Seminary’s Defeat Illustrates the Power of the People

June 15, 2018 T. Arthur Mason North Dakota

For over a year now, we’ve been intrigued – and even troubled – by Bismarck’s Mayor Mike Seminary. The first time we published an article about him, a recall effort was in full swing to remove him. Aside from problematic policy issues, Seminary’s decision to “stand in solidarity” with Dakota Access Pipeline protesters didn’t set well with most residents of Bismarck. He tried to patch his sinking ship, but was never able to recover from those comments. That was proven this week when Seminary was handily defeated by his opponent, Steve Bakken.

In addition to Mike Seminary’s comments to protesters sticking in the craw of many voters, his arrogance in relation to Corrupt Practice violations certainly didn’t help him in his bid for re-election either. Aside from the reports of some city employees that Seminary was inappropriately collecting re-election signatures, we also documented how he was campaigning on the taxpayer’s dime. And though the Attorney General’s office and BCI turned a blind eye to those violations, ultimately even the Bismarck Tribune picked up on another one. Yet, it was the Mayor’s own meltdown last week that was undoubtedly the tipping point for some voters— you know, when he unwittingly admitted to Corrupt Practices violations.

Far too often it doesn’t work this way, but the defeat of Bismarck Mayor Mike Seminary clearly illustrates three important aspects necessary to demonstrate the power of the people.

  1. There must be Watchmen to raise a warning voice.
  2. The people must listen.
  3. Enough people must act.

Then – and often only then – can change and accountability become a reality. Congratulations, Bismarck. You did what nobody else was willing to do for you.

 

Sources:

  1. https://theminutemanblog.com/tag/mike-seminary/
  2. https://theminutemanblog.com/2017/03/02/bismarck-mayor-mike-seminary-trying-to-patch-his-sinking-ship/
  3. https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/05/10/nodapl-protests-still-dogging-mike-seminary-campaign-video/
  4. https://bismarcktribune.com/elections/bakken-elected-as-new-bismarck-mayor/article_d1ccd285-7e7a-518d-9998-331f48a73bcd.html
  5. https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/02/12/did-bismarcks-mayor-mike-seminary-inappropriately-gather-re-election-signatures/
  6. https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/05/15/bismarck-mayor-campaigns-taxpayer-dime/
  7. https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/05/31/ags-office-bci-turn-blind-eye-seminarys-corrupt-practices/
  8. https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/06/05/bismarck-tribune-notices-mayor-seminarys-corruption/
  9. https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/06/07/mayoral-meltdown-seminary-admits-corrupt-practices/
Facebook Comments
About T. Arthur Mason 878 Articles
T. Arthur Mason is a native North Dakotan who has spent nearly all of his life in the Peace Garden State. As the third of four children in Western North Dakota, Mason grew to appreciate family and the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories are annual deer hunts with family and friends. In his early teenage years, faith became a central part of T. Arthur Mason's life. He and the majority of his family attend church together on a weekly basis and find this a fulfilling aspect of their lives. Through the influence of his father, T. Arthur Mason became intrigued with politics. As a boy, he attended political events with his father and enjoyed the friendships that resulted as a byproduct of those political associations. As Mason grew older, he became convinced that the quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson was true, "That government is best which governs least." Today, T. Arthur Mason enjoys time with his wife and children, an occasional hunt, and an increasingly active life on the political scene. This blog is the fulfillment of a dream to design a web site in the realm of politics and to advocate for the principles of Liberty and constitutionally limited government. On behalf of all those that contribute to The Minuteman, we hope you enjoy your time on the site and will share the message with others.

Related Articles