On the Issues-State House and Senate candidates

Oct. 18--Incumbent Republicans Terry Wanzek (Senate) and Craig Headland and Chet Pollert (House of Representatives) are seeking re-election to represent District 29 in the North Dakota

Legislature. They are being challenged by Democrats Lori Carlson and Charles

Linderman for the House and Jeff Piehl for the Senate. The Sun asked the candidates

seven written questions and limited their written responses to 200 words per question.

1. Is the state doing enough to help counties outside of the Oil Patch, including Stutsman, deal with road needs? What would you advocate for counties facing deteriorating road issues? Explain.

Lori Carlson: I have been an advocate for county roads for more than 10 years. The problem is not only a lack of funding, but also lack of local control and a legislative majority that doesn't grasp the extent of the need. Every county in North Dakota desperately needs funds. Infrastructure needs have been ignored by Bismarck for decades, regardless of whether the economy was weak or strong. Those needs continue to be unmet despite the wealth created by the Bakken formation. During the last legislative session money was allocated to the counties, but it was years late and dollars short. My opponents voted for $50 million</money> in tax cuts for out-of-state corporations; that money is needed here in North Dakota. The Legislature continues to micro-manage the counties' ability to govern themselves and doesn't understand the needs of the counties like our county commissioners do. The state currently pays four-tenths of a cent to counties and cities through the State Aid Distribution Fund. I would advocate for raising that to one cent, and I would support stronger local control.

Charles Linderman: There are many rural road needs not being met. Increased precipitation that began in 1993 has caused many problems and made some roads impassable. A washed-out culvert near my farm took more than two years to be replaced. When I was growing up on the farm, I learned to drive a 40 horsepower tractor and we hauled our grain to town with a three-quarter-ton pickup truck. Now farmers have 400 horsepower tractors and semi trucks but we are driving on the same roads. It might be time for an upgrade.

Jeff Piehl: No, I do not feel that the state is doing enough for non-oil producing counties like Stutsman, Foster, and LaMoure. While the amount of state aid has finally increased, it still lacks due to the slow response from previous years when the Legislature chose to build surpluses rather than invest in infrastructure. With the budgets remaining tight for non-oil counties, the required 10 percent county match on state funds becomes difficult with the increasing costs of road and bridge construction. I would advocate for the state to decrease the required amount of match dollars to 5 percent. Also, the state should drop its mandate that those funds be used for new construction only and allow for use in maintaining, repairing, and improving existing roads.

Craig Headland: As long as I serve the citizens of District 29, it will be my goal to provide state assistance to counties for county road repair and resurfacing. With all the attention given to oil-producing counties, it has been and will continue to be important to have experienced House members advocating on behalf of eastern counties and their road needs from one who lives and works in those areas. As our state continues to grow economically, helping counties with infrastructure will be needed to sustain the growth now seen in rural areas like District 29, and I won't stop advocating until every road has been addressed.

Chet Pollert: The state has done a good job of helping counties outside of the Oil Patch. Farm to market roads, such as Woodworth to Medina and County 62, are examples of the increased funding from the state to the counties to help get matching funds from the federal government for repairs. Foster and LaMoure counties have also used state funds to get roads improved as well. The state also appropriated dollars for township roads in two different disbursements --one via grants and another via miles of gravel roads. These state funds were used for deteriorating township and county roads. If re-elected I will advocate and vote for more funding for our county and township roads. I will work with fellow legislators from around the state to come forward with a comprehensive plan for our state's infrastructure just as we did in the last session.

Terry Wanzek: I was the prime sponsor of SB 2325 in the 2011 session that appropriated $73 million for road issues outside of the Oil Patch. When it passed the North Dakota Senate it drew attention to the road needs of other areas of the state, not just the Oil Patch. Since then we have appropriated historical, unprecedented funds into roads in the Oil Patch and outside the Oil Patch. This last session, in comparison to previous sessions, it was nearly three times the money sent to non-oil cities and counties for their roads. We also targeted township road needs with significant state investments by sending nearly $30,000 to each township in the state. However, the job is not done. Our infrastructure was in significant decline and aging. In these prosperous times, it is a great opportunity to bring our infrastructure up to date. We will be doing more to help our counties, cities and township roads this session.

