Dakota
Voter
2026 South Dakota Mayoral Races
Each Candidate was asked 2 questions:
Question 1: If elected to the office of Mayor, what will your top priorities be in office?
Question 2: How would you define the proper role of government, and how would you apply this to your role as Mayor?
Choose Your City
Chamberlain
Monte Claussen
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Chad Mutziger
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Clark
Kerry Kline
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Lon Reidburn
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Ft. Pierre
Gloria Hanson
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Greg Kenzy
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Hill City
Tana Nichols
Q1- If re-elected, my top priority will remain on improvements to our vital infrastructure. Particularly, on getting a new water tower and improving our wastewater facility. Total estimated cost for both projects is about $20 million. In 2025, we received $20 million drinking water grant, and for Phase I (WW facility) we received a $2 million Consolidated Grant, and an $82,000 Water Quality grant. In 2026, we have received (for Phase 2) a $2 million Consolidated Grant and a $1 million General Fund Grant. My job is to make water/sewer rate increases as fair and acceptable as possible for citizens, and to continue to request grants to help pay for projects.
Q2- To serve the people for our community as impartially and transparently as possible. We must remember that each decision we make will affect the lives of each citizen. Our job is to consider the desires of the community and to represent our town with as much dignity and grace as it deserves.
Kathy Skorzewski
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Hot Springs
Robert Nelson
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Philip
Marion Matt
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Piedmont
Aaron Clendenin
(Candidate has not responded yet)
John L. (Jack) Parks Jr.
Q1- John L. (Jack) Parks, 77 years old, Black Hills native, has lived in Piedmont for 54 years, is married, Theresa Parks, and has two grown children who still live in the area.
I served in the U.S. Army for three years as a surveyor then worked for engineering companies until 1988 at which time I started my own company, Fire Steel Forge, doing traditional blacksmithing. I was on the Board of Directors for Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America and was Co Chair of our biannual conference held in Rapid City which brought in over 900 Blacksmiths from all over the world in 2012.
I like to Garden and raise fruit trees; I would like to have a few chickens. I like to fish and enjoy the outdoors, and Piedmont is a great place to do all that.
I have served for 18 years as the vice- chairman of
Q2- the City Council. I am one of the original spark plugs that took the initiative to make Piedmont Incorporated and l’m still very interested in keeping this community together. I also served on the Piedmont Park board for many years before the city became incorporated and saw to its upkeep. I was also instrumental in getting the library going out of the old fire station.
My main goals are clean drinking water and to get sewer for the valley which will make Piedmont a better place to live and raise children. Organized growth is the key to this plan.
I believe society is better off if the people are more self-sufficient, therefore l like to see small business, service organizations, Scouts, orchards and gardens, and maybe even a few chickens. Piedmont citizens are very volunteer oriented which I like to see. The Piedmont Valley Library is a prime example of (word limit)
Pierre
Todd Johnson
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Steven Harding
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Sioux Falls
David Zokaites
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Christine Erickson
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Greg Jamison
Q1- 1. Public Safety – Every neighborhood in Sioux Falls deserves to feel safe.
- Fiscal Discipline – Ensure tax dollars are spent in a responsible way with accountability and transparency.
- Managed Growth – Use a balanced common-sense approach to plan and stay ahead of our fast growth. My vision includes making Sioux Falls the friendliest and easiest place for every citizen to do business.
Q2- Providing essential services that directly impact the daily lives of residents while remaining as close to the people as possible. In Sioux Falls, this concept centers on the idea that government should do for the people only what they cannot do for themselves, focusing on safety and infrastructure. As mayor turning these ideas into executive action requires a balance of visionary leadership and practical management. The fundamental purpose of a municipal government is to create a stable environment where families can thrive and businesses can grow.
Joe Batcheller
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Jamie Smith
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Vermillion
Jon Cole
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Stan Peterson
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Kevin O’Kelley
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Whitewood
Sara J. Fitzgerald
(Candidate has not responded yet)
Bruce E. White
Q1- Spending following the budget, just because money is in the budget it does not have to be spent
-Sewer department updateted which, is much needed, the system is over 30 years old
-Police Department keeping it updated
-Cleaning up areas of the town.
-Working with citizens of the town to hear what they would like to see done
-What will happen if the property tax is repealed to city finances .
-Streets and Water
-Possible annexation
Q2- The role of government is to remember who they work for and keep the public informed on the what needs to be done.
I would like to see more of the public attending council meetings.
Be active in visiting with citizens, by spending time walking around town