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D35 Senate
Questions:
1. What is your vision for the state of ND?
2. What qualifies you for the office you are seeking?
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge if elected?
4. What do you see as the biggest opportunity?
5. What are your thoughts on social media?
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Nick Archuleta (D)
1. I love North Dakota and the people who make it home. We can continue to be a national leader in education, energy, employment opportunities, agricultural production and quality of life. Being a leader doesn't happen by accident. Improving our future takes vision and willingness to be open to new ideas. We should create an atmosphere encouraging entrepreneurship through partnerships between universities and industry.
2. I have a vested interest in making ND strong well into the future. I raise my family here because ND is second to none in quality of life. I want my children to stay here. They won't do so if they don't believe ND can accommodate their dreams. I have roots in the state and a desire to promote policies in the interest of all North Dakotans. I am well qualified for the ND Senate.
3. Many feel having an $800M surplus should make for an easy legislative session but that may not be accurate. I see preserving defined benefits retirement as an issue generating debate. Also, the legislature will have an opportunity to address setting limits on Tax Increment Financing which many communities use to spur development.
4. We're positioned well to invest in our future. The proposed Legacy Fund will set aside 30% of the oil and gas tax revenues. It's a prudent decision given the cyclical nature of the oil market. Also, we can afford to invest in our infrastructure making our state more attractive to businesses, pay our valuable employees competitive salaries and invest in education.
5. Social media have become icons in our culture. It needs to be used responsibly if we are to protect our privacy and our children.
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Margaret Sitte (R)
1. I see a state with a growing economy where businesses continue to create jobs. Government fosters a strong business climate by decreasing taxes and cutting government regulations. Energy production is key to the state's economy, but the state should ensure a safe and clean environment. Excellent education is the foundation.
2. Serving four years in the state House of Representatives has provided me with legislative experience. In a citizen legislature, however, legislators bring life experiences and common sense. I've been a small business owner, worked as a state employee, taught in public and private schools, and written an editorial page column.
3. When the state has such a huge budget surplus, the biggest challenge is to spend sensibly. We should return some of the surplus to the people in lower taxes, save some of it for future generations, and use some of it for major one-time expenditures such as an outlet for Devils Lake.
4. The biggest opportunity will be the state's ability to provide major improvements in infrastructure. We should fix the roads and supply enough water for oil activity in the west and commit resources to fixing the problem of Devils Lake. Fargo flood diversion is also important.
5. Social media is an important way of connecting with people, and legislators need to meet people wherever they are. Facebook is huge, so it's important to be there. Having a web page is essential. YouTube provides excellent glimpses, but it's still important to knock on doors, and use direct mail, radio and television.
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