Meet the Candidate: John Kunnari
Kunnari one of four running in District 11 House race
John Kunnari is one of four candidates seeking two House seats in the South Dakota Legislature’s District 11. Also running is Rep. Brian Mulder, Keri Weems, and Bill Linsenmeyer.
The district consists of a part of western Sioux Falls. The eastern boundary is I-29, the northern one is W 12th street.
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: 69
City of residence: Sioux Falls
Profession: (Retired) Software Engineer, Carpenter
Public service/community service experience: Army Veteran (1973-76), Volunteer for weekly Faith Temple Food Giveaway & Life Defense Fund team “Decline to Sign” to protect Life, serving as deacon for Faith Temple church
Family information: My wife Mary Lou and I have been married for 44 years.
1) What's the government's role in facilitating economic development in South Dakota?
The government is established by God to uphold justice, secure the peace, and ensure that the rights of all people, including those operating businesses, are defended equally under the law, under God.
2) If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My mother, Anne Elizabeth Kunnari, the wisest, most loving, generous, bravest person I’ve ever known. She’s now with the Lord. I know I’ll see her again. Yet I’d like to have dinner with her, see her smile, hear her laughter.
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?
The SD SB201 bill passed in 2024 session violates all landowner’s, people’s God-given natural & Constitutional right to be secure in their homes and property.
It’s like moving an ancient boundary stone for private gain. I support the referendum to stop its implementation.
