Denton Zubke, Dakota West CU
WATERFORD CITY, N.D.—Hoping to bring about change in this state, including directing more oil tax revenue to local districts short of infrastructure funds to support the Dakotas oil boom, the CEO of Dakota West CU is now a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives.
Denton Zubke won his seat during the November elections and is preparing to tackle the issue he felt he could have little impact on outside of the state legislature.
“We are presently in the heart of the oil development, and the state of North Dakota has a formula that redistributes some of that oil tax revenue back to our local political subdivisions that unfortunately has been heavily tilted in favor of state,” said Zubke, who has been CEO of the $250-million Dakota West since 1987. “That’s leaving these subdivisions with not enough funds to build their infrastructure to keep up with this oil development. The tax redistribution formula needs to be changed.”
An Easy Win
It is the first time Zubke, who easily won his seat in the 39th District, has run for political office. The district has two House seats, and Zubke was elected alongside fellow republican Keith Kempenich, defeating both Democratic challengers.
In December 2013, Zubke made the decision to run when he learned that one of the Republican incumbents from the district, David Drovedal, decided not to seek re-election.
“The seat was open,” said Zubke. “I tried to recruit other individuals to run, but when they said no, I ran.”
Zubke started his campaign in January 2014 and did not infuse credit unions into his campaign message, instead focusing mainly in what he sees as a problem with distribution of tax revenues from the state’s booming oil industry.
Zubke said that after observing the state’s House session late in 2013, he felt little progress was being made on the tax issue. “The political process is very important,” said Zubke. “And in Western North Dakota, I don’t know if we’ve given it enough attention.”
Zubke recognizes too, that the operations of the CU, with 10 offices across Western North Dakota, are impacted by the fortunes of the counties. “There are a number of reasons I chose to run,” said Zubke, who said he is well aware of the challenges ahead in running a credit union along with being a member of the House. “The legislature next meets January through April. I plan to take a four-month leave of absence from the credit union, but I will be working on credit union business at nights and on weekends.”
Filling in to run the CU during his leave will be CFO Tammy Kalberer and Credit Manager Richard Braithwait, whose responsibilities will be focused on the lending side of the business.
Speedy Changes
Zubke has served as chairman of the McKenzie County Job Development Authority and is currently chairman of the Western Area Water Supply Authority.
“I’ve been an integral part of very successful legislative efforts that delivered $230 million to provide improved water supplies to meet the needs of our growing region,” said Zubke, who feels his financial services background will make him an asset to legislative leadership in planning for needs throughout the state.
Zubke hopes that the right changes to the tax law can be made speedily, during the next House session, saying he understands quick legislative decisions aren’t typical today. “But I have confidence.”
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