Ask the Governor to Appoint a Woman to the ND Supreme Court

​We need more women on the bench. With the retirement of Justice Maring, we need to encourage the Governor to appoint a woman to that position and maintain the current gender balance of the court.

Today the North Dakota Women's Network sent a letter to the Governor urging him to appoint a woman to the State Supreme Court. You should do the same.

October 3, 2013   
Honorable Jack Dalrymple, Office of Governor
State of North Dakota
600 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58505-0100

RE: Gender Balance in Appointments

Dear Governor Dalrymple:

The North Dakota Women’s Network (NDWN) urges you to consider gender balance when making appointments to state government openings, especially regarding the upcoming appointment to fulfill Justice Mary Maring’s position on the ND State Supreme Court bench.

In study after study, women are found to bring more innovation, broader leadership skills, and strong character traits to board rooms and executive offices. A woman’s approach to legislating is often closer to her constituency, developed through collaboration, and negotiated with more transparency. It is evident that introducing gender balance has been beneficial in the private and public sectors.  (“Where Are The Women?”, L.Wurtz, 2012)

When reviewing the gender balance in state government, North Dakota lacks adequate gender equity in several areas. A mere 17% of state legislators are women. Three women hold statewide elected executive office out of the thirteen positions, garnering a representative percentage of 23%. Only 19% of district court judges are women. The lack of gender balance in North Dakota state government means the state is not utilizing all the talents and skills of women.

The State Supreme Court currently represents the North Dakota governmental entity with the best gender balance with 40% women on the bench. NDWN strongly encourages you to retain the gender balance of the Court and appoint a woman to fulfill Justice Maring’s position on the bench.

Additionally, as other appointment opportunities arise, such as the recent opening of Tax Commissioner, we urge you to have at least one qualified woman on the short list for these important appointments.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,


Renee Stromme
Executive Director
North Dakota Women’s Network