Rapid City legislative forum brings voters closer to Pierre representation

A District 32 forum brought most of the Rapid City district’s candidates to the table for the public. The organizer of the event says clear-eyed debates on policy and living conditions is what politics should be at the local level.

The two-hour forum was broken into segments for House and Senate candidates, giving a window into the priorities of each campaign as primary day approaches. SDPB co-moderated the event.

The primary focus of this forum was on issues addressing the Rapid City Indigenous community, though other policy matters were also addressed by the candidates. It was held at the Rapid City campus of Oglala Lakota College.

Tom Katus is a former Rapid City Democratic senator. He said being informed about candidates’ positions is the essence of local politics.

“I think at the legislative level, that’s where it really hits the road," Katus said. "The state can have great influence on its people. I think that South Dakota has been way too narrow compared to its surrounding states. Montana and North Dakota have much better relations with their Native communities. They’re all red states. Why in the world can’t we get our white folks to reach across the aisle and do some good for their fellow citizens?”

Katus said if residents want meaningful representation in their home state, it begins with knowing who the people vying for their votes are.

“I was very impressed with the incumbents as well as the challengers," Katus said. "These are people who are giving much of their lives the next few months to get reelected or elected. You’re representing all of the people, not just those who have voted for you. I’m afraid at the national level that has gone way by the wayside. It’s terrible for the people and the country.”

So, who are the District 32 candidates? To start, State Senator Helene Duhamel has sat on Republican leadership in the Senate, previously serving as a party Whip.

“My reason for serving is to try to create good jobs so we don’t just attract retirees who can come home and afford to live here," Duhamel said. "We’ve got to do better at creating opportunities. I had a really good year in the South Dakota Senate. $3 million for a water piggy bank, which I think is very big news. We already have water needs in times of drought in western South Dakota.”

Duhamel’s primary opponent is Karen McNeal, who has not previously held public office. She said her top priorities are to protect children and highlights taxation as a key question.

“I’ve knocked on almost 800 doors so far and that’s the main thing I hear," McNeal said. "They’re getting priced out of their homes because of property taxes. That’s something I want to work on, I have a very analytical background and I want to look at that. Kind of go through with a fine-tooth comb.”

Meanwhile, Jeff Shelton is the Democratic opposition running for the District 32 seat. An archeologist by trade, he said politics in Rapid City are more complicated than many voters give it credit for.

"I describe myself on my website as an archeologist, an outdoorsman, and a neighbor, and I think those are really the values that I want to bring to the legislature in Pierre," Shelton said. "I think there are certainly affordability issues and transparency issues in the medical sphere. I think that, ultimately, when it comes down to it, while I respect the work that goes on in Pierre, some fresh perspectives will be a benefit.”

On the House side, the two incumbents — one from each party — made their pitches to voters. Rapid City Republican Steve Duffy said the state needs to develop.

“I’ve talked to thousands of small businesses," Duffy said. "I want them to bring opportunities for our kids. What we need is infrastructure. We have some decent infrastructure, we have decent roads, and decent internet. I’ve worked really hard for airports over the last four years.”

Democratic incumbent Nicole Uhre-Balk said the best people to manage education problems in the state are educators themselves.

“My tagline is that I’ve taught all along I-90," Uhre-Balk said. "My first job was at a tribal school teaching middle school science, then I came back and taught at (Rapid City) Central High School for six years teaching high school science and biology, and then moved out to Boston. So the literal other end of 1-90. I just kept coming back to South Dakota because I love it so much and want to make a difference.”

Meanwhile, two challengers have their eyes on district House seats. One is Republican Zachary Martin, who said a wide range of issues motivated his run.

“South Dakota needs real growth that lifts every family, not carve-outs or whoever has the best lobbyist," Martin said. "I’ll work for changing to build something here that helps people get business in town. Families are the foundation for every strong community. Too many in this state are stretched thin or pulled apart by systems that were never built to help them.”

Finally, an independent candidate, Samuel Hare, is a business student at OLC seeking votes. He said the overwhelmingly white Legislature could use more voices from the states Indigenous community.

“I feel like I represent the disenfranchised, and that’s one of the reasons I’m running this," Hare said. "To give our people hope and also to bring unity. I’m running as an independent because I’m not obliged to either party. I have respect for both parties, but there’s too much conflict. We can push things through if we really work together.”

Primary day is June 2.