This letter is paid content. During a legislative session in 2017, Thomas Beadle voted to amend the North Dakota constitution to eliminate the treasurer’s office in a resolution that was ultimately voted down. Now he’s running for that office.
Mark Haugen is running for treasurer and actually believes in the office he’s seeking. We need government that is close, accessible, and accountable to voters, and the voters agree. In 1984 and 2000, the citizens of North Dakota spoke loud and clear when they voted to keep the treasurer’s office as an elected position.
Eliminating the Treasurer’s office would likely place much of the responsibility within the Office of Management and Budget. Placing the Treasurer’s duties under OMB would mean all responsibilities would directly report to the Governor’s office, losing its ability to be independent and direct accountability to the voters. This is especially concerning considering Beadle won his primary primarily on the back of Gov. Burgum’s campaign donations. As our treasurer, Mark will be an independent voice and lead with integrity, trust, and transparency.
Patrick Engelhart Bismarck, ND