Meet the Candidate: Kirk Chaffee

Chaffee looking to switch chambers in District 29

Rep. Kirk Chaffee is seeking to jump from the state House to the Senate in 2024. He faces local businessman John Carley in his effort.

The district includes Sturgis, and stretches into the northeast to include Faith.

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: 60
City of residence: Sturgis
Profession: Retired
Public service/community service experience: Life long involvement in Meade County on various boards and communities from the Jaycees, youth track meets to Majority Whip Leader and Chairman of committees in the House of Representatives for District 29. 
Family information: Life long resident of Meade County. My wife Michelle and I enjoy spending time with our 9 grandkids teaching them how to ride horses (fixing fence comes later!). We strive to be positive role models and pass on SD values to the many young people we are blessed with who pass through our door.

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

Generally speaking, governments role should be limited and more focused on making it less difficult to grow business in South Dakota. 

Along with cutting budgets, growing the economy is the best way lower taxes. Having said that, there will be certain opportunities where matching funds, thru economic development, can benefit the citizens. A prime example is the Broadband infrastructure, where our investment payed huge dividends in retail sales tax and remote work force development. Used carefully, economic development can substantially grow and strengthen our economy.

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

My grandfather Vinal Chaffee 1913-1996. I would cherish the opportunity to go back and revisit some of the memories and conversations I had with him as a child. He was born and raised on the Chaffee family homestead ranch in central Meade County. He raised and readied horse for the Ft Meade Calvary, (paid $1 a day), and saw the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, what a life of discovery and  change he must have had. 

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?

I did not support SB 201, the “Landowners Bill of Rights.” Part of that decision was the loss of local control by the counties. There are a lot of pro-landowner aspects within SB 201 and it’s too bad this conversation didn’t happen back in 2009 legislation (HB 1129)  when carbon pipelines was added to the PUC consideration. In 2016 HB 1134, our current law, already established the entry to survey for public use. I voted for 2024 HB 1185 because it gave landowners notice and payment that they didn’t already have.

“Should the voters have a say?”  I think they should always have that opportunity. 

SB 201 generated most emails/calls than any other single issue. There was strong support on both sides of this issue therefor I strongly suggest that if you are interested in an informed vote, please take the time to listen to the testimonies online.