Nationally, we’re seeing the trend of the generational torch being passed down. Undoubtedly, some are likely to lose a primary, some are in failing health and leaving with dignity, and others who are over the bs in Congress. It’s a trend, I think, that will be the reality of a lot of members in Congress after 2026. It’s going to be uncomfortable for many, as it always is.
Sooner, rather than later, that trend will be here in South Dakota. To me, it seems, the state as a whole is lacking in vision. Recent Census data show in 2010 there were 814,180 people and in 2020 there were 886,667 people living in South Dakota. Recent estimates have the population over 924,000. We’ve already added 110,000 people to the state and five years until the next census. The data says we are a changing state and we have growing pains.
If I could ask our current leaders for one thing, I would ask them this: please set us up for success for tomorrow. Let’s get a handle on this property tax thing and make sure it’s sustainable for the future. I want to see realistic options and I want to see timelines. Set a goal for each session of the legislature, each city council term, each school board term, whatever it is you lead. Ask your voters what they want. I’m simple: I want black out license plates in South Dakota—I’m ok paying an extra fee for them to fund the DOT (I get the license plate and the state gets more revenue. Everyone wins!) I know I’m not the only one who’d pay extra.
That’s one example of a happy constituent whose black car looks really good with black out South Dakota license plates while helping build better roads in South Dakota. I wonder other revenue streams are being overlooked because of their simplicity.
In a more serious tone, we have to have goals in South Dakota. I challenge all candidates of all offices to outline their goals for the upcoming term. To get the conversation started:
-What are your goals, in this upcoming term to set up our state up for success for the next person to hold this office?
Some ideas from the candidate might be a statewide study of needs in education, healthcare, housing, grocery stores, mental health needs of every single county. Actually listen to these experts and let’s make a plan and stop working against each other. We’re South Dakotans and we need to work together or step aside and let someone else lead.
