Meet the Candidate: Pat Baumann seeks election to state House
Baumann running in crowded District 30 primary
Pat Baumann 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:Â 67
City of residence: Custer
Profession:Â Retired, previously senior manager of projects, environment and engineering
Public service/community service experience: Pastor, member/volunteer/director of numerous conservation, shooting and hunting organizationsÂ
Family information: Married, Wife Ginger - children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren
1) What's the government's role in facilitating economic development in South Dakota?
Our nation and our state was founded on the Free Market System. It has been proven that socialism, government intervention and control of businesses are only a hindrance to economic progress. Therefore, the government's role in business should be minimal and the taxpayers should not be burdened with the enhancement or control of business.
2) If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Jesus, because He is the way, the truth and the life. Second choice would be tied between Ronald Reagan/John F. Kennedy to learn more of what actually went on behind the scenes during their presidency.
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 am circulating a petition which would allow voters a say in eminent domain and private property rights in November. The Landowner Bill of Rights is an unjust instrument which removes local control of decisions which impact private property owners, counties and the ag industry.Â