Hoeven encourages youth participation

Written by Janae Hagen Thursday, 09 October 2008 19:00

NDSU College Republicans brought the grills indoors Monday for their third annual barbeque. Gov. John Hoeven and other local and state government leaders were present to answer student concerns.

“It’s great to bring candidates and elected officials to campus so students can access them,” Erik Nygren, a senior majoring in political science and criminal justice, said. Nygren said the event provides a social and interactive environment for candidates and students. “In the United States, the people are the government. College students can have a voice and a role to get things done,” Gov. John Hoeven said.

Hoeven stressed student involvement at any level – local, state, or federal. College students can be involved with campaigns, work with candidates, or get involved on the issues.

Economic development is crucial in North Dakota, Hoeven said. “Our number one focus is creating opportunity with more jobs and better paying jobs,” Hoeven said.

More jobs will equal a stronger infrastructure and better education and healthcare programs. “Which enables us to reduce the tax burden,” Hoeven said.

“We’re really about the future,” Hoeven said. The technology incubator in the NDSU Research and Technology Park is an example of Hoeven’s focus on the future. NDSU partners with small businesses to help spur their growth.

“You’re getting opportunities for internships or working for businesses while in college,” Hoeven said. The tech incubator, simply put, is about partnering the university sector with the private sector.

Hoeven suggested students get involved with campus programs, like student government, which he said is a good segway into bigger things – like larger scale government work.

“The best way to get involved is to vote,” Nygren said.

North Dakota residents may fill out an absentee ballot application by visiting www.nd.gov and following the voting links. Minnesota residents can find information regarding absentee voting at www.sos.state.mn.us