Letters to the Editor

Fargo’s City Hall: A candidate’s perspective

March 25th, 2015

In January of last year I wrote an opinion piece for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead challenging the new city hall proposal. I was concerned that our commissioners were not prioritizing needs over wants. I was also curious about the price tag since, at the time, we had very little information as to where the building would be or how big it would be.The original estimate for Fargo’s new city hall was $8-12 million. Predictably, the city hall I thought we were debating morphed into a $30…

Dollars and sense

March 18th, 2015

While state law continues to allow businesses to fire an employee because they are gay or transgender, many large and small North Dakota organizations have taken the smart approach and included sexual orientation and gender identity in their corporate nondiscrimination policies. I want to thank the many North Dakota businesses for the work they do to create healthy work environments.

Employers such as Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Montana-Dakota Utilities, Target, U.S. Bank and…

King of Mistakes

February 4th, 2015

To the editor:

There were two “King of Beers” commercials last night, the first one hit home being I am a dog owner, and oddly enough so did the second even though there were no cute pets or “What’s Up?” phone calls.

I can easily admit that I am not a “Budweiser drinker” nor am I am drinker of most macro beers. I enjoy a full flavored, robust beer with hops, and where the brewer pushes the creative boundaries of developing unique and good tasting beverage.

On Sunday night…

Reality Check

November 12th, 2014

To the editor:

A post-election news article appearing in the online edition of The Forum contained the following assessment:

"Republicans have held power in the Senate since 1992 and in the House since 1984, enjoying a two-thirds majority in both chambers since 2010. They’ve also occupied the governor’s office since 1992 and currently hold all elected statewide offices and two of the state’s three seats in Washington."

In other words, North Dakota's Democratic-NPL Party has been out…

‘Cowspirary’ showing at the downtown Fargo Library

November 12th, 2014

To the editor:

Pre-released a couple months ago, the documentary “Cowspiracy” was only available to a select few, a couple of my friends happened to get a copy. I had a chance to see some clips online; it came off as not-your-typical environmental documentary. It makes the claim that environmental groups, not just the corporations involved, aren’t telling us the whole picture. A friend messaged me while she watched it.

“Damn! I'm watching the ‘Cowspiracy’ movie and I want to…

Is Measure 8 really necessary?

October 30th, 2014

To the editor:

ND Ballot Measure 8, which will establish a state law to require all public schools to start after Labor Day, sounds harmless and amenable on the surface. I have yet to find any compelling considerations with regard to positive educational delivery impacts, but wholeheartedly respect that proponents support it for family reasons. I respectfully request voters to consider some of the lesser known factors involved and whether they want or need to give up local control.

No…

Yes on Measure 7

October 30th, 2014

To the editor:

John Strand's recommendation to HPR readers to keep North Dakota's 51-year-old, antiquated and convoluted "pharmacy ownership law" is short-sighted and not in the best interest of consumers in Fargo-West Fargo and throughout North Dakota.

John is, however, correct when he says "North Dakota's small towns are experiencing a resurgence." This is particularly true in the "oil patch." But, then he goes on to express totally groundless fears, perpetrated by mostly urban…

No on Measure 5

October 29th, 2014

To the editor:

North Dakota has a lot of young people wanting to get into production agriculture. Measure 5 would take North Dakota’s money, drive up land prices and compete against these kids. Ninety-six percent of the funding for this measure comes from out of state groups. Don’t make it harder for these young farmers and ranchers to get started than it already is. Who would you rather have own North Dakota’s land in 30 years — these young people who are growing up and living…

Vote on Nov. 4

October 29th, 2014

To the editor:

As a candidate for the ND Senate from District 41, I have had the pleasure of meeting many nice people while walking the district and knocking on doors these past three months. I have listened to concerns and heard possible solutions. I am ready to take action on these as your next senator. As we approach the election day on Nov. 4 I would encourage all to be sure to cast your ballot. Your vote is important no matter who you vote for. Just do it. It’s democracy in…