NEWELL—Whatever It Takes Coalition (WIT) invited area candidates on the June 2 primary ballot to Newell on May 12 to introduce themselves and explain why they should receive voters’ support. State, county, and local school board candidates traveled to Newell to meet with voters at the Newell City Hall.
Sabrina Harmon, WIT director, welcomed everyone to the event. “I greatly appreciate you showing up. This is something that’s very near and dear to my heart, because I hate to admit when I was 18 years old, I probably didn’t even know the people that I voted for…so I try to make sure I know who I’m voting for and know what their values are, so thank you for coming out,” she said.
Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to pick up a sample ballot to see who and what would be on the ballot to prepare for the June 2 election. The sample ballot was also used as the speaking order for the event. “I’m going to give each person a few minutes to tell us why we should vote for them,” explained Harmon. “Everybody off of the ballot has been contacted either by their mail that’s through the Secretary of State’s website, their Facebook page, their website, they’ve all been contacted—giving them the opportunity to come to this event or to send a video or to send a letter…”
Running for United States Senator Justin McNeal was first to speak. He is running against incumbent Mike Rounds.
Mike Rounds was next on the list. He did not provide a video or letter but did email a quick note that said, “we hoped we would have a chance to get a video filmed today, but had armed services and intel hearings. Thank you again for the invitation and offer. We hope the event goes well.”
Running for United States Representative are Marty Jackley and James Bialota. Jackley sent a video. Bialota didn’t make it to the event.
Running for South Dakota governor on the Republican ticket are incumbent Larry Rhoden, Jon Hansen, Dusty Johnson, and Toby Doeden. Rhoden addressed the group via a pre-taped video. Jon Hansen sent a letter for Harmon to read on his behalf. Johnson did not reply in any way. Doeden was present in person to address the audience himself.
State senators running for District 28 were both on hand to speak to citizens from the area. Sam Marty went first, followed by Ryan Maher.
State House of Representatives for District 28B Larry Schmaltz and Travis Ismay were both on hand to speak to their possible voters.
The two candidates running for one open Newell School Board position were both on site to address the audience; they are Todd Youngberg and Kurt Hocking.
In Butte County, there is an Initiated Measure A on every Butte County voter’s ballot. It is a resolution to create an ordinance to prohibit data centers in Butte County. The state’s attorney explanation is: the resolution would require that the Butte County commissioners create an ordinance prohibiting the construction of data centers in Butte County, South Dakota. From the initiative: A vote “Yes” will adopt the resolution and require the Butte County commissioners to draft an ordinance prohibiting data centers. A vote “No” will not adopt the resolution.
County Commissioner Chad Erk was at the event to give his opinion on Measure A. “…kind of here to talk about this amendment. So an individual passed around a petition to have the commission create an ordinance to stop data centers from going up in Butte County. So a Yes vote would be to have five government individuals decide what’s going to happen on your personal property. A No vote protects personal property rights,” he said. “She had very good intentions when she circulated this petition to create this ordinance. I’m not a fan of it, because the downside to it is it is an attack on personal property rights I feel. So a Yes vote is we’ll let the government say what can and can’t happen on our ground, and a No vote is keeping them out of it.”
Finally, Annie Capp, an incumbent running for reelection to Butte County Auditor, informed the voting public about the voter registration deadline of May 18. She also discussed absentee voting. “So absentee voting, per law, opens up 46 days before any election. So it is open right now, if you are planning on not being in person voting on June 2, you can come to my office anytime between now and June 2, closing of business, June 1, and you can vote absentee.”
Capp also informed everyone of a recent law change regarding when school and city elections must be held. “They used to be able to pick between April, June and November, and that changed, the law so they can only choose June or November now, so they’re in alignment with the county and state elections…hopefully that’ll improve for voter turnout. Our voter turnout in our primary elections is really dismal, so I hope you all turn out and make sure you vote.”
Following the introduction and discussion, the audience was invited to stay after, snack on provided food and drinks, and question the candidates in person. All of the candidates stayed and visited with those in attendance.
kotatv.com has the full candidate statements from the Newell candidate forum on its site if you want to listen.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
