Meet the Candidate: Karla Lems

Canton lawmaker running in three-way primary

Rep. Karla Lems is seeking re-election in the South Dakota House’s District 16. She faces former lawmaker Richard Vasgaard and Brian Burge in the Republican primary.

Communities in District 16 include Lennox, Canton, and Beresford.

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: 55
City of residence: Rural Canton
Profession: Small business owner/property manager
Public service/community service experience: Served on board of Lincoln County Republicans, Deinema Foundation, Special Olympics, Lifelight Communications, Christian School, local drainage board, volunteered at SD Family Policy Council & Good News Club 
Family information: Married for 36 years to Gaylon.  Have three children:  Laura Lems, Jay (Hannah) Lems of Harrisburg, Kalyn (Jake) Peterson of Sioux Falls, four grandchildren.

1) What's the government's role in facilitating economic development in South Dakota?

In a state as red as South Dakota supposedly is, it is shocking to see how BIG of a role the state government plays in economic development.  Republicans are supposed to believe in smaller government.  The Reagan Republican believed in government staying OUT of private business.  However, “public-private partnerships” are all the rage today.  In another time and place, this would be called fascism.  An example of this would be the state giving GEVO, (a company made up of investors such as Blackrock, Vanguard, and State Street Capital,) bonds to the tune of up to $187 million.  Another beneficiary is SD Trade, who received $1 million.  This organization (a 501c(6) public-private partnership) has been linked to the newly formed U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.  Lastly, I think SD businesses are better suited to do their own recruiting than having the state do that for them.  Let’s get back to protecting SD citizens, reducing their tax burden, and safeguarding their rights under the Constitution.

2) If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Besides Jesus, I would have dinner with my father.  What an amazing thing it would be to sit with someone who has now experienced the other side of eternity.  If he could go back, what would he do differently?   More time making money?  More time with family?  More time sharing his faith?  I would tell him what my life is like now,  and how the world has changed since 2008 when he left this earth.  At the end of the conversation, I think we would agree on this:  We only have one life and it soon passes.  The legacy of faith first, then family, and finally freedom is what will make a positive, lasting difference here and into the next life.

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 “Pipeline Bill of Rights” is not a balance at all.  It is a bait and switch to get people to think the legislature did something to protect landowners.  In fact, it is a nuanced dance that did not address the critical issues property owners are facing.  Most of what was in the (3) bills were things that should be negotiated by a landowner if he chooses to participate in a project.  The most egregious thing was found in SB 201—stripping local control away from local government units.  It is also quite amazing to see longtime ag industry partners turning away from private property owners and farmers.  This is another unequal yoking of government and private industry, as was discussed above.  Should voters get a say?  You better believe it!  The other side will be making a huge marketing ploy to get voters confused on this issue.   This is a David vs. Goliath battle. Which side will you be on?   PLEASE be informed and vote to REPEAL SB 201!