Candidate: Tim Reisch

Q1: Please provide some introductory remarks.  

My wife Anne and I have five children and ten grandchildren, and we want the best possible future for them all.  I have lived a life of public service, which began at age 20 when I enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard, and at age 24 when I was first elected as the Miner County Sheriff.  

My strong Christian faith also fuels my personal desire to serve others.  When I retired from the state in 2019, I felt that I could still serve the public in a meaningful way, so I applied for and was selected to fill the position of Miner County Veterans Service Officer.  I really enjoy helping veterans and their families receive the benefits that they have earned. 

 My current legislative committee assignments have allowed me to help shape South Dakota’s future in a positive way.   As a member of the House Education Committee, I have been a strong advocate of quality public education, increasing teacher pay, and of limiting tuition increases at our state universities.  

My experience serving as county sheriff and corrections secretary for many years has been extremely valuable as a member of the House Judiciary Committee.  We consider many proposals that impact the public safety of South Dakotans, which is a high priority of mine.  Finally, as Chair of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, I have been able to help pass laws that assist our veterans and their families.  My 40 years of military service have been extremely valuable in this role.

Q2: What do you do for a living, and how will you manage the rigorous expectations of Pierre?  

I retired in 2019 but work part-time as the Miner County Veterans Service Officer and I own and operate a small used farm equipment business in Howard.  In 2000 I was hired as the deputy secretary for the SD Department of Corrections.  I served on the cabinets of three different governors (Rounds, Daugaard & Noem) serving as Secretary of Corrections from 2003 to 2011 and as the Adjutant General of the SD National Guard from 2011 to 2019.  In 2022 I was elected as a state representative for District 8, and I am finishing my first term.   

Even though I have only completed two legislative sessions, I was the prime sponsor on six House bills and four Senate bills that passed and were signed into law.  These successes far surpassed other first-term, as well as many veteran legislators.  I know how to get things done in Pierre!  

Regardless of the outcome of this election, I do not intend to run for a third term, because I believe a certain amount of turnover is healthy for the legislature.

 Q3: What is your plan to confront the lack of childcare for working parents in South Dakota?  

The state needs to continue to provide grants and low interest loans to support current and new daycare facilities across the state.  State agencies should also facilitate workshops to share information about state and federal programs that are available to communities looking to retain current daycare providers and add additional options.  Every municipality has a different set of requirements, but the state needs to better coordinate this effort and to share best practices that can be tailored to our communities' specific needs.

Q4: If IM 28 passes, how would you balance the budget while still providing necessary services to SD?  

IM 28 is a poorly worded measure that proposes eliminating sales tax on anything sold for human consumption.  This goes far beyond what its proponents suggest as simply removing the tax on groceries.  The Legislative Research Council recently estimated that its passage could cut state funding by $646 million.  Drastic, across the board cuts would need to be made to all agencies that rely on those tax dollars in order to balance the budget.  Many of the services currently provided by the state would need to be curtailed or greatly scaled back.

Q5: Please provide your thoughts on Referred Law 21.  

It is important to understand that whether or not a CO2 pipeline is constructed in South Dakota will not be decided by the outcome of this initiated measure. That decision ultimately lies with the Public Utilities Commission and with the courts. Even though there are more than 5,000 miles of CO2 pipelines operating safely in other states, currently, no pipeline company has the authority to build one here.  

If, however, a company is granted the authority to build a pipeline here, I want to make sure the landowners & the local governments impacted get the best possible outcome in the end. Referred Law 21 would allow counties to levy a tax on every foot of the pipeline that would provide tax relief to both the individual landowner and the other taxpayers in the county. It would limit the duration of the pipeline easements, require it to be buried deeper than currently required by the federal government, and make it clear in the law that the pipeline company is responsible for damages.

Q6: Do you support free speech rights on SD campuses for events, including drag shows, and if so, how?

I support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, and any personal rights and liberties contained therein.

Q7: How have/will you work to improve education in our region?  

I was very pleased to have been assigned to the House Education Committee when in took office in 2022. As mentioned above, I've been a strong advocate of quality public education, increasing teacher pay, and of limiting tuition increases at our state universities. During the legislative session I regularly seek the input from school administrators across District 8 in order to better serve our school districts. If reelected, I will request to be reappointed to that committee so I can continue to advocate for improving quality education throughout South Dakota.

