"To make the best better!"

For me growing up, Burleigh County was an identity.

County 4-H Achievement Days.

Representing our county at the North Dakota State Fair.

Walking the (then) Folkfest Parade for Burleigh County.

Damn right I was proud to be Burleigh County.

I bled green and white for twenty years as a Burleigh County 4-Her and later as a leader. I cut my teeth on Robert's Rules of Order and meeting decorum in 4-H. I first dipped my toe into public speaking through 4-H. I served my community through 4-H. And I built life-long relationships through 4-H. Burleigh County 4-H.

I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living. For my club, my community, my country, and my world. To Make the Best Better!

I get asked why County Commission and not some other seat or level of government. Part of the answer is that county government is often the highest level of government most people will interact with, where decisions have the most direct impact on daily life.

But the simpler answer is this: I’ve always known this is where I wanted to serve.

There was never anything else I wanted to do more.