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Arthur Albert Link (May 24, 1914 &ndash; June 1, 2010) was an American politician of the North Dakota Democratic Party, and later the Democratic-NPL. He served as a U.S. representative from 1971 to 1973, and as the 27th governor of North Dakota from 1973 to 1981. Link was a charter member of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Early life

Link was born in Alexander, North Dakota. He attended the McKenzie County schools, and North Dakota Agricultural College. He worked as a farmer soon after his 1939 marriage, and became active in politics as a member of the local chapters of the National Farmers' Union and Nonpartisan League.

Link began his public career service at the local level as a member of county and state Farm Security Administration committees during the 1930s. He served on the Randolph Township Board of Supervisors from 1942 to 1971, the McKenzie County Welfare Board from 1948 to 1968, and was a member of the local school board from 1945 to 1963.

Political career

Link was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1946 as a Democrat. He served for 14 years as the house's minority leader, and was speaker of the house from 1965 to 1967. He was also a member of the Randolph Township Board from 1942 to 1972, the McKenzie County Welfare Board from 1948 to 1969, the Randolph School Board from 1945 to 1963, and the county and state Farm Security Administration committee from 1941 to 1946. He was a delegate to the North Dakota State conventions from 1964 to 1968.

Tenure

As governor, Link insisted that the state's energy resources be developed in harmony with values deeper than mere extraction: stewardship, the agrarian ideal, and the integrity of rural communities.

Link was in favor of careful management of the state's natural resources especially during an energy crisis that caused controversy between those who wished to exploit the state's coal as well as oil and those who wished to protect the state's environment. North Dakota's agricultural community prospered during Link's two terms as governor. Income and property tax laws were reformed by the legislature, but he vetoed a reapportionment bill. Link supported foreign and domestic trade. Exploration of North Dakota's great mineral wealth was a big issue during his tenure as governor. He advocated conservative policies for coal and oil development.

Link helped in the establishment of the former governor's mansion into a museum and the construction of the state's heritage center. He led a trade mission to Middle East in the 1970s, and accompanied trade and cultural missions to other countries.

Later life

After his defeat, Link remained active in public life, leading a successful fight against a state lottery in 1984. He also remained involved in historical preservation and writing of local histories. He and his wife Grace lived in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was a strong supporter of the North Dakota Heritage Center, and in 1985 he was appointed the chairman of the Centennial Commission by Governor George Sinner.

A movie of his life was made in 2008, When the Landscape is Quiet Again.

Death

Link died at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, on June 1, 2010. He was buried at Alexander Cemetery in Alexander.

References

  • Exhibits - North Dakota Governors - Arthur A. Link at State Historical Society of North Dakota
  • When the Landscape is Quiet Again: The Legacy of Art Link at the Dakota Institute