2.What change(s), if any, would you support for property tax relief in North Dakota? Explain.

Carlson: North Dakota landowners demand property tax relief and reform. Despite this, during the last legislative session, my opponents opposed exempting the first $75,000 of the value of your property. In contrast, I would advocate that the first $100,000 of the value of your property be free from taxation. In addition to property tax relief, I believe we should discontinue the sales tax on clothing, especially in thrift stores. I support the elimination of the senior citizen's tax on Social Security benefits. Unlike my opponents, I don't believe that we need to give tax cuts to out-of-state corporations; the citizens of North Dakota deserve tax relief far more than those corporations.

Linderman: Property tax reform is long overdue. State government has often shirked its duty and local government was forced to make up the difference with property tax. One good start would be a program that eliminates the tax on the first $100,000 of home value.

Piehl: I support targeted and deepened real estate tax reductions for those who own their homes or farmland. The proposal to exempt the first $100,000 in value of a home or farmland would be a good place to start. I would also like to see more discussion on changing from a property tax system based on mills and instead include one which is based on percentages of property value. I think this change could potentially be simpler for property owners, as well as local agencies to understand and work with.

Headland: As vice chair of the House Tax Committee, I have been deeply involved in trying to provide property tax payers with measurable, sustainable property tax relief. The state has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in relief only to see it being eaten away by local political subdivisions, and that is where my focus has shifted from one of more and more dollars of relief, to one of reforming property taxes. This must be done to ensure that the dollars of relief provided are realized by the property taxpayer. Reform has proven to be a formidable foe, but I believe we have made progress in the interim and will see these bills become law after next session. I also see the rate of erosion slowed, but not completely eliminated. Currently, as taxable value continues to increase, additional state dollars must be added to meet the same level of property tax relief at a pace that I believe to be unsustainable, but with reforms in place, and continued economic growth, current levels of relief should be maintained.

Pollert: I support the continuation of the property tax relief that the state has implemented from previous sessions. Valuations go up or down, and the state is now obligated to provide that relief. Property taxes are a local issue, but now the state has some ownership. I am reluctant to support an enhancement in that relief because all of the previous relief that the state has provided has not been passed on to the local property taxpayers. I understand that higher wages due to the economic success and higher health insurance costs had to be covered, but further property tax relief could have been done. I like the concept of getting rid of the mill levy system and replacing it with dollars, so I support not stating tax statements in mills but in dollars levied. I feel it would be simpler and more understandable. I am in support of continuing the current property tax relief, but I also support reducing the individual income tax rates because those tax collections are controlled by the state, whereas property taxes are the responsibility of the local political subdivisions.

Wanzek: It will take more resources just to maintain our current level of property tax relief. I believe there are some tweaks we can make to the school funding formula which would provide some additional reform and relief. Also there have been suggestions to have the state take over the responsibilities of social services within each county. That might have some merit in providing property tax reform and relief. I am willing to consider that idea. I am certain we will be looking at a plethora of ideas and suggestions on how to move forward with property tax relief. Mostly, I want to support the most efficient means of property tax relief possible that provides true and meaningful relief that places more dollars in the taxpayer's pocket.

3.What can the state do to alleviate student loan debt in North Dakota? Explain.

Carlson: As a school board president for the last 22 years, I understand the value of an education and the benefits that accrue to North Dakota from a well-educated workforce. The state should be investing in our children, not crippling them with debt. It is outrageous that The Bank of North Dakota made more than $94 million last year, and most of that profit derived from student loans. It is shortsighted to put that kind of burden on the backs of our young people. As a legislator, I would support programs that promote the affordability of a higher education for our children, such as a flat 1-percent interest rate for North Dakota students and a zero-percent interest rate for students who agree to stay in the state for 5 years post-graduation. I would advocate for an income-tax credit for those students who need to take out student loans in order to afford a college education.

