BISMARCK — Refreshing. That’s the outlook that I think a lot of North Dakotans had after listening to Governor Doug Burgum’s state of the state address.

We’ve talked about many of the things, over the course of the last six months, right here on Dialogue with Daryl, that he addressed in his state of the state.

He talked about zero-based budgeting – which he campaigned on – and we, through policy, very much so agree with. He talked about private property and its relation to the events happening down in southern Morton County with the No DAPL protests, and how respecting our freedoms include respecting private property. You have the freedom of speech. You have the freedom of assembly. But when it comes to private property, don’t cross those lines. That was refreshing to hear, as private property is a cornerstone principle and belief of NDFB.

The other thing that was refreshing to hear, is to hear a governor talk about government getting out of our way and allowing the free market and the free enterprise system to flourish where appropriate. And get better at government where it’s needed, such as infrastructure, things that people can’t do on their own. But if we have government involved in those things, let’s get better at it. Let’s be more efficient, which ties back to that zero-based budgeting and analyzing all programs, all agencies, all the work they do and looking at the cost and the benefit in making sure government is the best it can be.

But yet, he had this very strong undertone of sincerity and gratitude for the people of North Dakota; for what we have here in North Dakota. I don’t think there are any of us living here in North Dakota that don’t think we have the greatest state in the nation for a lot of various reasons. First of all, the very reason NDFB exists: The farmers and ranchers that settled this state. It’s that heritage that has led to many successes in North Dakota, in agriculture, in energy, in small business, in vibrant small towns. I think Governor Doug Burgum understands that all areas of the state have to be healthy to have a healthy state.

For questions or comments, please contact Dawn Smith-Pfeifer.

— Daryl Lies, President, North Dakota Farm Bureau

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