North Dakota is an incredible place to live, work and raise a family. In order to preserve and grow as a state, we're continuously tasked with the need to generate new opportunities both existing and future generations can benefit from.

As a current office holder and public servant, my priorities continue to be meeting the needs of each and every citizen in an effective and efficient manner, strong communication and outreach, and remaining fiscally responsible with public funds.

With an extensive agricultural and private-sector business background, I have a solid understanding of how our state's economy functions, whether as an owner of a main street business, agricultural operation, or as one of the tens of thousands employed by one of the many industry segments in the state.

Having raised a family in North Dakota, I have a deep appreciation of what everyday life is like for individuals and families living here and the need for effective and responsive government.

Expanding upon existing means to communicate and share information with the public, including through the use of digital mechanisms, to better educate and promote greater transparency is always a top priority.

As the state's current tax commissioner, I will continue to be accessible to the public and appreciate the opportunity to serve and interact and connect with citizens on a daily basis. Maintaining an open dialogue to better understand and effectively meet citizen's needs is critical.

Through effective communication and outreach, participation rates for programs currently administered by our agency including the primary residence, homestead, and disabled veteran property tax credit remain extremely high.

However, it's also important to recognize that as new individuals and families enter our state, or as existing residents become eligible for programs applicable to them, that constant outreach is required to maintain awareness and provide maximum benefit to the public.

Taxes are a bit of a mess in ND. We have counties taking in oil money to such an extent that they don't need property tax money anymore. Yet the State is still sending these counties impact money, for some reason. Also, this leads to farms in eastern ND paying 30 to 40 times as much per acre on farm land. Schools are another subject. The State Constitution says that all schools should be funded equally. Well, we have some schools getting $20,000 per student and other getting about $6000.

I learned how to listen to people a long time ago.

All I can promise is that I will do the best job I can for the people of the state.

Programs come and go. Sometimes it seems that most people have heard about a program that has already ended. Publicity needs to be more timely.