Linderman: Two things should be done. There definitely should be low-interest student loans through the Bank of North Dakota. But the real way to help would be to provide lower tuition for North Dakota residents to attend state colleges and universities.

Piehl: The logical place to start addressing student loan debt is to prevent the students from incurring high levels of debt in the first place by capping tuition costs. Next, I would advocate for an increase in merit-based and need-based scholarships. Finally, I would support a flat 1 percent student loan rate through the bank of North Dakota.

Headland: One of the fastest-growing budgets in state government has been higher education and the state has stepped up to the plate, funding our students' needs with a 37.2 percent increase in dollars appropriated last session versus the prior session. However, student debt continues to increase to unbelievable levels, so the question is why. I believe that the lack of sound fiscal oversight by the State Board of Higher Education and empire building at the universities have increased costs of tuition to levels that are becoming unaffordable to students, having added to their student debt. The solution to this problem must come from the universities themselves, as well as the State Board of Higher Education which has the authority, not the Legislature whose responsibility is to provide money. We currently have a great loan program available through the Bank of North Dakota and that is helpful because it does offer favorable interest rates, but the culprit to burdensome student debt is high tuition.

Pollert: The Legislature increased funding to higher education by 37 percent, but the majority of the funding went to new building projects and IT projects. None of these dollars went to help lower student tuition. The Legislature has implemented two scholarships programs -- one called the North Dakota Academic Scholarship for four-year universities, which requires an ACT score of 24. The second one is a two-year career and technology scholarship which is based off of the work keys test assessment. Both of these scholarships are eligible for $1,500 per year with a $6,000 maximum. These are examples of how the state is trying to help lower student loan debt. The state also set up a student loan debt program separate from the federal government's program, which is run through the Bank of North Dakota. That is available in a variable rate which is currently 1.73 percent. I feel the North Dakota University System, the State Board of Higher Education and the Legislature need to work more on student tuition appropriations then constant major construction capital projects.

Wanzek: First, in comparison, North Dakota has more affordable college tuition than most any other state. We have increased merit-based scholarships, and increased needs based scholarships for students who come from low-income families. There are proposals to enhance these next sessions. We've also worked to help get more students in high school involved with dual college credit classes which allows them to arrive at college with less time needed to graduate. Also last session we passed a measure which allows a student to consolidate his or her loans with the Bank of North Dakota at a more attractive loan rate. We will continue to enhance programs like these, but most importantly we want to continue to support, through policy, a pro-growth economy that creates great economic opportunities for these students when they graduate. That way there will be a good paying job waiting for them, to enable them to pay off their student loans.

4.Is the state doing enough to financially assist smaller districts outside of the Oil Patch? Explain.

Carlson: During the last legislative session, there were several lost opportunities to adequately fund all school districts in North Dakota. Ineffective leadership resulted in chaos for the school administrators after the legislative session had closed. The current system creates a disadvantage for any school district with declining enrollment, such as those schools in central North Dakota that are not flourishing like schools in the eastern and western parts of the state. Almost every school district in District 29 is affected in a negative way. The Legislature discontinued a policy known as "held harmless," which was a form of protection for schools with declining enrollment. That policy needs to be re-established because most District 29 schools need that protection. Furthermore, most District 29 schools currently offer pre-kindergarten education, even though funding is not provided by the state. Now is the time for the state to fully fund pre-K with new education dollars. North Dakota is at a unique period in its history, and we citizens are finally financially able to invest in our youth; I would advocate for that investment.

Linderman: It is my understanding that the Legislature has dropped the ball on school district funding. They are funding 80 percent with foundation aid. But all districts do not benefit equally and some find it necessary to increase property taxes. North Dakota now has the resources to invest to make our educational system the best in the nation and that should be our goal.

