New Member Appointed to North Dakota Ethics Commission

Murray Sagsveen, left, an attorney with previous positions at multiple state agencies and North Dakota University System, interviews with Gov. Doug Burgum, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan for an position on the Ethics Commission on Sept. 23, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) -A Bismarck attorney with extensive government experience will be the newest member of the North Dakota Ethics Commission.

Murray Sagsveen was unanimously selected Tuesday by Gov. Doug Burgum, Senate Majority Leader Sen. David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Kathy Hogan. The selection committee interviewed three finalists on Monday after two others withdrew.

Sagsveen will join the five-member board and fulfill the remainder of a four-year term for Paul Richard, chair of the Ethics Commission, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Sagsveen worked as the chief of staff for the chancellor of the North Dakota University System, as an attorney for multiple state agencies, and as a legislative assistant and lobbyist.

“I think I’ve hit about every nook and cranny of state government and have a pretty good understanding of some of the issues,” Sagsveen said in an interview with the committee Monday.

Other finalists interviewed were former West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reiten and former Casselton city commissioner and freelance writer Charleen Gust. Leslie Bakken Oliver, Burgum’s former general counsel, and Arland Rasmussen, retired West Fargo Police Chief, withdrew from consideration.

When asked what makes an effective board, Sagsveen said in his nearly 40 years of serving on boards that diversity was paramount. He added gender, economic, employment and professional diversity all add something unique to a board

“When you have that kind of diversity on a board, you can better avoid groupthink,” he said during his interview.

Burgum said Sagsveen has more experience with boards, commissions and state government than any other candidate the commission has seen thus far.

He also appreciated Sagsveen’s suggestion of holding monthly webinars to educate the public and government officials about the laws, rules and processes in North Dakota.

“I liked what he had to say about educating people first so that they understand the rules so they can avoid these issues,” Burgum said.

Hogan said she supported Sagsveen because of his knowledge and experience on ethical issues, previous board experience, his understanding of state government and his recognition of the importance of having a diverse coalition.

Hogue said Sagsveen’s record of public service put him “a notch” above the other finalists, though he praised all 29 applicants who went through the process.

Commissioners are paid $213 per day for every regular meeting they attend, plus mileage reimbursement if they travel.

Burgum encouraged other applicants to visit the state boards and commissions website to find other ways to be involved.