All right, as we push towards the conclusion of this legislative session in North Dakota, it’s crucial that we confront the glaring issue: our politicians continue to fail when it comes to ethics. We’re talking about serious matters—abuse of office, ethical breaches, and a fundamental lack of accountability. We must demand better from those politicians.
Let’s take a step back and remember how we got here. The North Dakota Ethics Commission was created for a reason—our politicians questionable behavior and refusal to hold themselves accountable. For far too long, politicians resisted the establishment of this Commission, until the public said enough. A constitutional amendment was passed, which was a crucial step in the right direction; it mandated the creation of the Commission and put in place protections to ensure it could effectively investigate complaints.
Now, here we are, and we see an alarming trend. Just look at the numbers: 59 complaints filed against politicians in North Dakota already this year, outpacing last year’s total of 41—just in the first few months! Did we expect our lawmakers to take this seriously and allocate the necessary resources to help manage this influx? Unfortunately, it seems naive to think they would.
Instead of supporting the Ethical Commission, some lawmakers want to limit its capacity to effectively investigate complaints. Take for example the amendment introduced by Republican Representative Mike Nathe, which aims to cap investigations at only 180 days. Outrageous! You’re asking the Commission to do more work with fewer resources while imposing a time limit on investigations. How can this ever be justified?
Let’s look at a real-life example: my complaint against Jason Dockter, which I filed back in December 2022. The North Dakota Ethics Commission acknowledged my complaint, and investigated for nearly a whole year before referring that complaint to a State’s Attorney’s office. The State’s Attorney’s office that should have been tasked with this investigation was the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s office, but there was a conflict. Liz Broker, who was involved in the ethical complaint was hired in the that office after being removed from the Attorney General’s office. The criminal complaint was forwarded to Ladd Erickson. A judge brought down a fine and community service to Jason Dockter.
That would have never came to be if Rep. Nathe’s 180 limit was enforced. Perhaps that is what he and other politicians want? Limit resources and time to investigate alleged unethical behavior or crimes involving their colleagues.
A more disturbing violation is perhaps the biggest political story in North Dakota’s history. Once powerful Senator Ray Holmberg was just sentenced to 10 years in prison for traveling to Prague with the intent to have sex with minors. The sentencing memo details how Holmberg used his office to travel around the world – paid for by taxpayers – for commercial sex. He repeatedly bragged about how is power as a North Dakota lawmaker allowed him to groom and abuse young men. Corruption of office and of human beings.
What does it say about our politicians when they can’t even fully back an Ethics Commission that was supposed to bring accountability? These same individuals opposed its creation, claiming it wasn’t necessary, and now they’re actively trying to undermine its functions. This hypocrisy cannot stand.
As taxpayers, we need to step up and hold our elected officials accountable. We deserve more than empty promises; we need a government that adheres to ethical standards. The time has come for us to demand that our lawmakers provide the Ethics Commission with the resources and authority it needs to do its job effectively.
Let’s stay alert as we approach the end of this legislative session and keep a close watch on our politicians. Change is essential; let’s make it clear that ethics, not obstruction, is what we demand from North Dakota politicians.
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