Q8: How would you explain Constitutional Amendment E and whether it should or should not pass?  

The Attorney General's explanation of Amendment E simply explains that the Amendment E would eliminate the use of male pronouns when referring to certain officeholders (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Supreme Court Justices, etc.).  I plan to vote for the measure.

Q9: What is your plan to address brain drain in the state of South Dakota?  

This question suggests that our best and brightest young people are leaving as soon as they can. I don't really agree with that notion but acknowledge that it is vital to keep as many young people here as possible. The way we do that is to continue to promote a climate that attracts new businesses to our state and encourages the expansion of the ones we have. We also need to keep taxes and the overall cost of living low.

Q10: If elected, which committees would you like to be assigned to, and why?  

I intend to ask to be reappointed to The House Education, House Judiciary, and House Military & Veterans Affairs Committees. I am passionate about promoting quality education. It is absolutely critical to the future of our young people.  My decades of work in the criminal justice field proved to be extremely valuable as the judiciary committee considered the many proposed changes to our laws. Finally, my 40 years of military service together with my current service as county veterans service officer have allowed me to guide the military and veterans affairs committee to be effective in its deliberations. 

Q11: Will you vote in your constituents' best interests, or does your caucus's stance take precedence?  

I have actively reached out to constituents to solicit their views on bills under consideration, and I pledge to continue to do so.  I think it speaks volumes that about half of the bills that I filed since taking office are ideas that were brought to me my constituents.  I work hard to answer emails as they come in during the session, giving priority to the opinions of my constituents over non-constituents. 

Q12: Provide any closing remarks you would like to make.  

Ever-rising property taxes, daycare shortages, as well as workforce and housing challenges are the most common complaints that I have heard since taking office. Some counties have also struggled to remain financially solvent leading to reduction in services and spending down reserves. I was selected to serve on a legislative study committee last summer to look for solutions to county funding, as well as a committee currently underway examining property tax methodology. The property tax study committee will develop legislation to introduce in the 2025 session to provide needed relief. I believe that the state needs to search for ways to become more efficient, and to pass the savings onto the taxpayers. This will involve hard choices, but I am up to the task.

I want to thank the voters of District 8 for electing me two years ago.  With two years under my belt, I have a lot more to offer my constituents now than I did two years ago.  I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 5th!

Candidate: Tim Walburg

Q1: Please provide some introductory remarks.

My name is Tim Walburg from Madison.  I was born and raised in Watertown, starting law enforcement  at the Codington County Sheriff’s Office as well as my EMS training.  I’ve been married to my wife Deb for 26 years, and we have 2 children, Katlyn and Alex.  

During my law enforcement career, I held the titles of Correctional Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Assistant Police Chief, and Chief Deputy.  In 2012 I was appointed Lake County Sheriff, subsequently elected, and held that position until my retirement on January 8, 2023, of 30 years. 

 I was very active with my community serving on various boards, Madison Housing and Redevelopment Commission for Lake, Miner, and McCook Counties, Board of Directors for Community Counseling Services, Trinity Lutheran Church Council.  While working with the sheriff’s office, I also was active with the SD Sheriff’s Association and assisted with lobbying in Pierre during legislative sessions.  While we didn’t accomplish everything, we started dialog for next years legislative session. 

Upon my retirement, I was the President for the SD Sheriff’s Association.  I have been involved in EMS for 32 years and currently a Paramedic with Madison Regional Health Systems.

Q2: What do you do for a living and how will you manage the rigorous expectations of Pierre?

I current work for Madison Regional Health Systems as a Paramedic in the Emergency Room and ambulance.  I have very supportive employer for this new exciting role.  While in session, I will be on leave from the hospital.  

Q3: What is your plan to confront the lack of childcare for working parents in South Dakota?

We need to work with our community leaders on their needs.  Currently Madison is developing a new child care center that will be built near the Madison Aquatics Center.  This local effort with the Lake Area Improvement Corporation has been a long process with lots of hard work to fund this project.  The exceptional local work to bring another daycare option to Madison will help working families.  We should find ways to support the local leaders and not come in and take over what they have started.

