The Brookings-AEI Commission on Rural Prosperity hosted field hearings in the Fargo area and at Mahnomen this past week. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp co-chairs this commission with former Republican Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire. Heitkamp told the Red River Farm Network it is time for fresh ideas to strengthen Rural America. This is a time of great division within U.S. politics. To move beyond that, Heitkamp said it is important to focus on the facts and deal with the real decision makers. “There’s going to be very partisan people on both sides on a small town rural commission, but they’re going to try to figure out how to get the dogs to stop barking and how to get rid of the trash,” said Heitkamp. “We’re going to that level where you take it down to the people who actually have to make the investment decisions, people who are confronted with the challenges today; I think once you become problem-focused and not focused on who’s a good guy and who’s a bad guy, you’re going to get a lot more done.” Once the six field hearings are done, a report will be written. “Governor Sununu and I are doing this together and we’re really hopeful that it can drive a broader dialogue beyond just checking the boxes and doing what we’ve always done.” Listen to the full interview.