Piehl: No, and not just smaller districts. The current education funding formula is flawed, in that it penalizes school districts of all sizes that are currently experiencing steady or declining enrollments. This includes most schools in District 29. The Legislature needs to make the necessary adjustments to the formula by enlisting the knowledge of school administrators who work with the funding formula on a daily basis and not wait until the final hours of the legislative session to do it. I also believe very strongly that all of the schools in District 29 would benefit immensely from state funded pre-K education programs as well. Many school districts are currently funding this early childhood education on their own with no state financial support. Pre-K has proven to be a tremendous benefit to a child's future by preparing 4-year-olds for kindergarten and beyond. I have not spoken with a single educator or administrator who doesn't support this.

Headland: The Legislature has put much effort into increasing dollars to smaller, rural taxing districts in all parts of the state and must continue to do so. These areas include rural counties, townships, fire districts and the like. Impacts from population growth as well as oil development, continue in communities across the state in areas where oil impact dollars have not flowed, and I believe it is the state's responsibility to answer those funding requests until the local tax base has had time to catch up to the growth.

Pollert: I feel the state has done a fair job with financially helping those districts outside of the oil-producing counties. Fire departments, EMS services, long-term care facilities, hospitals, the local political subdivisions, schools, higher education, programs such as meals on wheels and infrastructure have basically all seen increases to their budgets when it comes to state dollars. The state has gone from a $2 billion general fund budget in the 2005-2007 biennium to $6.9 billion general fund budget for the current 2013-2015 biennium. Those dollars have not all gone to just the oil-producing counties.

Wanzek: I have been a strong voice in the Senate securing financial assistance for areas outside of the Oil Patch. While we understand that there are tremendous needs that have to be funded in the Oil Patch, it does not diminish the fact that there are needs in other areas of the state, and they are plentiful too. The impact our state is feeling from the rapid growth is not limited to only the Oil Patch. The oil boom is affecting areas outside the Patch too, albeit to a lesser degree. For the most part we have been as fair as possible to other areas like ours, increasing state funding in various areas of need. Our current state budget was 62 percent higher than the previous budget. Not all that money went to the Oil Patch.

5.What do you see as the most important issues in the next legislative session? Explain.

Carlson: The last-minute political posturing in the 2013 legislative session has had a negative effect on educational funding in the state. The funding for education has to be readdressed this upcoming session. The Legislature needs to shift focus from benefitting Big Oil through actions like cutting the oil extraction tax and start showing real concern for the residents of North Dakota. Western North Dakota continues to struggle with inadequate funding for infrastructure, law enforcement, housing and social services. Those needs resonate throughout the state. State agencies need to have stronger oversight to eliminate disasters like exploding rail cars and saltwater spills. We need to address the impacts of oil production in North Dakota, the safe transportation of Bakken crude, reducing the number of saltwater spills, and increasing pipeline safety. We need to meet the needs of our citizens, protect our citizens and our landscape, while maintaining a healthy financial balance to make sure we are adequately saving for the future.

Linderman: North Dakota government has benefited greatly from a strong farm economy and the oil boom. It is a moral imperative that current leaders invest that windfall to benefit all the people of North Dakota. Top priority should be given to education from preschool through higher education. Obviously, much more needs to be done to build and maintain roads and highways. A whole new business environment is needed in the Oil Patch so that the benefits of the oil boom can be realized while minimizing the dangers to health, safety and the environment. Tax reform is needed, including property tax reform. Finally, we need to do more to maintain North Dakota's environment with respect to open spaces, wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Piehl: There are many important issues that will be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. In no particular order of importance I will name a few. The split of oil extraction tax revenue will be very important for both oil-producing and non-oil producing counties. Property tax relief needs to be addressed early in the session to make sure it receives the necessary attention. Pre-K funding is a very important issue to me and I believe that broad bipartisan support has grown to approve it, as it should have been done in the last session. The education funding formula needs to be adjusted to make it fair to all school districts. Our states labor shortage and lack of affordable housing in many areas needs to be addressed if all of North Dakota is allowed to participate in economic expansion.

