Meet the Candidate: Amber Arlint

Arlint seeking second term in House

Rep. Amber Arlint is seeking re-election in the South Dakota House’s District 12. Also running is Rep. Greg Jamison, and former lawmaker Manny Steele.

The district includes a portion of southwest Sioux Falls that stretches into Lincoln County.

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: 37
City of residence: Sioux Falls
Profession: Insurance Agency Owner
Public service/community service experience: South Dakota House of Representatives, JAG Advisory Board (Jobs for America’s Graduates)
Family information: Trenton (Husband), Braxton (age 6) and Scotti (age 3)

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

The state of South Dakota should assist and support our local entities that desire economic advancement in their communities, but the cities and counties should take the lead because they have the most to gain in the form of job creation and tax base expansion. The state should also provide resources and infrastructure development for products and services that are grown, built and developed in South Dakota and provide financial assistance when projects meet the requirements. The State money should be the last money in to assist in getting a viable and quality project across the finish line.

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

As I think about all the impactful figures throughout history who would make intriguing dinner dates, my heart kept bringing me back to a small German woman by the name of Bertha. Bertha was a close friend to my family for decades, first as a babysitter to my dad, and then to my sisters and me years later. Bertha grew up during the Great Depression and even though she knew scarcity well, she was always first to share what little she had with everyone. She made the best chocolate chip cookies, fleischkuekle and noodles from scratch. I would love to have dinner with Bertha again now that I'm at an age to truly appreciate the wisdom and kindness she had to offer and thank her for the profound impact she had on my life.

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 legislation provided enhanced protection for the landowners and also provided vital financial resources for the counties. It allowed for a path forward to support our farm and agriculture industry and continue to allow them to compete due to changing environmental requirements at the federal level. It did not expand eminent domain for projects in any way. I believe our citizens should always have a voice in policy and statute development, whether that be through engagement with their elected representatives or through their vote at the ballot box.