Q4: If IM 28 passes how would you balance the budget while still providing necessary services to SD?

If IM 28 passes, the legislature will be looking for all departments to take a serious look at their budgets to control unnecessary spending and prioritize their projects.  All departments may have to look at some forms of budget cuts while not refusing vital services we need and to help ensure public safety.

Q5: Please provide your thoughts on Referred Law 21.

We have a system in place when people don’t agree with laws made by the leg is true.  Petitions were circulated and subsequently RL21 will now be on the ballot for the voters decide.  While I wasn’t in Pierre when this legislation was drafted, I recognize the bill says landowners will be compensated, I have concerns for the safety of the people. I feel that we could do better for everybody.  I am a proponent for infrastructure, but we need to make sure we are doing this with the safety and protection in mind of everybody.

Q6: Do you support free speech rights on SD campuses for events, including drag shows, and if so, how?

I do support freedom of speech.  People should be able to state their opinions in a diplomatic manner so that it doesn’t interfere with the safety and rights of others.

Q7: How have/will you work to improve education in our region?

This year the legislature worked with school districts and the governor to improve compensation packages for school districts.  They did this by increasing starting wages for teachers.  While some of them are already there, some aren’t. We need to continue to listen and work with the school districts on how we can improve things more.  It’s had to stay ahead when we are always playing catchup.  This is why its so important to have open communication and dialog with our community leaders.

Q8: How would you explain Constitutional Amendment E and whether it should or should not pass?

I have no opinion on Constitutional Amendment E as it works to change terms to appropriate terms by title.

Q9: What is your plan to address brain drain in the state of South Dakota?

This will be a hard challenge for families.  I hear folks talking about staying in their local communities which they were raised, but they to struggle with affordable options to live.  South Dakota has the “Build Dakota Scholorship” funding which requires them to work for a local employer for 3 years to complete the contract, hoping to keep them in the local community.  Smaller areas also struggle with teacher shortages.  They find better compensation packages with larger communities, but the balance may not be what they are looking for with larger classrooms. Being able to offer higher wages for teachers in those areas recently passed the legislature this yes.  

Q10: If elected which committees would you like to be assigned to and why?

I am always up for a challenge and with my experience I would love to serve on any other the following, Appropriations, Judiciary, Local Government, and Health and Human Services.  I also have strong desires to help improve our education and would like to serve on Education Committee.

Q11: Will you vote in your constituents' best interests or does your caucus's stance take precedence?

Asking to serve you, in District 8 is an honor.  Being able to put politics aside and work toward the best common goal for District 8 and South Dakota is a goal of mine.  I will always be mindful of the interests and support our constituents by working together.

Q12: Provide any closing remarks you would like to make.

I would like to thank everybody for the support they have shown during my campaign.  Early on as I traveled around District 8 and gathered petition signatures, I  appreciate the conversations and concerns we have shared.  

My dedication to public safety and community well-being drives my desire to bring leadership and expertise to the legislature.  Protecting your rights just isn’t a single topic, it’s more.  It is what I have worked toward for over 30 years of law enforcement and protect patients in EMS.  

Through my experience, I have learned that collective effort is key to overcoming any challenge.  Successful leader is one with communication and can get others involved.  We have to be able talk about the issues and work together to get the job done.  I have been able to do this and want to be your District 8 Representative in Pierre to get the job done for you!  I would appreciate our vote on Tuesday, November 5.

Candidate: Greg Zimmerman

Q1: Please provide some introductory remarks.

I was born and raised in South Dakota and received all my higher education here. I stayed here with my wife because we wanted somewhere with a slower pace of life, less crime, and conservative values. Our elected officials are fundamentally changing South Dakota for minute payoffs in the form of campaign funds, and it’s time it was stopped. 

I am running for office because our elected representatives are refusing to protect our rights and instead kowtowing to corporations and selling off our rights as property owners for a paycheck. I decided that we need someone who will listen to the citizens and stand up for them.

Q2: What do you do for a living and how will you manage the rigorous expectations of Pierre?

