Young professionals from around North Dakota heard from two of North Dakota’s leading young legislators talk about the recent legislative session and what it means for North Dakota’s future. Senator Ryan Taylor (D) from Towner, ND and Senator Joe Miller (R) from Park River, ND discussed how they balance their personal, professional, and political lives through an interactive and engaging panel discussion as part of the Great Plains Young Professionals Summit hosted by The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber.

The Senators discussed the challenges and advantages of being a young legislator.

Elected to the North Dakota State Legislature at the age of 32, Senator Ryan’s opponent attempted to focus on his age and experience. Overcoming the misnomer that personal credibility is equal to the number of candles on your birthday cake was Senator Ryan’s first challenge.

“I have found that successful leaders share two qualities: likability and credibility. When you are young, people will say you aren’t credible. To me credibility is something you have from the minute you are born and comes from the choices that you make throughout your life,” said Senator Ryan.

Senator Miller was elected to the state legislature at the age of 25 defeating an incumbent who previously held the office for 32 years. He feels that his age brings significant contributions to the legislature.

“I didn’t have the experience and history that some of the others had,” remarked Senator Miller. “What I had was a new perspective, looking at things for the first time with a new set of eyes. Sometimes it is easier for me to see a new or better way to do things.”

The Senators discussed the differences that exist among the legislators, pointing out that not everything is black and white.

“Not everything is all Rush Limbaugh or Ed Schultz. What is consistent, what ties us together, is our love for the state, our families and our country,” explained Senator Taylor.

On balancing their political and business lives with their personal lives, the Senators are remarkable examples of service over self all while focusing on their families and future. Senator Taylor is able to make being away from home for three months every other year work in his family life by bringing his wife and three children to Bismarck with him during the session.

“I actually do this for my family. I do it to ensure they have the best schools, the best state and best opportunities,” said Taylor. “I don’t know if I could do it without them.”

Senator Ryan shared that he proposed to his wife on election night, “to be certain I had something to celebrate.”

Senator Miller pointed to the opportunity for young professionals like himself, who haven’t started their own families, are often more able to take some risks, such as running for the legislature.

“Sometimes the longer you wait to get involved the more responsibilities you have to your family, your routine or your career. Young professionals should take advantage of their situation in life and capitalize on it while they can.”

The Senators encouraged the young professionals to get involved if they can or have a passion for it.

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