Get to know the Sioux Falls candidates for South Dakota State Legislature in House districts 6-12
It's almost time for South Dakotans to head to the ballot boxes to choose their representatives on the state level.
Absentee voting began Sept. 23 and South Dakotans have until Oct. 24 to register to vote. The general election will be Nov. 8.
The Argus Leader gathered biographical and professional information about the candidates running for state-wide office in the Sioux Falls area. Those elected will be headed to Pierre in January to begin their terms in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Some candidates like Herman Otten, Brent Hoffman and Tom Pischke will go straight to Pierre, after having won their primary earlier this year or are not facing a challenger.
Below, readers have the chance to meet the candidates through a series of questions asked by the Argus Leader.
Editor's note: Answers have been edited for clarity and conciseness.
More:South Dakota gubernatorial candidates Kristi Noem, Jamie Smith weigh food tax special session
District 6 House
Aaron Aylward: Did not respond to questions in time for publication.
Ernie Otten: Did not respond to questions in time for publication.
District 9 House
Nick Winkler: Did not respond to questions in time for publication.
Kenneth Teunissen:
Age: 73
Profession: Retired
Party Affiliation: Republican
Political/public service experience: New candidate for House of Representatives
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
There are options for healthcare currently available that I’m looking at. Medical Marijuana is currently legal in South Dakota and I’m undecided on recreational marijuana.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
A balanced budget is the next big challenge.
Bethany Soye: Did not respond to questions in time for publication.
District 10 House
Erin Healy:
Age: 35
Profession: Patient experience strategist
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Political/public service experience: Incumbent in the House; has served two terms in the SD Legislature
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I plan to vote yes on both measures. I strongly support Amendment D. Medicaid expansion would increase access to healthcare and improve health for low income families. With the expansion of Medicaid, rural hospitals and facilities that are currently at risk of closure will be able to be kept open for South Dakotans in need of health care.
South Dakotans already voted in 2020 to legalize marijuana and I will always honor the will of the people. Our state is one of two states where it's a felony to use marijuana. Prosecuting adults turns non-violent citizens into criminals, which leads to a higher incarceration rate and places a costly burden on taxpayers. Legalizing marijuana will add revenue to our state's economy, send fewer people to jail for non-violent crime, and stop racial disparities in marijuana enforcement (a study from 2018 shows that one out of every ten arrests made in SD was for a marijuana offense and on average, the arrest rate is five times higher for Native Americans and Black South Dakotans than it is for white citizens).
More:South Dakota has a second chance to legalize recreational marijuana. What does it mean?
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
We are seeing a worker shortage across many industries in South Dakota and I'm worried about the shortage in teachers and nurses. We must prioritize teacher pay to attract and retain teachers in our state, otherwise we will lose them to surrounding states. I'm hearing from teachers that they're feeling undervalued and undermined as we see an increase in the politicization of education through the proposed social studies standards. We must include them in building curriculum and education policy and trust their expertise.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the shortage of nurses in every healthcare setting — hospital, clinic, outpatient, and skilled nursing facilities. We need to assess the situation and work with our healthcare systems to understand from a policy perspective what can be done to fix this problem. I also think we should look into investing more in nursing programs so we can train more nurses and incentivize them to stay in South Dakota once they've completed their degree.
Kameron Nelson:
Age: 32
Profession: Philanthropy
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Political/public service experience: Policy advocate with the Department of Social Services and Department of Human Services. Served on the 2020 Minnehaha County Absentee Ballot Task Force. Active member of Sioux Falls Rotary West. Volunteer with Junior Achievement of South Dakota and Lost & Found.
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I support Amendment D to expand Medicaid eligibility. Over a five-year term, it’s estimated to save over $162 million in general funds and bring over $1 billion of SD taxpayer money back to the state. Medicaid expansion could cover over 42,500 eligible South Dakotans. It's past time to expand Medicaid in South Dakota. As a private citizen, I will vote yes on Amendment D.
