Meet the Candidate: Matt Roby

Roby seeking first term in Watertown area House district

Matt Roby is seeking election to the South Dakota House in District 5. Also running in the district is incumbent lawmaker Bryon Callies, as is Josephine Garcia.

The district is made up of the community of Watertown.

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: 40
City of residence: Watertown
Profession: Attorney and Investment Advisor
Public service/community service experience: Public Service: Former SD Assistant Attorney General and Past Watertown City Attorney. Community Service: Arrow Education Foundation – Board Member, Human Service Agency – Board Member, Boys and Girls Club – Board Member, Divine Providence of South Dakota – Board Member, Habitat for Humanity – Former Board Member
Family information: Wife: Stefanie; Children: Bennett (9), Griffin (7), Hannah (5), and Sutton (1)

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

Government’s primary role in facilitating economic development is ensuring we have a generally applicable business-friendly environment – low taxes and sensible, limited regulations. Government should also play the role of megaphone to market our state to prospective companies and new workforce. Finally, government should have the ability to incentivize economic activity in targeted circumstances through grants, loan programs, and the like. South Dakotans have reaped the benefits of wise public-private partnerships throughout our history.

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

I’d have another dinner with my dad, who passed away almost 15 years ago. I’d love to get his take on the issues of the day and, more importantly, introduce him to his grandkids.

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?

Yes, I think the Legislature worked hard to strike the right balance. The resulting legislation provides several protections to landowners and benefits to local governments, while keeping South Dakota open for business and preserving a pathway for the project currently under consideration – a project that greatly benefits our ag industry and, by extension, our entire economy.

I’m not opposed to the people exercising their right under South Dakota’s Constitution to attempt to refer this law to a vote. I would simply encourage folks to read the bill before signing the petition.