Meet the Candidate: Mark Lapka

Lapka seeks first-term in Legislature in District 23

Mark Lapka is seeking election to the South Dakota Senate in District 23. He faces Steven Roseland.

Lapka’s district includes the communities of Eureka, Mobridge, Miller, and stretches as far east as to almost touch Aberdeen.

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: 43
City of residence: Leola
Profession: Farmer/rancher
Public service/community service experience: Agriculture and property rights advocate
Family information: Wife Holly, son Grady

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

Governments best approach to economic development is to allow the private sector the ability to pursue development in an orderly manner, while protecting the interests of local government entities and citizens. All aspects are needed to be taken into account to create a balance that is best for all involved.

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

I would choose my great-great Grandfather John. He was the first Lapka to emigrate to America in the late 1800’s. It is difficult to fathom what would motivate a person to pick up his family and travel halfway around the world. Those are reasons that we must not allow to take hold in our country or state. A conversation to understand more of the situation would be enlightening.

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 landowners bill of rights is a great example of government overreach.  The constitutional rights of citizens should never be infringed upon, no matter the circumstances. Laws put in place to accommodate industry and penalize citizens only accomplishes driving sides further apart. The government should never negotiate a citizens property or interests. The government works for the people, not the other way around. SB 201 got it wrong and South Dakotans deserve a say by referendum.