Occupations (past and present):
Rancher, retired
Education: 14 years. Timber Lake High School and two years at Black Hills State University
Previous political/elected office experience: 8 years as Dewey County Commissioner
Why are you seeking the office of Dewey County Commissioner?
I’m interested in holding county government expenses down.
What do you think the county should/could do to limit the growing cost of law enforcement?
You have to have enough county law enforcement to serve the people of the county. That being said, any persons that are jailed have to be transported one hundred seventy miles one way. The county has a working agreement with the towns of Timber Lake, Isabel and Eagle Butte. It is the county’s responsibility to provide law enforcement to protect the citizens.
What are some issues or concerns that you think have been neglected or on the back burner that you, if elected, would bring to the table?
Maybe some consolidation of offices.
What issues do county residents talk to you about? Do you hear any good ideas for solutions?
Number 1 is roads. Most of them wanted them bladed more often. We blade as much as we can but when it’s dry it’s no good to do it. Within two weeks we should finish mowing the roads for winter.
The county had a tax opt-out (increase) in place for several years and used the funds to buy new road equipment (graders). The opt out has expired but a new one could be initiated in 2023 (for taxes payable in 2024). Is another opt-out needed and if so, for what purpose?
I’m not in favor of an opt out unless we absolutely need the money. I’m pretty sure we’re gonna be all right without an opt out unless something comes up.
Does Dewey County offer competitive wages, salaries and benefits for employees? How do they compare with what other employers and other counties offer? How does compensation impact recruitment and retention of employees?
Salaries are reasonable - in the ball park. Benefits are not. Recruitment and retention would be better if we had health insurance. We are looking into it.
A petition drive was begun last summer which sought to move the county seat to Eagle Butte but it failed to get on the ballot. Would that be a good idea? Why or why not?
No. It’s my understanding that if the courthouse was moved to Eagle Butte we would have to move the sheriff ’s office also. That would mean that we would be building not one building but two buildings. I have not done good research on the laws that pertain to moving the courthouse. The selling of the courthouse and sheriff ’s office would not begin to cover the expense.
What could the county do to provide better access to services for residents in the south half of the county?
We are looking into having the treasurer go down to Eagle Butte on a regular basis. We haven’t determined the when or where.