After six years, Jack Dalrymple has ended his time as North Dakota’s Governor. He had been Lieutenant Governor under John Hoeven, and moved into the job after Hoeven was elected to the US Senate. Dalrymple was elected to a full term in 2012.
At the end of 2015, he announced he would not seek re-election.
"It feels right to be doing this," Dalrymple said Wednesday. He told reporters he’s proud of many of his policy initiatives – including funding for both K-12 and higher education, and property tax reform.
"I really was able to check-off pretty much everything that was on the list," Dalrymple said.
And Dalrymple saids he and the Legislature were able to use the increased oil tax revenue for one-time infrastructure projects – which he said ran into the billions of dollars.
"I'm very pleased about that," Dalrymple said. "Those are things that pay back -- not just in the short-term, but over the very long term as well.
Now, as Doug Burgum becomes Governor, Dalrymple was asked if he had any advice for Burgum.
"I would say -- when you haven't been around state government much, maybe ease into it a little bit," Dalrymple said. "Get to know the players a little better. Don't try to come sweeping in on a wave, thinking everyone is going to try to do what you say."
Dalrymple said Burgum is a very smart guy, and he will figure it out.
Dalrymple came from a Legislative background, serving in the House before being tapped to join the Hoeven administration. He was asked about how Burgum might have to deal with legislators come January.
"You know how it is with the veterans," Dalrymple said. "When the rookies show up to training camp, there has to be a certain amount of needling or hazing at the beginning. But that will soon pass by, and people will get comfortable with each other."
Dalrymple said he's offered his help to the new Governor.
"I did something that I almost never do," Dalrymple said. "I gave Doug Burgum my cell phone number. And I invited him to call me any time."
Dalrymple and his wife, Betsy, are headed back to the family farm in Casselton.
