Libertarian Candidate for ND Governor Wants Surgical Cuts to Budget

The Libertarian candidate for North Dakota governor says what he thinks sets him apart from candidates from the two big parties.
 
Businessman Marty Riske says he thinks both Democrats and Republicans are making the government too big.

His goal is to find smart ways to cut from the budget.

Riske thinks now is the time to streamline the state government, at a time when revenues and budget shortfalls are forcing cuts.

He says the current mandate for across the board cuts can damage productive government programs.

If elected, he pledges to take a scalpel to state finances, not a machete.

“What I would do is hire independent auditors from separate and distinct entities like CPA firms to come in and audit each department and agency to compare mission and the amount of cost for that mission,” says Riske. “And then afterwards we can all make that public knowledge. Everyone can examine it. All the legislators can examine it, and then decide.”

Riske says he wants to take money out of the budget to deal with shortfalls before considering raising taxes.

He’s also pushing for legalization of marijuana in North Dakota.