A state legislator from northwest North Dakota has resigned.
Rep. Bill Oliver (R-New Town) is resigning, effective October 30th. In his letter, Oliver said “My life situation has changed, and I feel I cannot represent my constituents with the zeal necessary.”
Oliver sent the letter to House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) and Legislative Management chairman Sen. Ray Holmberg. (R-Grand Forks).
Holmberg said he will be sending a letter to the GOP District 4 chairman.
"There is a timeline they have to fulfill in order to appoint someone to finish out the term," Holmberg said. "When they get the letter, they have 21 days to appoint a successor."
Holmberg said if that doesn't happen, he would have to make the appointment.
"That's something I don't want to do," Holmberg said. "That hasn't happened in other cases, either."
Oliver’s term runs out in 2020.
District 4 GOP chairman Chuck Walen said the district’s executive committee will meet soon to discuss the appointment. He says there are two good candidates for Oliver’s position.