I work as an electrical engineer in Sioux Falls and have worked in the construction industry for almost 30 years now, so I’m used to the long days on a job site and overtime. As an engineer, I have the ability to work some of my time remotely, so being required to be present in Pierre won’t affect my arrangement much, if at all.

Q3: What is your plan to confront the lack of childcare for working parents in South Dakota?

A large portion of this problem seems to be that childcare facilities don’t pay enough to keep daycare workers from my discussions with them. This problem can’t be solved in a paragraph though, and the people we should be asking for suggestions are the daycare workers and teachers who are in the childcare industry.

Q4: If IM 28 passes how would you balance the budget while still providing necessary services to SD?

By cutting government waste from the system. The government here is almost as wasteful as that in Washington DC, there’s areas to trim some fat in order to reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Q5: Please provide your thoughts on Referred Law 21.

I’ve heard many lawmakers try and justify their voting for SB201, which has now become RL21, by saying it was a compromise bill. If it was, it was compromised in all one direction, for the pipeline companies. The “Landowner Bill of Rights” as the proponents like to call it is no such thing. It is a Pipeline Bill of Rights, which was voted in by lawmakers who have accepted money from out of state pipeline companies and ethanol producers. All of the rights "given" to citizens in SB201 were already granted in the constitution. That should tell you all you need to know about who the politicians are standing with. I stand with the landowners. No Eminent Domain for Private Gain.

Q6: Do you support free speech rights on SD campuses for events, including drag shows, and if so, how?

I support all free speech, as that’s what the 1st Amendment provides for – whether you agree with it or not. That doesn’t mean however that the government, or school funds, should be used to fund this. If an organization wants to hold events like this with their own funds, that’s their right. But taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for it.

Q7: How have/will you work to improve education in our region?

We are living in an increasingly technical world, which requires more and more technical ability. It’s hard for smaller schools to provide advanced STEM classes like the larger school districts, and my goal is to change that. If children can get the technical education they need to be successful in smaller towns, I believe many more parents would consider moving there.

Q8: How would you explain Constitutional Amendment E and whether it should or should not pass?

This is simply updating the language to be inclusive of women and not imply that only males hold any position in the state. I see zero issue with this, but I do understand the opponent’s argument that it’s a slippery slope to other gender issues. I would support this amendment myself.

Q9: What is your plan to address brain drain in the state of South Dakota?

One of the main reasons people move elsewhere is lower cost of living. We have seen this the last few years when people moved here from California, Washington, etc in search of a more affordable way of life. Housing shortages driving up the cost of rent or house payments is a major issue. A large portion of this issue in my eyes is the lack of affordable starter homes. It’s extremely difficult for many people to afford a new home at todays prices. My solution is to not allow lower quality homes to be built, but to look at local ordinances like minimum square footage and other similar requirements that may be inadvertently pushing the cost of home building up.

Q10: If elected which committees would you like to be assigned to and why?

One I would like to participate in would be the Education Committee. I grew up in South Dakota and received my engineering degree from SDSU, as well as my AS in electrical construction from Mitchell Technical Institute, so the education in this state holds a special place for me. My wife is also a teacher, which gives me a first person account of the issues faced by teachers and students in a daily setting.

I would also be able to make a meaningful contribution to the State Affairs, Taxation, and Transportation Committees.

Q11: Will you vote in your constituents' best interests or does your caucus's stance take precedence?

My job would be to protect the constituents’ rights, and that will be my only goal, to protect the God-given rights of the people.

Q12: Provide any closing remarks you would like to make.

As an electrical engineer and journeyman electrician, I’ve spent my career solving problems using logic and common sense. I plan to apply this to the problems we face as a state. In addition, my background in biofuels, automation, construction work and more will help me to see through the false arguments other politicians use to try and pass laws that hurt the people and their rights.

I as a volunteer firefighter on Chester Fire Department, and a Rescue Diver on the Lake County Dive Rescue Team as well and spent a year working as an EMT on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, and this gives me inside knowledge of the issues facing our state’s first responders and ideas of how to solve them.

My opponents think that their ability to “get things done in Pierre” is a good thing, but it’s only good if it doesn’t come at the expense of your constituents losing their rights. My first and most important task will be to ensure the people’s rights are protected.