South Dakota State Representative candidates questions for June Primary Elections
These were posted exactly as they were received.
Trish Ladner (R) (District 30)
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to be the Representative of the people in District 30. It is an honor given to me by the people and I take that very seriously. I enjoy digging into the facts and drawing my informed conclusions before I vote. Quite often I call constituents to ask advice for bills related to their expertise. I believe that politics is all about relationships and I have the ability to work across the aisle with both representatives and senators in order to pass good legislation.
What will be your top issue to tackle if elected?
My top issue to tackle when re-elected is to continue to champion property tax reform. I have been spearheading the fight against the skyrocketing property taxes for the past 4 years. Representative Mike Derby, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations said in a statement, ‘No legislator has worked harder these past two legislative sessions on property tax reform and relief than Representative Trish Ladner.” I am continuing that fight and inviting property owners to join us on Saturday, April 20th there will be a Property Tax Forum at the School of Mines, Classroom Building 11, from 10am to 12pm with a panel consisting of Legislators, county officials and property experts to discuss local concerns and potential solutions.
Pat Baumann (R) (District 30)
Why are you running for office?
Hello Black Hills neighbors! My name is Pat Baumann and I’m running for South Dakota House of Representatives, District 30.
I’m a third generation Black Hills resident and I’m a Christian Conservative. Like you, I’ve grown to love the Black Hills and all that this area has to offer. I’ve been blessed to have lived in Rapid City, Custer and Edgemont. Basically, I’ve come to know our communities from the north end of our district to the south end. My career has taken me into agriculture, tourism, sales, the timber industry, mining and even the ministry. During my lifetime, I’ve come to know what makes District 30 tick. We have something very special here and I stand to protect our way of life for our children and our grandchildren to enjoy.
Some people believe that South Dakota is immune from the unconstitutional laws and the illegal decisions that are sweeping across our great nation. This is NOT TRUE. Our children, our families, our businesses and even our private property are under attack from all directions. Over the past few years, we’ve seen our freedoms of speech, assembly, press and religion being violated. Even our rights to petition and to keep and bear arms have been threatened.
It has been said that, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.” For far too long, that is exactly what has happened. However, people are now waking up to the truth. As I travel District 30, I meet countless good people, like you, that are rolling up their sleeves to make a difference in this State. They are showing up at school board meetings, council meetings, commissioner meetings and THEY ARE speaking up. I join you in this amazing grassroots movement. I’m asking for your support and for your vote to be your “Grassroots Advocate” in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Please remember to vote early or on June 4th!
What will be your top issue to tackle if elected?
Time and time again, I hear District 30 residents tell me that unconstitutional actions and government overreach are impacting their lives. Quite frankly, I couldn’t agree more. I would pick this as my top issue to “tackle”.
My wife and I lead a class called Biblical Citizenship. There, students learn about our fore fathers, our founding fathers, the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. They learn about how Biblical values shaped our great nation and how to make a positive difference in today’s society. We’ve taught this class many times and I ALWAYS learn something new to put into my “tackle box”.
I stand to push back against government overreach and unconstitutional actions by:
- Preserving Private Property Rights (including lowering property taxes)
- Supporting Family Values
- Safeguarding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
- Securing Our Elections
- Protecting Your Constitutional Freedoms
As your “Grassroots Advocate”, I WILL stand up for our State and National Constitutions and for Biblical values.
Mary J Fitzgerald (R) (District 31)
Why are you running for office?
I am committed to ensuring that Lawrence County has a strong advocate in Pierre, working to protect our shared values and what is important to South Dakota and our country. After serving on House and Joint Appropriations for two years, I currently serve on House Judiciary, and Vice-Chair of Local Government.
My legislative record/bills enacted into law includes:
- Enhancing the penalty for accessory to first- or second-degree murder
- Prohibiting the smoking of marijuana or its derivatives in a motor vehicle
- Correcting inconsistencies in our DUI laws that apply to repeat offenders
- Provide immunity for volunteers of the South Dakota State Bar
- Protecting the 2nd amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners by enhancing the penalty for theft of a firearm
What will be your top issue to tackle if elected?
I will continue to work with fellow legislators to reduce soaring property taxes and create economic growth by limiting government regulation and red tape. It’s important that we keep our young people in South Dakota by creating fulfilling, well-paying in-state careers where our youth see a promising future right here in South Dakota.
I’ll continue to draft legislation to deter crime, and laws that protect the public. I am determined to keep South Dakota a safe place to live, work and raise a family. Along with keeping taxes low, reducing government regulation, and ensuring our freedoms.
Brook Kaufman (R) (District 32)
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I care deeply about the needs and concerns of everyone in House District 32. Throughout my campaign, I have met with residents, listening to their stories, and learning about the challenges they face. This has shaped my commitment to address critical issues such as veterans’ benefits, education, and economic development. My goal is to represent District 32 and Rapid City effectively, pushing for better job opportunities, stronger family support, and efficient public services.
What will be my top issue to tackle if elected?
If elected, my top priority will be protecting and growing the visitor economy in South Dakota. Tourism is a competitive business. Cities, states, and nations compete for visitors because they bring new dollars into the local economy. In 2023, tourism generated $384 million in state and local tax revenue, accounting for 16% of sales tax collections in the state. Tourism has a critical role to play as we continue to look for innovative ways to drive revenue for the State and fund services for residents.
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