I support smart growth, low tax burden, cutting government red tape and personal responsibility. My wheelhouse is business. and I want to work to help manage the growth that is happening in our region, so we can all benefit.
FOCUSES
WORKFORCE HOUSING
Over the last several years in the Rapid City area, the inventory of available houses has shrunk. In April 2022 there were about 70 available housing units. Given the interest in the area, we are short some 3,000-4,000 housing units. From analysis, we know our need is multi-family units. Supply chain issues and workforce shortages are impacting construction.
In addition, we have a critical need for housing the 1,600 jobs that will accompany the B-21 at Ellsworth. It's figured our population will grow by about 7,000 people by 2025.
FINANCIAL GROWTH
The goal is to grow and recruit more businesses that bring higher paying jobs to our region. Unfortunately, we export many of our best and brightest. Our work must include efforts to retain South Dakota's trained and educated young people.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
We want and need an educated workforce. It's a key challenge that we face that will pay dividends for generations to come. We need to invest in our schools from kindergarten through grade12, to technical colleges, to universities.
SMART INVESTMENTS
As a community we must invest in education, innovation, economic development, small business, business advocacy and all things related to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Affordable and available day care is an area needing attention.
In order to fill jobs and get a certain segment of our population into the workforce, especially women, we need more quality day care options. Affordability is a key.
CLEAN WATER
Scientists at South Dakota Mines can point to a time in the very near future, especially with years of prolonged drought, where there is a need for quality water. I support efforts to work towards a pipeline to bring Missouri River water to West Dakota.
BUSINESS
Small business is the key employment driver. Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of America. It's in our DNA. We need to keep tax burden and regulation burden under control to allow these job-creating, risk-takers to have the best chance to survive and thrive. We all win when job-creators win!