North Dakota Ethics Commission names new chair

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Ethics Commission has unanimously selected Pam Sharp as its new chairperson amid a year of turnover.

Sharp, former director of the state Office of Management and Budget, was first appointed to the commission last fall. Fellow commissioner Mark Western nominated her to be chair during a special meeting on Wednesday, and said he has “great confidence” in her ability to lead the agency.

“It is my sincere belief that you are the right person at the right time to guide this commission into the future,” Western said.

Former Chair Cynthia Lindquist resigned June 1 to take a job out of state. Ron Goodman, who had been serving as acting chair, also is resigning, citing health issues. Goodman plans to remain on the commission until his successor is appointed.

“I will do my very best to serve this commission in the right way,” Sharp said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m a little bit scared, but I have strong confidence in all of my other fellow commissioners.”

Sharp will have the most seniority on the commission with seven and a half months experience when Goodman resigns. The commission will have experienced 100% turnover over the last year once Goodman’s resignation takes effect.

“We’re all rather newbies here, but I think we’re all very well qualified,” Sharp said. “And we still do have Commissioner Goodman on for a little while, so we’ll take full advantage of him while he’s here.”

Members of the Ethics Commission are appointed by a unanimous vote of a selection committee composed of the governor, Senate majority leader and Senate minority leader.

Sharp, Western and Jared Huibregtse were appointed to the Ethics Commission last fall.

The selection committee was in the process of appointing a successor to Lindquist before Goodman announced plans to step down. The committee meets on Friday.

(Story written by Jacob Orledge – North Dakota Monitor)