04.26.13

Hoeven Statement on the Passing of Former North Dakota Governor Bill Guy

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to learning of the death of former North Dakota Governor Bill Guy:

“One of my earliest memories of public service was the example of former Governor Bill Guy, who in many ways modernized North Dakota and brought us into the 20th Century. He himself called it a transformative era.

“It was a time of tremendous change in our state, a pivotal time, much like today. He served during the building of the Interstate Highway System, the Garrison Dam and the advent of North Dakota’s important role in the nuclear defense of our nation during a very dangerous time in history.

“I will always remember him for his recognition that a strong economy can lift our state up. He established a strong economic foundation for North Dakota’s future. He was one of the first to recognize the enormous potential North Dakota has in the field of energy, especially coal and oil. He also knew the tremendous importance of agriculture to our economy and was one of the first to identify the potential of value-added agriculture, like sugar beet refining, to get the most out of our largest industry.

“In later years, I had the pleasure of getting to know Governor Guy personally, and it is with great admiration that Mikey and I mark his passing today. We extend our deepest sympathies to former First Lady Jean and the entire Guy family. All North Dakotans owe Governor Bill Guy a debt of gratitude.”