Meet the Candidate: Kristi Golden

Golden running in District 9 House race

Kristi Golden is running in a four-way primary for one of two seats in South Dakota House District 9. Also running is Rep. Bethany Soye, Tesa Schwans, and Daryl Christensen.

The district is just west of Sioux Falls, and includes Wall Lake and Hartford within its boundaries.

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: 58
City of residence: Hartford
Profession: Marketing consultant
Public service/community service experience: Served as Communications Director for US Senator Larry Pressler; Founding member West Central Education Foundation
Family information: Husband Bill, two daughters

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

Our businesses thrive because of our people's dedication and ingenuity. The government's involvement should support and encourage our citizens as they identify opportunities and services to improve their communities. Regarding economic development, the State should focus on creating a business-friendly environment. This would include reducing taxes and burdensome regulations to encourage new business development and investment. The State can help attract businesses by supporting workforce development and incentives for job creation.

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

With few exceptions, there really aren't any wrong answers to this question because anyone we interact with can enrich our lives. However, if I had to choose, the first person who comes to mind would be my dad. It would be an opportunity to ask all the questions that have popped into my mind since he's been gone because I can no longer get an answer. It would be an opportunity to talk less and listen more. It'd be a do-over for all the times I chitter-chattered away, thinking I knew all the answers when the person with genuine wisdom and experience was sitting right beside me quietly listening.

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?

I understand that SB 201 was an attempt at compromise. However, there are good folks who didn't like the bill, and now a grassroots effort is underway to put it to all the voters. Democracy expressed by the voters at the ballot box is fundamentally American. Property rights are one of the main ways America differs from the rest of the world. For our state's future, safeguarding property rights and securing a prosperous economy for South Dakota are crucial. When it comes to property rights, I’ll support landowners.