Headland: As the state's population growth continues, I think it is important to focus on providing a high quality way of life for all of its citizens. To achieve this goal the state needs to properly address these five areas in this order of importance. Infrastructure, housing, taxation, education and public safety, including the impacts that occur in regard to mental health issues.

Pollert: A. Roads and infrastructure -- Our infrastructure system is important for the continued success of our economic expansion. B. K through 12 education and the new funding formula -- the new formula is good for school districts with increased enrollment but schools with neutral growth or declining students are treading water. C. Economic development with all the ramifications with this rapid expansion -- all the increased business growth also brings challenges for housing, emergency medical services, city water and sewer systems, and safety issues such as police and fire. D. Water issues -- F-M water diversion, water for eastern North Dakota and continued support to regional water systems, such as Stutsman Rural Water.

Wanzek: The most obvious issue to me will be managing all of the state funds, during these unprecedented prosperous times, in a fiscally responsible way. We want to be sure, that in these good times, we make wise and prudent investments that reap rewards to our state's citizens for years to come. We want to be careful and guarded not to get so carried away in government spending that we cannot sustain it if there should ever be a downturn in our booming economy. We want to take advantage of our envious position, by making significant one-time investments bringing our infrastructure up to date for future generations. Also, we want to emphasize investment in our people through educational opportunities that prepare our citizens' competitiveness for a new economy into the future. And finally we need to continue to put more money back in the taxpayers' pockets which helps drive and grow our robust economy. Of course we also need to take care of our citizens who are less fortunate and in need of assistance and are unable to help themselves.

6. What is your vision for North Dakota in the next 10 years? Explain.

Carlson: My vision is a state that has finally learned how to deal proactively with the changes wrought by the oil boom, rather than reactively. We will have protected the lifelong residents who are caught up in the whirlwind that is the Bakken, by creating affordable housing, eliminating drug and human trafficking, and reducing violent crimes. We will have invested in our infrastructure with modern roads and safe bridges. Schools, regardless of location and whether urban or rural, will be treated equally. Competing interests, such as agriculture, energy and conservation, will have learned to co-exist and compromise. We will have learned how to extract natural resources while protecting our landscape. We will have thought about what kind of North Dakota we want to pass along to the next generation: a North Dakota that is financially strong and still naturally beautiful. I would like to be a part of a balanced Legislature that can deliver this vision and that believes in the power of the people of North Dakota to make that vision a reality.

Linderman: North Dakota oil production will continue to help America become energy independent. In doing so we will experience windfall financial benefit. But we should never forget that we are also a unique and major player in agriculture. In fact, if we keep our soil healthy, our farms will continue to produce and prosper long after the oil is gone. In the meantime, we should invest our windfall to create a state that will continue to prosper and will be a truly great place where people will want to live.

Piehl: My vision for North Dakota for the next 10 years is one of both continued prosperity and challenges. I foresee our economic base expanding from agriculture and energy, to also include more manufacturing and technology. This will require our population to continue to grow at a rapid pace. This growth will demand greater investments and attention to educational opportunities, medical services, housing, day care and infrastructure. Our government, both state and local, will need to be more forward thinking in trying to plan for growth, rather than reacting to it.

Headland: From my viewpoint, my goal would be to continue to see our state as not just the envy of the nation economically, but also socially. State government will play an important role in achieving these goals and current legislative policy will drive areas of growth. But more importantly, this growth will allow needs to be met in a timely, fiscally responsible manner. I see the possibility of elimination of income tax and a low overall tax burden, a state and county highway system supportive of ever-increasing commerce, and proper, but not burdensome regulation fostering entrepreneurs and businesses as ideas that were just a dream a short time ago, but are now well within our reach if today's business friendly policy is maintained.

