Dist. 21 legislative candidates weigh in on issues

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• Election Central

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a series of stories detailing area legislative candidates’ responses to a Daily Republic questionnaire.

Candidates for the state Legislature in the vast District 21 weighed in on issues including roads, education and Gov. Mike Rounds’ proposed budget cuts for state departments in their responses to a Daily Republic questionnaire.

Four candidates, including one incumbent, are seeking two seats in the District 21 state House race: Rep. Kent Juhnke, R-Vivian; Republican James Schaefer, of Kennebec; and Democrats David Reis, of Oacoma, and Norm Cihak, of Dante.

The Senate race is unique in that an American Indian candidate, Democrat Brandon Sazue, of Fort Thompson, is challenging incumbent Cooper Garnos, R-Presho. Indians have been relative rarities in legislative contests.

District 21 is made up of Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Jones and Lyman counties. The election is Nov. 2.

The candidates’ responses to The Daily Republic’s questionnaire are listed below. Sazue did not respond to The Daily Republic’s requests for him to fill out a questionnaire.

House race

• What qualifications do you possess to be a state lawmaker?

Norm Cihak: Southern State College graduate with a degree in sociology/psychology. Charles Mix County auditor, 1979 to 2005, with 26 years of experience in preparing and establishing a balanced government budget. Former small-business owner. Current elderly housing manager of 26 apartments in Wagner. American Legion commander of Greer Post No. 11 in Wagner.

Kent Juhnke: I am serving my 10th year in the Legislature. I served three terms for District 26, sat out a term and now am running for my third term from District 21.

David Reis: I am an honest, intelligent person and use these traits everyday and will continue to do so when elected. I own and operate a substantial farming and ranching business and realize the reliance we have on agriculture in our community. In the past, I have been on the Chamberlain school board, various civic and community boards, and currently hold positions on the Oacoma Township and my church board. This gives me an understanding of how things work and the importance of representation in government.

James Schaefer: Business experience in purchasing, owning and managing a ranch. Eleven years as a director on Farm Credit Services of America in Omaha, Neb. Seventeen years as a director on West River/Lyman-Jones Rural Water System board. Western Junior Livestock Show director. Bachelor of Science degree in education. Common sense.

• Roads have become an issue this year because of extensive flooding causing a lot of damage, forcing some counties to seek opt-outs or wheel taxes. What action do you think the state Legislature should take to assist counties and municipalities with funding? What proposal would you introduce?

Kent Juhnke: I want to verify the number of counties that have attempted to opt out for a short term to address their road needs. The counties receive the revenue from license-plate fees, so they should get behind the proposals to raise those fees.

David Reis: I believe the state should assist the counties as much as possible with emergency funding. The state should not impose upon or encumber local governments, such as counties, with regulation that prevents them from raising funds that are needed to operate. Successful transportation is vital in our large state and district to all portions of our economy.

James Schaefer: I will request research and data to ensure that our South Dakota citizens have good roads.

Norm Cihak: Many county, township, city and town roads have been in bad shape way prior to our recent flooding. Of course, the first item to look for is any slush funds or excess monies which could be transferred to local governments for road repair. This could be hard to find. We have to be realistic on this issue, and maybe the only way to provide more money for local government roads is to raise the fees on license plates. I would have to study this situation extensively before making any decision on it.

• Do you think education is underfunded in the state? If so, please explain how you would increase funding and where the money would come from. If not, please explain why you think that way.

David Reis: Yes, schools are underfunded. I have no definite plan for funding. But, there are a lot of options to look at, including belt-tightening in other areas.

James Schaefer: Funding for education is a school-byschool issue. The funding formula needs to be reviewed.

Norm Cihak: There probably is not one candidate out there who is not for funding education in the state. Education has to be funded to the fullest. This is for future betterment of the state of South Dakota — we have to find ways to do this. It is hard for me at this time to say how I would like to study the formula system and look for more education monies. This is important to all citizens of South Dakota. I would also like to confer with the school administrations in the state and discuss this with them, especially those in District 21. The state and schools might have to both cut spending. This could be unpopular but realistic. I will do what I can to not deter any education to the youth of South Dakota.

Kent Juhnke: The schools are adequately funded. As the number of students continues to decline statewide, the schools need to find efficiencies.

• Gov. Mike Rounds has asked that state agencies and departments prepare a 2012 budget that includes a 10 percent decrease. Do you support or oppose a budget decrease? Please explain why.

James Schaefer: We must live within our revenue.

Norm Cihak: Gov. Rounds proposed a 10 percent cut in state agencies’ budgets for 2012. At this time, I agree with that decision. If the economy would pick up quite soon, maybe this would not be needed. If the money is not there, we have to cut. I will support state agencies and employees to the fullest, but we have to do what we have to. I hope the governor studies this to the fullest, as I am relying on his decision at this time. From prior experience, I know that cutting budgets is not fun to do.

