A committee to choose the five members of the new Ethics Commission has narrowed the number of candidates to 17.
Gov. Doug Burgum, Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R-Dickinson) and Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman (D-New Rockford) make up the committee. At one point, the committee had hoped to have the five members named by July First – but they all say they have more work to do in checking references and researching the candidates.
"We need people who are deliberative, and ready to take on a tough job," Heckaman said. "They themselves should be ethical."
Heckaman said she's received a number of recommendations and comments about the potential commission members.
"Those are all important to consider, as we look forward to our final five," Heckaman said.
The terms for the first five appointees will be staggered. Two members will serve a two-year term, one will serve three years, and two others will have full four year terms. Heckaman said she did not support having any of the initial commissioners only serve a one-year term.
"I think there will be a lot of organization in that first year," Heckaman said.
The Committee will meet again after the July Fourth holiday. Gov. Burgum said it may take two more meetings before the initial five members are appointed.
The 17 are: Ron Goodman, Oakes; Cynthia Lindquist, Devils Lake; Jonathan Sickler, Grand Forks; Bill Kundson, Mandan; Paul Richard, Fargo; Tom Trenbeath, Bismarck; Clarice Liechty, Jamestown; Dan Fuller, West Fargo; Ward Koeser, Williston; Jeff Risk, Minot; Maggie Kohls, Bismarck; Marilyn Foss, Bismarck; Greg Stites, Bismarck; David Anderson, Bismarck; Dan Brosz, Bowman; Ken Christianson, Fargo; and Shirley Meyer, Dickinson.
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