More:SDSU Poll shows race for governor's seat is heating up between Kristi Noem, Jamie Smith
I support Initiated Measure 27 to legalize possession, use and distribution of cannabis. South Dakotans supported this by an overwhelming margin in 2020 and as a legislator I intend to uphold the will of the people when it passes again. As a private citizen, I will vote yes on IM 27.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
I anticipate the largest discussion during the next legislative session will center around reproductive rights and access to abortion in South Dakota. I support access to safe, legal, and affordable abortion. Abortion is a healthcare procedure, and in my opinion, the government should not have a role in this intimate decision between a person and their healthcare provider. As a legislator, I will work to ensure health privacy is restored to the people of South Dakota.
Another significant challenge facing South Dakota is our workforce shortages and how that intersects with our need for more affordable childcare. Our families are cost-burdened by many external factors and are navigating how to afford childcare so they can get to work. South Dakotans are hard workers. We have a 2.3% unemployment rate, as reported in August by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, yet nearly every business is still hiring. We must continue building public and private partnerships to remove barriers of entering the workforce by expanding child care access and supporting our labor force.
Tom Sutton:
Age: 72
Profession: Retired, small business owner
Party Affiliation: Republican
Political/ Public Service Experience: Air Force Veteran and American Legion Member. Serves on the Alpha Center and Hope Harbor Boards. Participated in the local and state political arena for 35 years.
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I plan to vote against Medicaid and legalizing recreational marijuana. I do not believe either one of these initiated measures is good for South Dakota. Medicaid expansion will expand our government and legalizing recreational marijuana will harm our kids. Statistics show that children under the age of 18 have severe effects from using marijuana. The marijuana today is not the same as what was used 25 years ago.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
We have a tremendous work force issue, we need employees to support our local communities. Our businesses are faltering; they are either cutting business hours or are even closing because of not having enough employees. We need to emphasize education, focus on trade schools or areas that will better prepare the next generation.
John Mogen:
Age: 73
Profession: Retired public school teacher, piano instructor, professional musician
Political affiliation: Republican
Political/public service experience: No political experience
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I plan to vote no on Medicaid expansion. Too much of the money will end up in hospitals. I plan to vote no on recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana is needed.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
Responsible spending by the state government is vital.
District 11 House
Margaret Kuipers:
Age: 61
Profession: Phlebotomist
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Political/public service experience: Held several district and state offices in the SD Emergency Medical Services Association. Volunteered as a 4-H leader. Volunteered with Charles Mix County and Minnehaha County Emergency Management.
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I plan to vote for Medicaid expansion because too many working families and individuals are not able to get adequate healthcare coverage through their jobs.
I plan to vote for recreational marijuana because it was approved by SD voters in our last election and blocked by the current administration.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
We need to address the proposed Social Studies curriculum that was created without input from our current public education educators and administrators. I encourage everyone to look at the curriculum and attend the community meetings when they are in your area.
Kim Parke:
Age: 54
Profession: Underwriting Associate
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Political/public service experience: President of the Sioux Falls Education Assistants Association (part of SDEA).
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I will vote yes to expand Medicaid. I am a strong supporter of expanding Medicaid eligibility. Everyone should have access to quality, affordable care. I believe it is unacceptable to return federal tax dollars, paid by South Dakotans for expansion when so many people are in need of healthcare. The expansion would enable 42,500 people to become eligible, 60% of these people work. Studies have shown that other states who have opted for expansion have actually reduced healthcare costs and increased workforce productivity.
I will vote yes to legalize recreational marijuana. The people of South Dakota have already voted and approved this legalization. Unfortunately, the law was ruled unconstitutional based on a wording technicality. The language of laws must be carefully examined to prevent this type of situation. Too much time and money has been wasted to resolve this issue. We will vote again in November to legalize recreational marijuana. Assuming the same result, we will then have to determine best practices for our state and its people.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
There will be so many challenges this session. The past few years have been quite the train wreck for our state's legislation, impeaching the state attorney general, ethics cases against our governor, infighting within our legislature, and the passing of some of the most divisive laws our state has ever seen. Our legislature should be working on more meaningful, relevant legislation regarding issues and REAL problems facing our state. We need to work on state tax reform, increasing funding for education, healthcare, protecting our civil rights and liberties and so much more. South Dakota can do better, South Dakota will be better.
