Tag Archive for: Zac Ista

Dem-NPL House Minority Leader on the Supreme Court Decision in Trump v. United States


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 1, 2024

GRAND FORKS – Today all six of the Republican appointed Supreme Court justices ruled that a President of the United States has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for all official acts taken while in office. The three justices appointed by Democrats dissented.

In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that this decision “makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of Government, that no man is above the law.”

Democratic-NPL House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “In a few days, we will be celebrating our declaration of independence from a monarchy. In the nearly 250 years since then, countless brave Americans have fought and died to protect the constitutional republic our Founding Fathers envisioned—one that gave us a president, not a dictator or a king.

But today’s Supreme Court decision paves the way for any president to don the crown of a monarch once again. The notion that anyone—let alone the President—is above the law should shock the conscience of all patriotic Americans. So where this Supreme Court has failed, we as citizens must act to uphold our fundamental values at the ballot box. As Justice Sotomayor eloquently wrote in dissent, nothing short of our very democracy is at stake.”

Donald Trump already attacked our democracy and freedom:

-Donald Trump has pledged to be a dictator on “day one.” Trump admires violent dictators, saying that ‘the tougher and meaner they are, the better I get along with them.’
-After inspiring a violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, Trump has pledged to pardon the rioters who wanted to end American democracy.
-Donald Trump’s Project 2025 is also crafting plans that would allow him to deploy the military against American citizens under the Insurrection Act.
-Trump has floated the idea of running for a third term.
-Trump is warning of a “bloodbath” if he loses in November.

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

Dobervich awarded “Rural Health Legislator of the Year” at Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 5, 2024

GRAND FORKS – The Center for Rural Health has recognized Representative Gretchen Dobervich (D-Fargo) as the “Rural Health Legislator of the Year” at their annual Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) lauded, “From her tireless work to improve healthcare within Tribal Nations to her instrumental efforts in passing a community health worker law to her passionate advocacy to de-stigmatize HIV/AIDS, Gretchen is beyond deserving of recognition for her work in public and rural health. I’m very proud of my friend and all that she has done to help North Dakotans live long, healthy lives in strong, healthy communities.”

Former Democratic-NPL legislators Rep. Rick Holman and Sen. Joan Heckaman are past recipients of this award.

“Dockter must resign,” says Dem-NPL House Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 3, 2024

BISMARCK – Representative Jason Dockter (R-Bismarck) was found guilty of a criminal conflict-of-interest charge today. The conflict-of-interest charge stemmed from the lease of a Bismarck building to the Attorney General’s Office under former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Dockter became part owner of the building after the lease agreement was signed. The building resulted in a cost-overrun of over $1 million.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) stated, “Representative Dockter must resign after a jury convicted him of using his public office for personal gain. He has the right to appeal his conviction, but he should step aside from the privilege of serving in the Legislature. All North Dakotans deserve elected officials who are acting only in the best interests of the citizens of our great state.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn went further, saying, “From Ray Holmberg, to Nico Rios, to Jason Dockter, and to Donald Trump, today’s Republican Party is full of crooks. This is a great day for justice. Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks they can use an elected office to enrich themselves and deceive the American public: No one is above the law. If you want a party that respects the law, it’s time to vote for the Dem-NPL.”

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

Rep. Corey Mock will not seek Democratic-NPL nomination for re-election in District 18; fellow legislators laud his years of service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 3, 2024

GRAND FORKS – After nearly 16 years of dedicated service in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly, Representative Corey Mock has announced that he will not seek the Democratic-NPL nomination for re-election in District 18.

During his near-generation-long tenure in the legislature, Mock has been a steadfast advocate for the people of Grand Forks and the state of North Dakota. His legislative career has been marked by a commitment to constituent service, responsible governance, and a focus on issues crucial to the well-being of North Dakotans.

Representative Mock said, “It’s often quipped that North Dakota is one big town with really long roads. Our legislature has historically modeled this adage as a deliberative body with constructive, civil discourse and a neighborly demeanor. I’m proud of my service and contribution to that legacy.”

Mock, a former House Minority Leader and current ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, has developed a reputation as an effective and independent lawmaker. His expertise most notably shaped policies related to North Dakota’s Legacy Fund, military affairs, sustainable energy development, government accountability, and most recently, critical updates to email retention laws.

Additionally, Mock has been the member generally referred on parliamentary issues.

Mock’s public service and personal achievements have not been limited to the state capitol. Over the years, he has received honors and fellowships from the State Legislative Leadership Foundation (SLLF), Council of State Governments (CSG), and the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). In 2021, Mock was nationally recognized with CSG’s 20 Under 40 Award.

Partisan fatigue and accelerating devolution of political discourse are among the reasons for Mock’s decision to not seek nomination.

“I am immensely grateful for the trust and support of my constituents and colleagues throughout the years,” said Representative Mock. “While I will not be on the ballot, I am excited about the opportunities to continue serving our community in other capacities and contributing to the progress and prosperity of North Dakota.”

After his announcement, Dem-NPL leaders offered their praise of Mock’s tenure in office.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “Corey is my mentor, my inspiration, and my dear friend. It is hard to imagine serving in the Legislature without him by my side. His counsel and advice have been invaluable. His impact on Grand Forks and North Dakota has been immeasurable. And matching his legacy will be impossible. In an era of unrelenting partisanship, Corey stands out as someone who truly works across the aisle for the betterment of his constituents. I’m certain his contributions to North Dakota are far from over.”

Former State Senator JoNell Bakke (D-Grand Forks) remarked, “Though we served in different chambers, Corey was one of my closest friends and allies in the Legislature, and sometimes even my driver to and from Bismarck! Over those long hours in the car, I came to know Corey as one of the best and brightest policymakers in the state and someone who harnessed his immense talent to work with legislators from both parties to deliver for the citizens in his district. His determination and dedication will be sorely missed in Bismarck.”

State Representative Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) said, “As a first-term legislator, Corey helped to show me the ropes. From policy to procedure, Corey was always gracious in sharing his expertise–and quick with a joke to make sure we never took ourselves too seriously. I am grateful for Corey’s service and look forward to the next chapter of leadership in his career.”

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

Tag Archive for: Zac Ista

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