Rep. Chris Kassin is running for his second-term in the South Dakota House in District 17. Also seeking election is incumbent William Shorma and Robin Schiro.
The district consists of the bottom southeast corner of the state, reaching down into North Sioux City. Other communities in the district are Vermillion and Elk Point.
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:Â 44
City of residence: Vermillion
Profession:Â Vice President, External Relations at the University of South Dakota Foundation
Public service/community service experience: Member of the South Dakota House of Representatives
Family information: Wife, Katie, and have two children, Collins (10) and Kellen (7).Â
1) What's the government's role in facilitating economic development in South Dakota?
 It’s the people who make our businesses great and the core of what drives our economy, from unmatched hardworking dedication to the strategic agility of our business leaders to identify opportunities to succeed in the marketplace. The role of our government is to support, elevate, and enhance the best of our people through training, collaboration, and, most of all, a low-tax, low-regulation environment that supports large and small businesses. Â
2) If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
 There are countless ways to answer this question and numerous people I'd be thrilled to share dinner with. However, if I had to choose, I'd opt for a family gathering with my closest relatives, spanning generations, including my parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents (both living and deceased) from both my side of the family and my wife's. Sitting down together would be deeply meaningful; it would offer the chance to listen to stories, gain insights, and truly grasp how our families shaped the concept of 'home' in South Dakota.
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?
Protecting fundamental rights and securing a prosperous future for South Dakota are crucial to our democracy. When given the chance to protect property rights, I’ll stand with farmers and landowners.