Meet the Candidate: Stephen Saint

Saint seeks election in crowded District 30 House primary

Steve Saint is seeking election to the South Dakota state House in District 30. He is running in the most crowded legislative race this primary season, he is one of six candidates seeking two seats.

District 30 includes southwest South Dakota, touching the borders of Wyoming and Nebraska. Cities included in the district include Custer, Hot Springs, and Hermosa.

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: 47
City of residence: Custer
Profession: Campground owner
Public service/community service experience: United States Army and former deputy Sheriff
Family information: Married with three children

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

I believe that small businesses are the backbone to the economy. South Dakota needs to go back to promoting small business. Keep government competition away from small business. Give tax breaks and incentives to not only the larger companies but give the same to the small businesses as well. Investing in business incubators to promote healthy startups as well. 

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

My grandfather, he died when I was eight years old. I never got to know him well and would love a chance to have dinner with him to let him know what little i got to learn from him in our short time together. I was able to become a better person. 

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?

As much as I would love to see the landowner bill of rights, I do not believe this was it. To me it opens up land owners to possible abuse of eminent domain down the road. I do believe that property owners should alway get a say as to what happens with their property.