VALLEY CITY, N.D. -- My name is Jacob Holm, and I'm running for the North Dakota House in District 20. This alone isn't that fascinating, but I'm only 19 years old, which makes things interesting.
On the campaign trail, I've been met with great enthusiasm because I'm a young person. However, when people hear that I'm only 19, they wonder if I'm knowledgeable enough to be an elected official. Can a young person actually have enough knowledge to serve in a state Legislature?
This is a valued question, but my age doesn't do justice to my experiences, opportunities and responsibilities. In 19 years, I've worked with multiple members of Congress, the U.S. deputy secretary of transportation, the North Dakota Legislature and the Louisiana state Legislature, and I've even served as a consultant for national organizations dealing with policy change.
And I still find time to earn a degree in history education, to work with many state organizations dealing with youth development and to serve as the youngest member of a nonprofit board of directors based in Hillsboro, N.D.
Is it not time to elect young, dedicated and experienced North Dakotans into positions of public service? When will the torch of leadership be passed to the next generation?
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Age can't teach the mind inspiration or the heart passion. An arbitrary number can't justify one's experiences, opportunities or capabilities.
Jacob Holm
Holm is a Republican candidate to represent District 20 in the House.