Pollert: I see a North Dakota in 10 years where there will be further economic development in value-added agriculture where you will see more agricultural processing and agricultural input centers moving from the urban areas such as Minneapolis to North Dakota. Western North Dakota will go from a discovery phase in oil development, drilling of wells and etc., to a more stable phase where the drillers will be replaced by the full-time families who will run the established facilities that process the oil and natural gas. We will see further expansion of our intellectual and research facilities, such as Fargo and Grand Forks, because of the relationship of our universities with the private industry. We will also see many more opportunities for those with degrees in career and technical education for all these industries mentioned above.

Wanzek: As far as North Dakota's future, I see a continuation of our current economy, albeit with a bit more stability as we catch up on our growing pains, where policies encourage risk taking, reward hard work and investment into North Dakota. Where people can live a good life with good job opportunities, raise a family where you can feel safe and also feel a sense of pride in belonging to their community.

7. Why should voters choose you to represent them in the Legislature?

Carlson: The decisions made by the District 29 incumbents in the last legislative session were not beneficial to the hardworking people of District 29. The $50 million in tax cuts to out-of-state corporations did nothing to alleviate infrastructure needs, make a higher education more obtainable, provide monetary relief to our school districts or reform property taxes. Voting against the abolishment of the clothing tax did not help the families working two to three jobs to survive. District 29 incumbents failed to address the ever-pressing and growing needs of the district. They certainly weren't representing my ideals and beliefs, or those of many of the people that I've talked to on the campaign trail. I want to represent the people of District 29, not out-of-state corporations or Big Oil. My campaign is about doing what's right for the hardworking people of District 29. The state needs balance and compromise in Bismarck. I bring both to the table. Solutions do not need to be Democratic or Republican--they just need to benefit the citizens. I believe I am the compassionate, dedicated person that can best represent the people of District 29, convey their concerns in the Legislature, and work on effective solutions.

Linderman: We need to restore common sense to the North Dakota Legislature and after encouragement from others, I realize that I can do that. I have been interested in and observed the Legislature all my adult life. I previously had the honor to serve in the North Dakota Legislature, once as part of the majority party and three more sessions in the minority. I know how a Legislature is supposed to operate. Our incumbent legislators are good men but have become part of a supermajority legislative cabal that is the most hyper-partisan I have ever observed. They and their boss, Al Carlson of Fargo, have even claimed credit for our economy. How can you trust people who say such ridiculous things? I will roll up my sleeves and go to work and invest our abundant resources to make this a truly great state. Then I will let you, the citizens, decide how much credit I should get.

Piehl: The voters of District 29 should choose me to be their senator because of my past experience in local leadership. My community involvement on the school board, township board, elevator board of directors and church council have required me to work together with other people to find logical solutions based on rational, open-minded thinking and not on political ideology. I have proven that I can communicate and find common ground with others even if we don't agree on all issues. I also believe that I reflect the independence and common sense of the voters in District 29 by knowing that the most important part of any decision is the final result, and not just caring about who receives the credit. I will also be the type of public servant who will communicate with them and be visible in their communities more often than just during election campaigns.

Headland: I believe that my private and public sector experience in combination, including 30 years of farming, 25 years of board experience on multiple boards, 20 years serving as a township supervisor and 12 years of legislative experience with six years of committee leadership have positioned me well to continue to serve the District 29 constituencies. Rural legislative districts, now represented by a minority of elected legislators, make the choice of who represents you vital to achieving legislative success within the district. Add it all up, and the choice is clear. Experience does matter, wouldn't you agree?

Pollert: I think the citizens of District 29 should vote for me because I feel that I bring a balanced approach to making decisions that will benefit District 29 and the rest of the state. I look at both sides of an issue, ask questions pro and con. I treat all people with respect. Being in private business, I know what it is to make a payroll, to provide health insurance and retirement benefits to our employees. I will be honest and straightforward with people. I realize that the citizens of District 29 have put a lot of faith and trust in the people they elect to the state Legislature and hopefully I have earned that trust.

