Omdahl: Poll clarifies opinion on Legacy Fund

A new scientific poll underwritten by the North Dakota News Cooperative has finally cast some light on citizen opinions about this $10 billion Legacy Fund filled primarily by oil and gas money.

The money did not come from the backs of those “hard-working citizens” often used in political rhetoric but it is money owned by everyone in North Dakota. Therefore, everyone has a stake in the use of the fund.

Having taught polling at the University of North Dakota, I offer some cautionary advice. The reliability of polls – even though scientifically structured – can be affected to some degree by the nature of the subjects being polled.

In his narrative, Michael Standaert of the NDNC points out that 75% of the people polled admited a level of ignorance on the subject of Investment board activities. Of course, the board has not done much to close the information gap between the Investment Board and the people.

Because the people have been in the dark, their judgment on some issues must be taken with a bit of cognitive salt.

An outcropping of North Dakota parochialism appeared when 60% said they want the Legacy Fund investing not in out-state or out-of-hemisphere, but in North Dakota development projects, with only 18% favoring investment any where we can get the best return.

Throw this on the biennial carousel and we will get political outriders exploiting the revenue losses resulting by investing in only North Dakota because it will be important money on the campaign circuit.

In the poll, 84% want more transparency of investments, primarily publication of the lists of investment. According to lead pollster Trevor Smith of WPA Intelligence, “this is an important governing board but it’s a mystery to most voters.”

When I chaired the Investment Board in the mid-80s, I found that investing was more complex than it appeared on the surface, with the board relying heavily on the professional advice of experienced consultants.

Over the years, legislators have add their confusion to the administration of investments by putting themselves on the board, no doubt thinking that their imperial status would intimidate the non-legislative members of the Board.

As of now, the Legislature has wedged two members onto the board with efforts to expand its foothold in upcoming sessions.

It has forgotten that in our three-branch government the Legislature determines policy and the executive executes policy. The presence of legislators on this administrative board is a violation of separation of powers.

When so little information flows through the state about the Investment Board functions there is little political accountability for transgressions in the underbrush. Legislators can – and do – violate the basic tenets of the Republic.

Hopefully, the poll will lead to a greater state discussion of this wealth that has mortified us into inaction.