The RINOs vs. The Wackadoodles

Republican Dominance in South Dakota The South Dakota Republican Party (SDGOP) is arguably the most powerful special interest group in the state. With just over half of the state’s registered voters, Republicans dominate all statewide offices and nearly 90% of...

It’s Time for Our 30 Year Tune Up

Sioux Falls has seen significant growth and success in recent decades, due in part to the strong leadership of its mayors. The city's mayor-council system has granted mayors substantial authority to manage city government and offer community leadership. However, the...

Minnehaha County Should Adopt a Charter

Minnehaha County Commissioners finally appear ready to address some fundamental operational shortcomings in the structure of our county government. They are considering putting a home rule charter on the ballot for voters to consider in November. The State’s Model for...

Our Open Primaries Proposal is Having a Moment

Amendment H, our top-two open primaries initiative in South Dakota, is gaining momentum. The state recently approved it for voters to consider on the November ballot. Then the recent primary election left many people in the state disappointed. Increasingly, South...

One Reason Your Property Taxes Are Too High

Property taxes are painfully high in South Dakota for some taxpayers, and they continue to rise. One contributing factor may be the excessive number of governments and unnecessary public employees in the state. Too Many Governments South Dakota has the second most...

South Dakota’s Closed June Primary Election

Unfortunately, the upcoming 2024 South Dakota primary election promises more of the same for our state. Many voters will be prohibited from meaningful participation and there will be little competition in most races because of our closed primary system. I hope it will...