In spite of having served as secretary of state for 25 years, the Republican Party decided last spring that it was time to drop Al Jaeger. Party leaders had become so frustrated with the pace of modernization in that office they determined that it was time to endorse someone new, and settled on Will Gardner, who promised to quicken the pace of change.
Jaeger handled the situation with class and said he wouldn’t challenge Gardner in the primary.
Then Gardner withdrew following news of his conviction for window peeping 12 years earlier while employed at North Dakota State University.
The party turned again to Jaeger, who filed as an independent and received a letter of support from the GOP. Mike Coachman also entered the race as an independent.
They are facing the Democratic-NPL Party’s nominee, Josh Boschee, the Tribune’s choice for secretary of state. Jaeger was criticized by Gardner in the past for the pace of development of technology for business registration and compliance. Boschee has made the technology issue a key theme of his campaign.
He has proposed the “ND Hub,” a “one-stop shop” for business compliance with the state. It’s similar to Gov. Doug Burgum’s plan for streamlining services.
Jaeger’s office has entered the testing phase of its FirstStop software for business registration and compliance. He said he won’t rush the testing because he wants to get the system right.
The secretary of state’s office has been involved in a federal lawsuit over disputed voter ID requirements that opponents argue burden Native Americans. The sides have been unable to reach a compromise.
The Tribune believes Boschee can move the secretary of state’s office forward quicker. Whether his “ND Hub” or the governor’s proposal is the best approach remains to be seen. Whatever direction they go, Boschee should be able to work with the officials involved to get the job done.
Boschee, of Fargo, has been in the state House since 2013. He knows how the Legislature works and shouldn’t have a problem dealing with legislators. Like Jaeger, he’s a Realtor, and has business experience that will be helpful as secretary of state.
Coachman has unsuccessfully run for office before. He’s also focused on technology, but wants a system independent, with access only in North Dakota.
It’s difficult for the Tribune to ask voters to turn away Jaeger, who has worked hard and cares deeply for the state. But we agree with the Republican Party: It is time for a change in the state’s most customer-oriented department.
We believe Boschee will bring new energy to the office and improve service for the business community.
Read the original article on the Bismarck Tribune website.
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