Wanzek: First of all because of my love and concern for this area and our people. I am a fourth-generation citizen of this community. My wife and I were raised here, educated here, farm here, work here and raised our family here. Now we have some of the fifth generation of our family looking to make a life here. We are also attempting to coax the parents (our daughter and her husband) of our sixth generation (grandson) to move back home. Also, voters should recognize my experience and seniority in the Legislature as an asset. I will not need training; I will immediately hit the ground running. I will be accessible, willing to listen, objective and open-minded. Also, with my position on the Senate Appropriations' committee, I am in an effective position to do much more for district 29. Experience matters!

Democrats

Lori Carlson

Age: 55

Employment or occupation (former, if retired): partner in farming with husband and son

Education: graduate of Jamestown High School

Immediate family: husband Richard; one son Derek (Lynda)

Five most important memberships/organizations of which you are a member: president, Spiritwood and Barnes County North School Board; clerk, Winfield Township; director, North Dakota Small Organized Schools; director, South East Educational Cooperative; and member, St. John's Lutheran Church

Charles Linderman

Age: 70

Employment or occupation (former, if retired): farmer; former researcher with USDA Agricultural Research Service; former extension specialist with NDSU Extension Service

Education: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in agricultural engineering from NDSU

Immediate family: wife Ellen; daughter Kathleen (Thomas) Hill; son Wayne (Sherri) and daughter Jana (Phillip) Burgart; five grandchildren

Five most important memberships/organizations of which you are a member: director and secretary of Arrowwood Prairie Co-op; president of Foster County Farmers Union; director on North Dakota Soybean Council and county representative of North Dakota Wheat Commission

Jeff Piehl

Age: 54

Employment or occupation (former, if retired): self-employed fourth generation family farmer, Marion

Education: 1978 graduate, Marion High School; Moorhead State University, two years; Moorhead Technical Institute, two years, graduating with an Associate degree in production agriculture

Immediate family: wife Kris; three children: Devin, 20, Tasha, 18, and Landon, 10.

Five most important memberships/organizations of which you are a member: secretary, Marion Equity Elevator Co.; clerk/treasurer, Saratoga Township; board of directors, Lakeview Cemetery Association Worship Committee; Property and Maintenance Committee, Marion Lutheran Church, and LaMoure Loboe Teammakers

Republicans

Craig Headland

Age: 53

Employment or occupation (former, if retired): farmer

Education: Montpelier Public School, Moorhead State University, North Dakota State University

Immediate family: wife Dawn, daughter Sydney

Five most important memberships/organizations of which you are a member: Montpelier Lutheran Church, Elks Club, National Rifle Association, American Legislative Exchange Council, and LAND Association

Chet Pollert

Age: 59

Employment or occupation (former, if retired): owner/operator of G & R Grain and Feed of New Rockford

Education: Graduated high school from Pingree Public School and Bachelor of Arts/ business administration from Valley City State University

Immediate family: wife Corine (Jo); three children, Garrett, Fayetteville, Ark., Gavin (Kristen) and Erica, both Carrington

Five most important memberships/organizations of which you are a member: Trinity Lutheran Church of Carrington, National Rifle Association, North Dakota Grain Dealers Association and North Dakota Ag Association

Terry M. Wanzek

Age: 55

Employment or occupation (former, if retired): self-employed, farmer, businessman

Education: graduate, Jamestown High School, Jamestown College BA, TEPAP graduate, Texas A&M

Immediate family: wife Janice, children Briana (Jared) Bye, Ryan (Rachel) and Mariah; one grandson.

Five most important memberships/organizations of which you are a member: St. James Basilica, Farm Bureau-Nodak Mutual Board of Directors, Knights of Columbus, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, North Dakota BIO Association

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