1/1/2012:
North Dakota’s first full-time Lieutenant Governor took office on this date in 1982. Previously, lieutenant governors had been only part-time, acting as Presidents of the State Senate. After taking office, Governor Allen Olson decided the position should be full-time with additional duties. John Smith, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, said the move was needed to ease the demands on the Governor’s time. In June, the State Supreme Court cleared Olson’s request, and Lt. Governor Ernie Sands’ new responsibilities were scheduled to take effect January 1st. Olson was able to delegate duties freely to the position and he quickly placed Sands on a number of state boards and named him liaison to local governments. Sands, accepting the salary increase and a new office, said he was happy with the change.
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
Sources:
The Forum. Thursday, January 21, 1982: pp.1, 2.