My Story
The farm I live on has been in my family now for a hundred years. June 19 marks the anniversary (I was planning a big party to celebrate, but the Covid-19 troubles put a stop to that–one of the many casualties of the pandemic). I spent much of my growing up on Bridgeway Farm (the name my grandfather Thomas gave it in 1920). I count it one of the chief privileges of my life that I have, for a time, been manager and steward of this part of God’s creation.
Beginning in 1997 and continuing until my retirement a year ago, I was blessed with one of the other great privileges of my life: being pastor of the Kathryn and Nome-Fingal parishes for so many years. Every pastor who has been in one call for many years knows the wonder I enjoyed: walking alongside neighbors and friends through all the challenges and joys of life. By the time I retired, I was officiating at the weddings of parishioners I had baptized and, sometimes, grieving as I said the words of farewell and hope at their graves.
Every line of work, every way of life, can help one understand and work with others, and I do not think a pastor or former pastor necessarily has more insight than others. But I do think my thirty-five years of parish ministry equip me well to represent my neighbors–not only to understand “where they are coming from,” but also to make good judgments about where we want to go.
My Values
Once when asked about the basis of his political philosophy, Franklin Roosevelt said, simply, “I am a Christian and a Democrat.” I suppose one might find fault with that statement–after all, one’s political and one’s religious commitments are not of the same order–but it rang true for Roosevelt and it rings true for me. My politics are a function of my faith. The prophet’s word, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” and Jesus’ summary of everything life is about, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself,” are the foundation of what I think everyone of us is called to be and to do.
I have friends who are Muslims, friends who are Sikhs, friends who are agnostic or atheist–all of whom share this deep conviction: we are here to take care of each other. This is what it is to be a human being. But for me, this conviction is founded on my faith.
As someone who seeks your support and vote as I campaign for the North Dakota State House of Representatives, this means:
1) Being available to listen to your concerns and hopes
2) Advocating for those in our community who are sidelined or ignored or treated as “other”
3) Representing the people of District 24 using my best judgment
4) Never forgetting that the decisions we make as individuals, as a community, as a Legislature, will shape the future. We are making tomorrow’s North Dakota today.
My Commitment
I commit myself, if I am elected, to represent the people of District 24 as honestly, faithfully, intelligently, and compassionately as I am able. This does not mean I shall always vote the way others want me to. It means I shall never make the decision to vote green or red, yes or no, lightly.
