Lyn James

Bowman

A great deal of President Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy was shaped right here in North Dakota. According to his autobiography he stated, “I have always said that I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota.”

Our state has a tremendous opportunity to build on that legacy once more. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum will serve as a lasting monument to his service, experience, and leadership. This will allow the citizens of North Dakota, the United States, and beyond, a chance to study his life and understand his vision, allowing him to give back to us even though he passed from this earth long ago.

On behalf of the city of Bowman, as well as personally, I commend Governor Burgum and the North Dakota State Legislature for taking the initiative to promote the construction of this Presidential Library and Museum at the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The public dollars contributed to this project will only utilize profits generated off of the state’s Legacy Fund’s invested principle, with those $50 million of earnings being matched by $100 million in private donations! What a fantastic public – private partnership that would be! This facility is estimated to attract 125,000 visitors annually. That would create a tremendous boost to the tourism economy statewide, bringing commerce and opportunity for growth to our tourism related businesses and the many businesses who support and supply them. It would also contribute greatly to our sales tax collections in North Dakota!

We feel strongly that the contribution of profits from our “Legacy” funds being used to showcase the “life and legacy” of President Theodore Roosevelt is an investment we as a state should not let slip through our hands. Let’s invest in our future by creating an institution that will provide wisdom and wonder for generations to come, inspiring future North Dakotans at the place where TR noted “the romance of my life began.”

James is president of the Bowman City Commission.