNTOWN CLOSING

Friends and customers of Monte’s Downtown received an email Nov. 11 announcing that the restaurant will be closing as of Dec. 31. The good news is the location will be home to a new restaurant after a major remodel.

“Monte's has been a staple of the downtown community since its inception in 2002. While our loyal customers have been the drive behind everything we do, we have been met with ever increasing competition in the downtown corridor, and witnessed a shift in customer behavior, dining practices, and expectations of the restaurant experience,” owners stated in Wednesday’s email.

“As such, we are excited to announce that this will not be the end for 220 Broadway,” they stated further. “After an extensive remodel beginning January 1, 2016 and a completely redesigned menu, wine list, and cocktail program, the location will reopen under a new brand that we feel is even more in line with what our customers are looking for in a downtown experience, while still honoring the concept that helped begin the transformation of downtown Fargo.”