Andahl’s Death in District 8 Creates Tense Political Situation
MINOT, N.D. — North Dakota’s political landscape is a bit darker this morning.
Dave Andahl, a long-time public servant in Burleigh County and legislative candidate this election cycle, is no longer with us.
I can’t say I knew Andahl well. Just a few email exchanges over the years about things I’d written, and some conversations this year about his candidacy, but I’ve been doing this long enough to know when I’m talking to someone who is in politics for the right reasons.
Andahl didn’t sign up for the intrigues of campaigning; he intended to serve and serve well. He was a class of North Dakota citizen that goes unheralded. The sort of person willing to give up time with family and friends and hobbies to do the important, out-of-the-limelight governing that makes our society work.
Andahl spent 16 years on the Burleigh County Planning & Zoning Commission, including eight years as chairman. He had knowledge and experience and principle, and he would have made one a hell of a lawmaker in Bismarck.
So it goes.
