During this "wacky, silly season" known as election time, it's important to maintain a sense of balance regarding politics and the politicians who represent us. Western North Dakota has two good recent examples of politicians coming together to do marvelous things despite the differences in their political affiliations and philosophies.

First is the transformation of U.S. Highway 2 into four lanes across the northern tier of North Dakota. As the formal Oct. 9 ribbon cutting and subsequent luncheon in Williston demonstrated, this four-lane project required teamwork in Washington, D.C., and Bismarck.

Republican Gov. John Hoeven embraced the idea of providing financing through bonds, something that had never been done before to generate revenue for a highway project. Hoeven worked with the Legislature to get the bonding approved, which also saved tens of thousands of dollars in allowing the project to be finished in five years instead of the normal 10.

Meanwhile, Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., served as a broker of sorts in bringing state contractors, the Highway 2 committee and then U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater together to create a focus for the project.

Sen. Kent. Conrad, D-N.D., then provided a big assist with federal financing as he chaired the 2002 Senate Budget Committee that negotiated the highway funding bill. Conrad's seat on the Conference Committee also allowed him hands-on input in negotiating the differences between the Senate and House versions of the highway bill. As always, Rep. Earl Pomeroy provided the assist needed in the House to get the necessary financing for the project.

The completion of the project not only provides a more efficient and effective transportation route for the entire state, but also seriously improves the safety associated with traveling the northern tier of the state.

In the southwest corner of the state, these same four individuals joined forces to help maintain quality health care. Hoeven, Dorgan, Conrad and Pomeroy worked to find a way for the Richardton Memorial Hospital and Health Center Inc. enter into an agreement with St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Care Center of Dickinson.

The agreement provides a framework for the Richardton facility to transition from a very small rural hospital to a long-term care center. When the transition is complete, Richardton relinquishes its Medicare critical access designation to St. Joseph's. This critical access designation provides a higher level of Medicare reimbursements for services that closes the negative financial gap the Dickinson facility has been experiencing for over six years.

The agreement couldn't have been pursued if it hadn't been for additional financing produced by the congressional delegation and the state. These officials went above and beyond despite a St. Joseph's owner that was less than forthcoming in working toward a solution.

We should be thankful that in North Dakota, it's not "politics as usual" when it comes to addressing important matters. Politics are put aside to get the job done, even when serious obstacles surface.

So while we are bombarded these days with negativity every time you turn on the radio and television, remember that North Dakota's political track record is one of getting things done to benefit us.