Armstrong Says Ethics Commissioner Does Not Have The Support to Keep Serving

(North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota Ethics Commission member Murray Sagsveen no longer has the support to continue serving beyond his expired term, Gov. Kelly Armstrong said.

The governor and two other members of the Ethics Commission Selection Committee remain at a stalemate over reappointing Sagsveen, a Bismarck attorney. Now the governor no longer supports Sagsveen serving on the board until a replacement is named.

Sagsveen’s term ended Aug. 31, but he has continued serving while the commission has had three vacancies. Armstrong argued that a lack of consensus from the committee means Sagsveen can no longer serve. Armstrong sent a letter to Sagsveen outlining his position.

Armstrong writes that Sagsveen’s service after Aug. 31 has been “crucial” to maintaining a quorum of three members on the Ethics Commission. But an Oct. 31 appointment to the commission means his participation is no longer necessary.