Tag Archive for: Tim Mathern

Former Dem-NPL Chair George Gaukler passes away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12, 2025

VALLEY CITY, ND – Valley City developer and former Chair of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL, George Gaukler, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Gaukler served as Chair of the Dem-NPL from 1980-1994. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 10, 2025 at the Center for the Arts on the VCSU campus.

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy said, “George Gaukler was a builder. His impact will be felt in the cities of our region for generations. He was a driving force in Valley City’s Economic Development Commission since its founding to present day. He and his beloved wife Audrey generously sponsored programs and community facilities like Valley City’s Gaukler Center, enhancing the quality of life in our area. He was also the most effective State Chairman the Democratic Party has ever had—leading our state to Democratic domination for the period of time he was our leader. To me, he was like an older brother. I tried to follow his golden counsel and always wanted him to be proud of our efforts because he had worked so hard to get us elected in the first place. After retiring from politics, he worked hard on his many projects. He was making notes and giving instructions to his team right till the end. We will sorely miss our friend and leader George Gaukler.”

Larry Robinson, former State Senator District 24 and recently retired as the Executive Director of the Valley City State University Foundation, remarked, “North Dakota lost one of its most prominent businessmen in the passing of Valley City’s George Gaukler. George spent his entire life in real estate development building numerous single family homes and multi-family housing units. George was a visionary and had a passion for improving the quality of life for all. George and his late wife Audrey were pillars in our community, leading and supporting numerous community improvements. George had a big heart and helped many over the course of his life. He was driven and he was a born leader. His passing is a big loss for our community and the state of North Dakota. He will be missed!”

Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “George Gaukler lived a full and energetic life. He shared his business success by generous philanthropy. He shared his social justice values by mentoring and supporting political candidates. He shared his concerns by challenging organizations when they strayed from their teachings. We are blessed by his life, may George Gaukler rest in peace.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Senator Mathern calls for Special Hearing on Federal Cuts impact on ND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 5, 2025

BISMARCK, ND – This morning, Sen. Tim Mathern (D-11) asked that the Senate Appropriations Committee hold a Special Hearing to assemble information regarding anticipated federal cuts that will impact North Dakota agencies and citizens.

Mathern said of his request, “My concern is that citizens ask questions, that we are bombarded with news media snippets, and that we need to know the information to prepare a proper state budget. State agencies are closer to the federal changes than legislators are. We need to hear from them, so we can respond to our constituents.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Dem-NPL leaders, candidates react to death of Lloyd Omdahl

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 15, 2024

GRAND FORKS – Former Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota Lloyd Omdahl has died at age 93. Omdahl was appointed as North Dakota Tax Commissioner after the death of J. Arther Engen in 1963, and was appointed Lieutenant Governor after the death of Ruth Meiers in 1987.

U.S. Senate Candidate Katrina Christiansen said, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lt. Gov. Lloyd Omdahl. His dedication to public service and his impact on North Dakota will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Lt. Governor Candidate Patrick Hart remarked, “Lloyd always thought the legacy fund will be tapped and if so it should be used for societal good such as health care or education.”

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) said, “He was a true statesman. He studied issues thoroughly, asked pertinent questions and spoke respectfully to everyone. He loved a good debate on issues and encouraged us to disagree or question his opinions which I did often. Mostly he loved North Dakota, both the land and the people.”

Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “I have worked with Lloyd since first elected to the Senate in 1986 and kept in regular contact until his death at age 93. He was a master at running the ND Senate. He had a way with the rules to assure that a tie between Republicans and Democrats did not let us stalemate like today’s Congress. I think Lloyd’s greatest achievement for North Dakota was his melding of political science and journalism. If democracy survives it is journalism regarding politics that will be our saving grace. Professor Omdahl also possessed a deep religious faith. He never wore it on his sleeve but it guided his ethics in all of his professions. A party in heaven tonight for sure.”

Former Dem-NPL Chair Bob Valeu remarked, “Lloyd was a dear friend. He was my political mentor dating back to 1965. I worked for Lloyd when he served as Tax Commissioner. Lloyd genuinely believed in a representative government. He was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly toward perfecting our democracy. Even in his later years he and I would visit, and his advice was uplifting, positive, and right on target. Lloyd was a remarkable figure in North Dakota’s political landscape, he has left an indelible mark on the state. His legacy is one of a dedicated public servant, educator, and writer, and will be remembered by many.”

Gary Holm, who worked in the Link administration wrote, “A friend since 1965, Lloyd was an outstanding public servant, a great professor and a talented columnist. Author of “The Insurgents” about the Dem-NPL merger, he was an early leader and activist in the party. He will be missed by many who knew him and read his column.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]