MINOT — The Dakotan was able to have a recent discussion with Joseph Nesdahl, Chairman of the Souris Valley Dem-NPL. The SVDNPL represents the 4 Legislative Districts, 38, 40, 3 & 5, in Minot. Nesdahl is the Chairman of the group, and also the Chairman of District 3. In our conversation with Nesdahl, we asked questions about the recent activity of the Democratic districts in Minot, leading up to the State Democratic Convention March 24-27.
The Dakotan:
"Share with us a little about the activity of the SVDNPL if you would?"
Nesdahl:
"Start of last summer, we had two to three events where we tried to get together to start and reboot after COVID, which was tough on us, and everyone else, for a lot of reasons. We had a back yard party and had a couple of speakers from the legislature. A couple of months later we got together and had a couple of other speakers, one was a current legislator, and one was an activist in New Town, and they came and spoke. We also had a booth at the Pride Festival, and now we are trying to set up a date for our re-organization for districts. That date is later this month. We would like to elect a new chair [for the SVDNPL] and new officers. We’re slowly moving forward. There’s a good group of us that get together and through networking and socializing we keep in touch. Of course, we are looking for candidates for office, and that’s something we’d like to see more of."
The Dakotan:
"Have you elected district chairs?"
Nesdahl:
"Yes, there are district chairs, and most of the other officer positions are filled. There may be a few open. The reorganization meeting is Sunday, February 27 at 3 p.m. at the IBEW Union Hall up on North Hill. We start with a larger group and then break down into districts after a little bit."
The Dakotan:
"So, all three districts will probably reorganize on that Sunday?"
Nesdahl:
"Yes, over the years we have found it easier to all get together and do them [reorganizations] all at once."
The Dakotan:
"So how are you doing on candidates? Do you have people who are interested?"
Nesdahl:
"I think are some interested folks. But honestly, it is harder this year than it was four years ago when I first ran myself. I don’t know if it’s the national divisiveness, that we see on the national TV reports. People that might be interested in running and you see during these stories people are threatened when they go knocking on doors. It’s also a big time commitment, and people question what am I going to do for work. Myself, I do, have a contract that allows me to take that time off, but not every job is going to be like that. We look at maybe a small business owner or a farmer/rancher who would have that much time available. Most people have to work, they just can’t take four months off, it’s tough to do."
The Dakotan:
"So, it sounds like you may be running again?"
Nesdahl:
"I am really leaning towards yes, I guess I am really leaning towards it. I really enjoyed it. It was tough to lose, but I really learned a lot about my neighbors and about the issues. It kind of changes your values. I think I can take what I learned and do better the next time. Last time we actually had a 3-way race because Andy Maragos tried to run as an independent. At first, we thought it would split the Republican vote. But it actually ended up splitting the Democratic vote."
The Dakotan:
"So, the state Democrat Convention is in Minot this year?"
Nesdahl:
"Yes, it is. The date is March 26. I know that there have not been many candidates announced right now, but there will be as we closer to the convention."
The Dakotan:
"Thanks for your time, and when you have candidates ready to announce, please let The Dakotan know."
Nesdahl:
"Sure will, and thank you."