Chris Karr: Did not respond to questions in time for publication.
Brian Mulder:
Age: 46
Profession: Managing Director of Volunteers of America, Dakotas
Party Affiliation: Republican
Political/public service experience: Served as Executive Pastor at Central Church Sioux Falls. Served on several local non-profits boards, including Collision and The Community Outreach. I am a member of the Downtown Rotary.
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
The Medicaid issue is a tough one for me, as I understand the need for it, but I am concerned with existing Medicaid services already not receiving 100% funding. Adding more obligations is concerning. Also I believe there could have been a different path forward rather than changing the State constitution through a ballot measure.
As an executive leader in an organization that provides chemical dependency treatment, I will personally be voting no on recreational marijuana. But I am willing to carry out the will of the voters.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why, and what can be done?
Although there are many important issues that need to be addressed, like Medicaid expansion, abortion rights, and recreational marijuana, I believe as always that putting together a sustainable balanced budget is always the biggest priority, as those resources are what allows us to continue to run effective state government.
District 12 House
Erin Royer:
Age: 31 (32 on Election Day)
Profession: Genetic Counselor
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Political/public service experience: I ran in 2020 for this same seat, SD House District 12. I am on the board of two local non-profits.
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I will vote yes on both of these. Medicaid expansion is a no-brainer for helping South Dakotans access healthcare, supporting rural hospitals, improving access to nursing homes, and boosting the economy of SD by investing in the health of our communities. Recreational marijuana was already approved by voters in SD.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
The next big challenge is to improve our public education system by making sure teachers are paid fairly for their professional skills and efforts, ensuring our students learn a broad-based curriculum, and our schools have the staffing to support students’ and educators’ needs. This will include raises for educators, educational standards developed with input from education professionals and communities, and improved funding for school-based services outside the classroom.
Greg Jamison:
Age: 58
Profession: Small business owner/commercial real estate broker associate
Party Affiliation: Republican
Political/public service experience: Sioux Falls City Council 2008-2016, South Dakota House of Representatives 2016-2018 and 2020-2022
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
I plan on voting yes on both Amendment D and IM27. For me Amendment D is about helping the poorest South Dakotans among us. I believe Amendment D also helps mothers keep their unborn babies and when the child is born, they will both have access to care helping them live healthy lives.
IM27 is like the end of prohibition of alcohol in 1933. Marijuana is used by many and ultimately the public will decide the outcome. The use of marijuana has many problems like alcohol, and we will do our best to create a safe and well-regulated system.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
Presumptive probation, parole and new prisons should be tackled this session. We need to stop the revolving door on dangerous felons and fund the development of new prisons. I will be proposing changes to the Presumptive Probation program to help stop felons from returning to the street only to offend again. Plus, I will offer and support proposals to fund our prisons to fix the overcrowding issues along with needed modernization of our correction system.
Amber Arlint:
Age: 35
Profession: Insurance agent
Party Affiliation: Republican
Political/public service experience: New candidate
South Dakotans are voting on two ballot measures this year: one to expand Medicaid and one to legalize recreational marijuana. How do you plan to vote on those measures and why?
If voters pass Amendment D, my role as a legislator is to implement the will of the people. As a state we have a responsibility to take care of people that truly cannot care for themselves. Voters will need to evaluate if they believe Medicaid expansion belongs in South Dakota’s Constitution. They will also need to consider the funding sustainability and its potential impact on other budgetary priorities like education, infrastructure, and public safety.
In the past, the citizens of South Dakota have voted to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana. If recreational marijuana passes again, I will implement the will of the people, work to stop illegal use, and protect children from exposure.
What is the next big challenge for South Dakota ahead of January’s legislative session that will need to be tackled, why and what can be done?
As Sioux Falls continues to grow, so do our challenges as a large city. My goal as a legislator is to focus on policies that improve public safety, strengthen our public schools, and address the affordability of day-to-day life in today’s economic environment.
Follow Annie Todd on Twitter @AnnieTodd96. Reach out to her with tips, questions and other political news at atodd@argusleader.com or give her a call at 605-215-3757.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Meet the candidates running for the South Dakota House districts 6-12
