Four Republicans seeking two slots on November ballot for Minnehaha County Commission
The June primary features the father of a sitting commissioner, an incumbent, a real estate agent and a GOP activist. Dan Kippley, former Commissioner Jean Bender, has filed for an open seat on the Minnehaha County Commission with his son, Joe, in a rare move for two close family members to serve on a local governing board. The other Republican candidates include current Commission Chairman Dean Karsky, Roger Russell, and Cole Heisey. No Democratic candidates filed for the seats before the March 26 deadline, but an independent candidate could still enter the race. The newly elected commissioners would begin their new terms on Jan. 1.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Barry Amundson in Politics
SIOUX FALLS — Dan Kippley hopes to serve on the Minnehaha County Commision with his son, Joe, after filing for an open seat on the board late last month.
In a rare move to have two close family members on a key local governing board, the older Kippley said it’s “always been a bucket list dream to serve with my son. Now that I have the time, energy and passion, the time is right.”
His son was elected to the commission two years ago and has two more years to serve on his term..
Kippley, who is still working part time in his business and leadership development consulting, will join three other men in seeking two open positions on the board by first competing in the Republican primary on June 4.
The other candidates are current Commission Chairman Dean Karsky, who is seeking his third term, real estate agent Roger Russell and insurance agent and GOP activist Cole Heisey.
Longtime Commissioner Jean Bender, who has served on the board for 10 years, has decided against seeking re-election. The Brandon lawyer was first appointed to the board in 2015 and is serving her second elected term.
In the June primary, the candidate field will be narrowed to two of the four men who will advance to the general election in November.
No Democratic candidates filed for the seats before the March 26 deadline.
County Auditor Leah Anderson said an independent candidate could still enter the race and they would have until April 30 to file. The independent would advance to the November ballot as there is no primary for such candidates.
As for Kippley’s candidacy, Anderson said there is no law preventing two close family members from serving on the commission.
Russell, when asked about the family issue, said he found it “interesting.”
“But if there are no rules against it, it’s a free nation and he has the right to run,” Russell said.
The newly elected commissioners in November would begin their new terms on Jan. 1.
Kippley added in announcing his bid that he has followed the county commission closely for the last four to five years.
“When Commissioner Bender decided not to run for re-election, I met with Commision Chairman Dean Karsky and he offered encouragement,” Kippley said.
He said he has the “energy for public service and volunteering.”
Karsky said in announcing his decision to seek a third term that he has “so much more to give back to our great community."
“I am motivated by my 30 plus years of community and civic involvement,” Karsky said.
His priorities, he said, would be support for law enforcement and public safety, easing the burden of property taxes and efficient government that is responsive to everyday needs of citizens.
Russell said he has a vision for positive change.
With his 30 years of experience in the real estate market, he said he has a comprehensive understanding of the local housing market and the significance of private property rights.
“My goal is to be a commissioner who listens to and respects the voices of the people I serve. Every resident deserves to be treated with dignity and consideration, and I am dedicated to working on their behalf,” Russel said.
Heisey said his campaign is built upon the “pillars of respect for property rights and landowners, economic growth and development, fiscal responsibility, limited government and local control, public safety, transparency and a commitment to low taxes.”
He is emphasizing on his campaign website how property taxes are driving some people, especially those on fixed incomes and the elderly, from their homes.
"It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to represent the citizens of Minnehaha County ... for the last 10 years," Bender said in a statement to Sioux Falls Live. "I have tremendous respect for the dedicated employees of Minnehaha County and I look forward to working with them and the other Minnehaha County commissioners for the rest of 2024."
Topics: GOP