April 12, 2016

Burgum names Sanford as running mate

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

Brent Sanford, Watford City’s mayor, has been selected by Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Burgum as his lieutenant governor running mate in North Dakota’s June 14 Primary Election.
“I’m extremely excited to have Brent as my running mate,” said Burgum. “His experience helping grow Watford City from a small community to an economic hub while keeping local taxes low and improving the quality of life is exactly the type of leadership we need in Bismarck.”
Sanford, a Watford City native, currently serves as mayor of Watford City, a position he has held since 2010. He served on the Watford City council from 2006-2010. In addition to local government leadership experience, Sanford brings success as an entrepreneur in the private sector, having served as CFO of Transwest Trucks, a multi-location truck dealership, financing, and manufacturing operation with more than 400 employees.
Sanford is the owner and president of S & S Motors in Watford City. A CPA, he earned a degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota, and worked at Eide Bailly in Fargo for eight years before joining Transwest Trucks.
“Brent understands the need to give more control back to our local communities and how to keep property taxes low, two of my most important priorities as governor,” Burgum continued. “He will also be a great partner on local economic development issues. Brent will bring fresh ideas and an outsider’s perspective to grow the economy and increase jobs in every city and town in North Dakota.”
“I am delighted to join the ticket as Doug’s running mate,” Sanford said. “I strongly believe North Dakotans are ready to send a business leader to Bismarck. With our team, voters get two leaders who understand the changing economy and who will help increase the number of great jobs that keep young people and their families at home in North Dakota.”
Burgum-Sanford will be on the ballot in the June 14 Primary. They believe that all North Dakota Republicans should have the opportunity to participate in selecting whom they want to represent them as governor and lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket in November.
Burgum-Sanford can continue North Dakota’s tradition of electing private sector leaders as governor: The first elected office for both Ed Schafer and John Hoeven was governor. Additionally, Congressman Kevin Cramer won the primary election without the NDGOP endorsement.
Burgum, an Arthur, N.D. native, literally “bet the family farm” to provide the seed capital for Great Plains Software, a technology company that ultimately created thousands of jobs in North Dakota. His 33 years in the private sector have been spent building great companies that attract capital and create fulfilling jobs in North Dakota.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER