Meet the Candidate: Brad Jankord
Sioux Falls man seeking first term in the state Legislature
Brad Jankord is running for the South Dakota House in District 13. Also running is Rep. Tony Venhuizen, John Hughes, and Penny BayBridge.
The district includes a portion of southeast Sioux Falls.
The Dakota Scout sent a series of questions to all legislative candidates running in contested races for the state House and Senate in the June 4 primary election. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each question to 150 words or less.
Age: 36
City of residence: Sioux Falls
Profession: VP of Lending for South Dakota Development Corporation, a non-profit company certified development company
Public service/community service experience: Junior Achievement, Volunteers of America Board Member, United Way Co-Chair, Impact Team, Issue's Management Council, Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
Family information: Wife Anna, Kids Grace and James
1) What's the government's role in facilitating economic development in South Dakota?
South Dakota does a phenomenal job growing our economy without growing government, which makes South Dakota the best place to launch and grow a successful business. As an economic development professional, I see success stories everyday. As a Legislator, I will look to focus the state on public-private partnerships. The ability for the government to not bear the full cost of a potential new business or access to a new industry while at the same time supporting private industry has been an economic driver in South Dakota. I would contend that we have a very knowledgeable economic development ecosystem in this State on the local, regional, and state level. Groups like Start up Sioux Falls, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, and the Governor's Office of Economic Development are just some examples of the support that businesses have in this state. I think South Dakota has a good mix of public private partnerships throughout the state and I think it’s a good tool to keep South Dakota moving forward.
2) If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with anyone it would be one of my grandfathers. My Grandpa Harry Houser passed away when my mother was younger, so it would be great to meet him over a meal. My “step, adopted” Grandpa Jim was always my biggest advocate. He and I would likely end up talking about real estate. He was an appraiser and the one who encouraged me to explore learning more about real estate. My Grandpa Jack and I would definitely have a ribeye at dinner. He was a butcher in Madison, so we were always talking about beef.
3) Does the "Landowner Bill of Rights" -- adopted by the Legislature amid opposition to carbon pipeline companies using eminent domain -- strike the right balance between the interests of property owners, counties and the ag industry - and should voters get a say when they head to the polls in November?
Owning a home and owning land is part of the American Dream. Our fundamental rights to property and prosperity are crucial, especially when dealing with utility and transportation projects. For me, the toughest part about the current issues with pipelines was the way it started. In South Dakota you need to be a good neighbor and approach these situations the right way. This discussion led to what I thought was a good compromise, one that strengthened the net position of landowners in the state and at the same time brought together the two sides that disagreed. A collaborative approach is what I believe produces results and that is what I will do in Pierre as the representative for District 13.
