OTHER VIEWS

Other views: Law and order are essential on reservation

Tools for addressing crime on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation are being put into place. A new federal law recently enacted will provide more law enforcement officers, prosecutors and flexibility in dealing with jurisdictions for Standing Rock and other reservations. It sounds good. The truth of the matter will be found in the application and performance of key agencies — federal and tribal.

By The Bismarck Tribune , August 20, 2010

Other views: Offender law is poor approach

The idea that North Dakota isn’t in compliance with a national sex offender registration law is a little surprising — and a little hard to take. But Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s explanation makes sense. The law is another example of federal overreaching.

By Grand Forks Herald , August 13, 2010

Other views: Vaccines could be boon to Fargo area

Fargo-Moorhead’s vaccine industry is in the embryo stage, but the future holds immense promise. Early tentative steps are becoming more sure-footed. Home-grown talent and entrepreneurs are focusing their considerable expertise on a sector that has the potential to make Fargo-Moorhead a global destination in vaccine research, development and manufacturing. It’s not pie-in-the-sky hope, but rather a clear-eyed, realistic effort. Some of the pieces are in place. Much more needs to be accomplished.

By The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead , July 30, 2010

Higher ed needs flexibilty for accountability

“Flexibility with accountability.” That’s the bargain the North Dakota Legislature struck with the state university system as a result of the Roundtable Report. The higher ed board and the universities gained more freedom to make their own decisions; and in return, they are to be held more accountable for results.

By Grand Forks Herald , July 23, 2010

Keeping our glass half full

The glass is half full. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We’re almost out of the woods. Things are starting to turn around. These are some of the positive mantras that are being used in these difficult economic times. Despite all the indicators used to forecast and explain what’s going on in America and the world, one that is paramount at home, or most easily understood for most individuals, is jobs.

By The Bismarck Tribune , July 16, 2010

Other views: Thinking about N.D.’s budget future

Looking over the horizon at the next Legislative session, there will be some big price-tag requests of the governor and lawmakers. Already, we’ve gotten a sample of infrastructure needs in the oil patch — roads, housing and all that goes with that petroleum-driven economy. It’s part of the cost of rapid economic growth, but still expect sticker shock. Add to that requests related to the flooding in the Devils Lake basin. There seems to be no end in sight to the growing ripple of flooded fields and submerged roads. There’s been conversation about buying out flooded farmers and towns. At some point, there will be serious proposals for lawmakers, along with requests for serious money.

By The Bismarck Tribune , July 09, 2010

Other views: Upgrade Bismarck’s forest

At first glance, applying for a grant to upgrade Bismarck’s wooded (forest) river plain sounds foolish. The city forester wants $25,000 from the North Dakota Forest Service to build a riparian forest along the banks of the Missouri River near Riverwood Golf Course. The city would match the grant money with sweat equity. Why?

By The Bismarck Tribune , July 02, 2010

Other views: West merits action, if not session

“Consensus” is one indicator of the need for a special session of the Legislature. It’s clearly not present even in western North Dakota, the region that would benefit from such a session. That’s why Gov. John Hoeven is right to say “no” to state lawmakers and others who want a special session

By Grand Forks Herald , June 25, 2010

Other views: Address texting while driving

If the North Dakota Legislature can’t, or won’t, do anything to combat the growing problem of texting while driving, perhaps other cities should follow the lead of Grand Forks. Grand Forks City Council president Hal Gersham is urging the council to consider banning texting and driving within city limits, and the item is included on next week’s agenda for discussion.

By Minot Daily News , June 11, 2010

Other views: Bresciani is good fit for NDSU

If enthusiasm and energy were the only requirements for president of North Dakota State University, Dean Bresciani would be highly qualified. As admirable as those qualities are, they are not enough. So, it’s clear the man who was named Monday to lead NDSU also is visionary, intelligent and experienced. His unanimous selection by the state Board of Higher Education indicates board members see in Bresciani a president whose pedigree eminently equips him to take over the helm of the state’s land-grand university and, more importantly, continue the pace of progress the campus has enjoyed for eight years.

By The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead , May 28, 2010

Other views: N.D. court rule could help U.S.

North Dakota law has its quirks, some of which North Dakotans themselves would just as soon forget. But there’s one clause in the state constitution that might just belong in the U.S. Constitution itself. That would be Article VI, Section 4: “A majority of the supreme court shall be necessary to ... pronounce a decision, provided that the supreme court shall not declare a legislative enactment unconstitutional unless at least four of the members of the court so decide.”

By Grand Forks Herald , May 24, 2010

Other views: Political fireworks are coming

We’re surprised it took this long, frankly, but a group of fireworks stand owners wants to change a year-old state law banning the sale of bottle rockets. A group led by Lu Ann Moore of Barney is working to get a measure on the November ballot that would allow sales of bottle rockets to people over the age of 17. The Legislature approved a law last year that outlaws the sale of bottle rockets, but does not make it illegal to possess them or shoot them off. If the petition’s language is approved, those behind the measure would need to gather 12,844 signatures and submit them to the Secretary of State’s Office by Aug. 4 to get the measure on the November ballot.

By Minot Daily News , May 21, 2010

N.D. budget: Follow a working formula

North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, a Republican, asked state agencies to prepare their budgets based on a 3 percent decrease in spending. “He’s playing politics,” Democrats chorused. “It’s only prudent,” Republicans responded.

By The Bismark Tribune , May 14, 2010

Other views: N.D. resources getting strong look

North Dakota’s natural resources, beyond the sun, soil and water so critical to farming and ranching, are stepping up to support more and more of the state’s economy.

By The Bismark Tribune , May 07, 2010