I support smart growth, low tax burden, cutting government red tape and personal responsibility. My wheelhouse is business. and I want to work to help manage the growth that is happening in our region, so we can all benefit.
FOCUSES
WORKFORCE HOUSING
We have made significant strides over the last five years, BUT the cost is still quite significant for a portion of our population. In August 2026 the apartment vacancy rate in the Rapid City metro was 10.3%. That's high. Market rent is $1,280/month, considered affordable for someone earning $51,200/year. The median list price for single family homes is $455,628. There are currently 433 homes in Rapid City listed for sale. Steve supports investments in affordable home ownership opportunities.
FINANCIAL GROWTH
The goal is to grow and recruit more businesses that bring higher paying jobs to our region. According to the Census American Community Survey 5-year Estimates for2024, Rapid City's population is 77,946. Unfortunately, we export many of our best and brightest. Our work must include efforts to retain South Dakota's trained and educated young people. Supporting Ellsworth Air Force Base, defense contractors and infrastructure for base communities benefit the surrounding community, increases wages and create high-wage job opportunities in the defense sector.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
We want and need an educated workforce. It's a key challenge that we face that will pay dividends for generations to come. We need to invest in our schools from kindergarten through grade12, technical colleges, and universities.
SMART INVESTMENTS
As a community we must invest in education, innovation, economic development, small business, business advocacy and all things related to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Affordable and available day care is an area needing attention.
In order to fill jobs and get a certain segment of our population into the workforce, especially women, we need more quality day care options. Affordability is a key.
CLEAN WATER
Scientists at South Dakota Mines can point to a time in the very near future, especially with years of prolonged drought, where there is a need for quality water. I support efforts to work towards a pipeline to bring Missouri River water to West Dakota.
BUSINESS
Small business is the key employment driver. Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of America. It's in our DNA. We need to keep tax burden and regulation burden under control to allow these job-creating, risk-takers to have the best chance to survive and thrive. We all win when job-creators win!