Kelly Armstrong makes big promises for property tax reform after winning North Dakota governor’s seat

BISMARCK — North Dakota Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong painted a picture of what the next four years under his administration will look like for North Dakotans on Wednesday, Nov. 6, as he stood in front of his team at the Ronald Reagan Republican Center in Bismarck.

While he briefly touched on issues related to the energy industry, criminal justice system, workforce and more, Armstrong said property tax reform is “100%” among his first priorities as he enters office.

“There are people that still have faith in the Republican Party, North Dakota Legislature and the governor’s office to actually deliver on a promise that we’ve made to the voters,” Armstrong said. “And I intend to keep that promise.”

Working with legislators to find both compromise and a “durable” form of tax relief and reform is how Armstrong and his administration intend to address rising property taxes, he said.

When legislators think they have put together the best property tax relief package, Armstrong said he “might push them to make it a little better.”

“But I’d like to meet with them first and go through it all,” he added.

Armstrong said his administration plans to make changes and simplify the taxation process.

“One of the frustrations with property taxes ... (is that) nobody knows how mills work,” he said. “They’re different in Cass County than they are in Stark County.”

Armstrong emphasized the timeliness of addressing property tax at the legislative level in reference to failed Measure 4, which aimed to eliminate property tax in the state, saying another similar measure will make its way to the ballot if substantial changes are not made.

“If we don’t deliver, this will come back, and it will come back fast,” he said.

Armstrong said he and Gov. Doug Burgum spoke at length about the transfer of the governor’s office, but his administration will have its “own ideas” when it comes to addressing such issues, especially in terms of formulating budget proposals.

“I think Gov. Burgum, if he was here right now, would tell you he’d rather be me,” Armstrong said when asked about national election results.

He said newly reelected President Donald Trump is an exciting prospect for North Dakota — especially when it comes to how the state’s energy industry is regulated.

“I’ve been on energy and commerce in D.C., I’ve dealt with this federal regulatory morass that affects us,” Armstrong said.

“So, we’re going to be really aggressive,” he continued. “We’re going to talk to people in the administration.”

Armstrong will vacate his role as North Dakota’s sole representative to be officially sworn in as North Dakota’s 34th Governor on Dec. 15. Voters elected Julie Fedorchak to take his place.