Kent Juhnke: There is no doubt that a revenue shortfall is going to exist. The state will have to attempt to operate like everyone else — try and do more with less.

David Reis: This is an admirable goal, and budgets should always be carefully scrutinized for excess. But we should take caution not to harm certain vital areas and needed programs. I agree with balanced budgets, but I need to be sure the cost of balancing our budget does not hurt our state for the future.

• Other than education and road issues, what legislation do you plan to introduce next year if elected or re-elected?

Norm Cihak: To tell the truth, I have no legislation to introduce at this time. If my constituents would confront me with good and important legislation, I would have no problem introducing it or cosponsoring it. I have always felt that there are way too many bills introduced each session. Many of these bills are ridiculous and unimportant to good state government.

Kent Juhnke: A proposal to end most of the diversions out of the Highway Trust Fund, and possibly a proposal to extend legislative term limits from four two-year terms to six two-year terms.

David Reis: I have no specific agenda. But if approached with legislation that I feel necessary, I would be happy to carry it to the state House. Otherwise, I am certain there will be plenty of other bills that will need consideration. Sometimes, less legislation is the best approach.

James Schaefer: I will listen to the concerns of the people in District 21.

• What issues are occurring within your district that will prompt you to propose legislation to address them?

Kent Juhnke: A proposal concerning a railroad siding location to accommodate unit trains at Napa Junction on behalf of Wagner Native Ethanol.

David Reis: Unnecessary state spending is a concern I have in current state government. I believe 911 phone services need to be adequately funded and are not up to par now. Education is always a top priority with me. I will always carefully weigh all options when it comes to education legislation. I believe schools in our state are underfunded; however, I know we need to balance the concern with controlled spending habitats. I want to always ensure my grandchildren and your grandchildren have excellent schools to attend.

James Schaefer: Rural health care and coverage. Economic development.

Norm Cihak: Balancing the state budget is going to be one of the main issues next year. This affects everyone in South Dakota. This will take a lot of time and work. I would like to get started on this right away, so we don’t have to pass something through on midnight of the last day. It seems like many important issues and legislation are pushed through on the last day. I say, let’s get on them and make proper decisions on them. I am a believer in consulting my constituents on different issues. I want to provide good legislation for District 21.

Senate race

• What qualifications do you possess to be a state lawmaker?

Cooper Garnos: I have had the good fortune to have had the opportunity to serve in the South Dakota Legislature for the past 12 years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the great people of South Dakota. Commitment, dedication, passion, experience and a willingness to serve the public are essential for playing the role of a representative of the people.

• Roads have become an issue this year because of extensive flooding causing a lot of damage, forcing some counties to seek opt-outs or wheel taxes. What action do you think the state Legislature should take to assist counties and municipalities with funding? What proposal would you introduce?

Cooper Garnos: The roads throughout South Dakota are vital to our state for transportation, agricultural purposes, tourism and our way of life. It is very important that we maintain and provide safe transportation systems throughout our state. The Legislature has studied and focused on finding additional funding for our township, county and state roads over the course of several years. This again will not be an easy sell in the state Legislature, because of the unsettled state of our economy, both on the state and national levels. The Legislature will be hesitant to raise any new taxes or fees in the upcoming sessions.

• Do you think education is underfunded in the state? If so, please explain how you would increase funding and where the money would come from. If not, please explain why you think that way.

Cooper Garnos: This is a question which would beg several different opinions. Depending on your location and occupation in South Dakota, school funding and the source of funding have always stirred much debate. This debate has been going on for decades, and it receives much attention and discussion each legislative session. With a slow and uncertain economy and a projected deficit, the funding of all state programs, including education, will be a challenge.

• Gov. Mike Rounds has asked that state agencies and departments prepare a 2012 budget that includes a 10 percent decrease. Do you support or oppose a budget decrease? Please explain why.

Cooper Garnos: Gov. Rounds has made a solid, prudent, pragmatic decision to have the state agencies look for ways to be more efficient and look at possible cuts within their departments. State government will face a very large general fund deficit and one area that must be scrutinized is possible spending cuts within all state agencies. This will give the incoming governor and Legislature an opportunity to get a head start on possible reductions in staffing, services and programs if the new Legislature and governor decide to go this route. It will make a beginning blueprint or outline for the state of South Dakota to trim spending as we tackle the tough economic choices and challenges that are in front of us.

• Other than education and road issues, what legislation do you plan to introduce next year if elected or re-elected?

Cooper Garnos: Legislation that could provide possible economic opportunities and jobs in the tourism, agricultural and recreation industries in South Dakota.

• What issues are occurring within your district that will prompt you to propose legislation to address them?

Cooper Garnos: Agriculture, school funding, tourism, roads, health care, families and the quality of life are several key areas in which District 21 and all South Dakotans have as their highest priorities.

Tags: election 2010, kent juhnke, james schaefer, david reis, norm cihak, brandon sazue, cooper garnos, district 21, news, politics, legislature