In the famous words of Johnny Cash, "I've been everywhere, man"; I have worked in the Bakken oilfield, in private healthcare, and, most recently, in higher education. I have seen firsthand how our energy sector helps power the nation, and I have seen how we prepare our next generation for the workforce that will keep it moving forward. I have two children who attend a Minot area public school, and an infant in a local daycare, so I believe that expanded access to affordable childcare and early childhood education programs are essential to keeping more families in North Dakota; I also believe no child should go hungry, and that public dollars should stay with public schools. My unique "boots to books" perspective helps me strike a balance between support of our oil and energy infrastructure and the affordability that will make more people want to start families here and keep them here. Politicians should work for you, and I promise that, if elected, I will do just that.