North Dakota Democratic-NPL Statement on the Passing of Former Secretary of State Jim Kusler
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 9, 2021
CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Statement on the Passing of Former Secretary of State Jim Kusler
Current and Former Lawmakers, including Sen. Kent Conrad, express their sentiments following the death of Secretary of State Jim Kusler
**Obituary and Photo can be found here**
Bismarck, ND – We are devastated to learn of the death of former Secretary of State Jim Kusler.
“Secretary Kusler was as true a champion, and as dedicated a public servant as our state has ever had. As the only Dem-NPLer to serve as Secretary of State to-date, Jim always put the needs of North Dakotans first and foremost during his time in office, with passion, energy, and a knack for working across the aisle. The Dem-NPL mourns the loss of our dear friend, and we extend our deepest condolences to the Kusler family,” remarked Executive Director Tyler Hogan.
Former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad expressed, “Jim Kusler was a dear friend and a dedicated public servant. He loved North Dakota’s people and our history. May he Rest In Peace.”
“Jim was always there to answer the call to public service,” said North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Pat Hart. “He left a profound and positive impact in every role he held – from his time working for Governor Art Link, to serving as a special assistant to then-Tax Commissioner Kent Conrad, all the way through his tenure in the North Dakota State Senate and, later, making history as the first and (so far) only Democratic-NPL Secretary of State.”
“Jim was very meticulous in his work. As Secretary of State he did an amazing job of modernizing the office after decades under penny pincher Ben Meier. He was the only Dem-NPLer ever elected to the office. He was crushed when he was defeated for re-election, because he loved working for the people. He was highly intelligent and just a truly wonderful person. A dedicated Dem- NPLer, he was very perceptive and was forward thinking,” said Gary Holm, who worked with Kusler in the Link Administration.
“Jim was a very conscientious legislator and Secretary of State. He worked hard to bring the Secretary of State’s office into the 21st century,” added Former State Sen. Aaron Krauter.
Sen. Tim Mathern noted, “I was privileged to serve with Mr. Kusler in the ND Senate. He was meticulous and passionate about his service to the institution and the citizens. He always went beyond the call of duty.”
A Visitation Service will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Beulah Congregational Church; a Funeral Service will occur Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 2:00 PM also at Beulah Congregational Church.
