Dakota Beacon

The ND Democratic convention is over and candidates are heading out to face Republicans who are riding a wave of prosperity. The Democrats will look for pockets of discontent -- at this time the pockets appear most likely to be found in the Oil Patch and the universities. Democratic candidate for governor Ryan Taylor stands out for at least two reasons: his cowboy hat (his supporters wear blue foam cowboy hats) and he is the only male running for a top position. Democratic candidates for the two congressional spots and lieutenant governor are women.

Herald publisher Mike Jacobs attended the convention and believes the Democrats have “credible, qualified candidates for every available statewide office.” However, he also believes the party is looking in the rear view mirror at the state’s “quiet, simple, unhurried, agricultural past.” He notes oil is now the principal economic activity in much of the western part of the state and has replaced agriculture as the major employer.

The Center for Public Integrity gave ND an “F” on state government accountability and transparency, reflecting the lack of a state ethics commission, lax campaign finance laws, and other reporting and disclosure weaknesses. Many Nodaks don’t agree, believing “the North Dakota way” has resulted in good government, while many states with stiffer laws have more corrupt governments. They point to Illinois and New Jersey. Some reform will be in order.

It’s a problem -- the votes are in ND, the money is elsewhere. The Forum’s Kristen Daum says ND Democratic congressional candidates face the same dilemma that Team North Dakota (Conrad, Dorgan and Pomeroy) faced in the past. Senate candidate Heidi Heitkamp must walk a fine line, presenting herself as moderate and independent in the state, but as a party line liberal when meeting large donors on the coasts. It’s clear how opponents intend to play her candidacy, a Republican spokesman said, “She would simply be another solid vote for president Obama and his far left agenda.”

Three Affiliated Tribes Chair Tex Hall likes broad gestures. Remember his proposed Missouri River casino yacht? He dresses in a big belt, boots and cowboy hat. His new tribal highway patrol will drive giant Ford Expeditions and sport uniforms with shoulder patches featuring a dancing Indian and the words “MHA Nation Highway Patrol.” Richard Hall (hmmm) said Chairman Tex has directed him to also establish tribal license plates and a public transit system.

Ron Offutt is a legendary Red River Valley entrepreneur. His daughter and her husband are about to attempt a record of their own -- the largest residence in ND. Keith and Rondi McGovern propose to rehab a 29,000 square foot, 89-year-old Fargo commercial building into a residence.

The Minot Daily News believes new university system chancellor Hamid Shirvani faces tough challenges. Their editorial was a bit sarcastic: “We wish you good luck . . . You’ll need it.” The editorial also congratulated him for “scoring the $340,000 plus salary. Nice!” The MDN may not have known he made about as much while president of Cal State Stanislaus. That is the unexplained aspect of Shirvani’s move to ND -- he was well paid and seemingly secure in his California job, also, close to a lucrative retirement.

ND’s prosperity comes with a cost. The state used to pay 29 cents of every Medicaid dollar, but as the state’s per capita income rises, so does its Medicaid contribution. ND’s share is likely to rise to 50 cents, the maximum any state must pay -- the increase will cost the state over $100 million a year.

Housing is tight in the Oil Patch. In 2005, the average sale price of a home in Williston was $72,000; by 2010, the price jumped to $160,000; in 2011 it was $192,000. Realtors say retired people from oil towns are using the equity from their homes to buy in Bismarck-Mandan.

A weekly charter bus leaves Missoula, Montana, heads east on I-94 making stops in Butte, Bozeman and Billings. What’s going on? It’s a commuter bus taking workers to the ND oil fields. Missoula passengers are saved a 700-mile one way drive.

Matt Von Pinnon’s editorial in the Forum was headed “It’s the people’s money: Spend it or give it back.” He was referring to the state’s growing tax collections. Perhaps Von Pinnon should talk to people in Alaska, where oil production is declining. Earnings from the $40 billion they have stashed away are going to come in handy.

I’m afraid this will make you shudder -- Mandan is becoming more like California. A Honda dealership celebrated “animal agriculture” by hosting a petting zoo with pigs, goats, and you name it. A local woman wrote the Tribune, “My brood also participated in the animal adoration. To my horror and dismay there were no hand-washing stations and no bottles of hand sanitizer available.” The writer was identified as a chiropractor. Online ridicule was immediate.

There are still many women living in ND born in the second decade of the 20th Century. Their lives spanned the Dust Bowl, Great Depression and World War II and they could easily be seen as victims of hardship, particularly those from rural areas. But it is doubtful many of them feel that way -- they are more likely to be grateful for ever improving lives.

Mary Weigel Pfeifer Engel (94) was one. She spent her life in Strasburg, the heart of Lawrence Welk Country, where she farmed and outlived two husbands. Later, as a member of the St. Mary’s Altar Society, she cleaned the church for many years. Frances Hoersch (102) is another. She attended country school, went to a teachers’ college and she and her husband alternately farmed and taught in rural areas of Stutsman County. She had a long, enjoyable Lutheran life.

DAKTOIDS: Forum columnist Robert Morast believes Marilyn Hagerty (of Olive Garden review fame) is temporarily the state’s biggest celebrity -- he allows Phil Jackson could quickly catch her if he becomes coach of the New York Knicks . . . More than a few Nodaks have crossed the Red River to become legislators -- former Bison and Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Phil Hansen will run for the Minnesota Senate . . . Minot has a good ag economy and a growing oil presence, but don’t overlook the Minot AFB -- it pitches about $500 million into the area economy each year . . . MAFB has the largest housing complex of any air base in the continental U.S. . . . Houston, Calgary and Denver are leading North American oil cities, but guess who is with them in the Top Ten according to the Tulsa World -- little Williston.