Deanna Gutzmer

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Nicole Easterby

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Tammy Johnson

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Joseph Ramola

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Steven Bostrom

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Garret Leverson

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Vincent Tucker

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Jeffrey T Myers

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Greg Arthur

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Beau Ravellette

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Marty Gartner

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Tiana Weber

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Philip G. Aitken

Q1- Protecting Piedmont from uncontrolled and unwanted development ie Mine
Bring in and encourage small business
Improve and expand infrostructer ie Roads, water, sewer

Q2- The government that governs least, governs best
Government for the people, not special interests.

Benjamin Neill

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Dale Mc Millin

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Bruce J. Lutz

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Shannon M. Blotske

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Olivia Downs

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Dixie Langton

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Josh Biberdorf

Q1-  My top priorities center on my “Families First” vision for Ward One. I will work to keep Rapid City an excellent place to do business so families can find good-paying jobs. I’ll champion public safety and quality parks so our neighborhoods remain the best place to raise children in South Dakota. I’m committed to responsible growth that expands our tax base while preserving Rapid City’s character. I’ll also address homelessness by balancing genuine compassion with personal accountability, drawing on my experience serving on the Cornerstone Rescue Mission board.

Q2- Government exists to serve its citizens – not the other way around. As a Christian conservative and entrepreneur, I believe government should be limited, transparent, and fiscally responsible. Rapid City’s budget exceeds $200 million, and every dollar belongs to the taxpayers. On the council, I’ll apply that principle by demanding accountability, seeking innovative efficiencies, and ensuring city decisions strengthen families rather than expand bureaucracy.

Murray Lee

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Christopher Vanderhoof

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Lindsey Seachris

Q1- My priorities are rooted in responsible leadership and long-term thinking. I believe in a fiscally conservative approach that prioritizes strategic growth, infrastructure, public safety, and overall quality-of-life. Rapid City is growing and we have a choice in what that looks like. Now more than ever, we need experienced leadership to ensure Rapid City remains affordable, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of our residents. That means coordinating economic development, strengthening partnerships between institutions, and building a more resilient, diversified local economy.

Each year, we invest millions into infrastructure, I’d like to ensure those dollars are used intentionally- making necessary improvements today while preparing for the future. I’ve supported efforts like downtown beautification to enhance public spaces and walkability and funding for our airport expansion- two of our largest economic drivers. To me, leadership is about prioritizing, leveraging outside resources, and making decisions that benefit our community long-term.

Q2- I define the role of government as making sure we’re delivering reliable services like public safety, infrastructure, and utilities, while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. It’s about asking the right questions during budgeting and project planning to ensure our investments are aligned with long-term priorities like strategic growth, infill development, affordability, and quality of life.

It also means supporting economic development by working with partners like Elevate Rapid City to diversify our local economy and attract quality jobs, while making sure those efforts reflect the needs of our community. Ultimately, our role is to help set clear priorities, ensure accountability, and make thoughtful decisions that position Rapid City for sustainable, long-term success.

Andrea Schaefer

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Kevin Maher

Q2- IF Elected to the Council, what will your top priorities be in office.

If re-elected to serve the residents of Ward 3 and all of the Rapid City, MSA, I will focus on the following priorities.

-Stable Conservative  Leadership.
-Fiscal Stewardship
-Supporting Affordable Housing Initiatives
-Support Economic Development in Rapid City making sure that growth pays for growth without impacting the taxpayers.
-Growth and Maintenance of our Infrastructure.
-Public Safety is a Top Concern to maintain and Improve the Quality of Life for our residents.
-Support and Welcome the Expansion of Ellsworth and the new B-21 Mission

Q2- I believe the city council should focus on infrastructure and public safety. The government should provide public safety, A long term plan for water, water reclamation and the land fill. We spend 50% of our general fund tax revenue on public safety to support the police and fire departments. I do support some of the partnerships the city has with non-profits that provide services to the homeless people as these organizations know how to serve people and save the city resources. Some of these groups support homeless folks and our mobile medic and quality of life folks take care of people and cut down on police and ambulance calls. The city also provides for the airport and civic center facilities which would simply not exist without city involvement.

Valeriah Big Eagle

(Candidate has not responded yet)

John Roberts

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Ardin Jay Cychosz

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Patrick Roseland

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Laura Armstrong

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Vince Danh

Q1- My top three priorities are responsible growth, a vibrant community, and equal opportunity for every family.

On growth: I want infrastructure and services to keep pace with where Sioux Falls is headed — coordinating road and utility work, improving traffic safety, and planning water and sewer capacity ahead of growth, not behind it.

On community: I want to make it easier for small businesses to open and thrive. Simpler permits, a small-business navigator, and a city that invests in its neighborhoods, downtown, arts, and culture.

On opportunity: I want every family — regardless of zip code or background — to have access to sidewalks, safe crossings, parks, and city services. And I want City Hall to come to the neighborhoods, not the other way around.

My priority is simple: make sure Sioux Falls works for every family who calls it home.

Q2- Government’s proper role is to serve people — not to lead them, but to create the conditions where families, businesses, and communities can thrive.

At the local level, that means being transparent, accessible, and responsive. It means listening before deciding. It means making it easier — not harder — for people to engage with the systems meant to serve them.

On the council, I’d keep the lines of communication open between City Hall and the neighborhoods it serves. I believe in government that is close to the people, accountable to the people, and humble enough to know its limits. My job wouldn’t be to make decisions for the community — it would be to make sure the community has a real voice in every decision that affects them.

Juliann Perrigo-Talkington

Q1- Rational Spending

Both cost of living and taxes are increasing. This unsustainable situation puts our residents under financial pressure, especially younger people and the elderly. We need to adjust our policies so the tax load is not overwhelming.

Transparency
Sioux Falls has a highly qualified and engaged group of citizens that want to be involved in shaping the community they call home. Making sure people understand the issues and have time to actively engage in policy making is important.

Livability
Sioux Falls has an “F” crime rating. We need to get the crime situation under control. Part of the problem is caused by the lack of rehabilitation at the prisons. Other issues are related to the low paying jobs we are fostering.

Responsible Growth
Sioux Falls has many different people and many unique needs. A significant percentage of our jobs are provided by small businesses. We need to make sure (word limit)

Q2- The fundamental role of government is to enforce laws and protect individual rights.

As a city councilor I would work to:

1) support policies that allow all businesses, big and small, to be successful

2) advocate for measures that improve transparency (including spending and contractual relationships)

3) reduce unnecessary spending

4) work to implement policies that improve natural economic development

5) work with the legislature to address our prison and crime problem

James Oppenheimer

Q1- If elected to the Sioux Falls City Council, my top priorities will be focused on ensuring our city remains a place where families can thrive. My platform is built on three core pillars:

Sensible and Balanced Growth I will work to ensure our city grows in a way that helps families succeed. This means planning for the future by welcoming expansion while carefully protecting the existing strengths and character of our community.

Public Safety Keeping our neighborhoods safe is a fundamental duty. I am committed to supporting our first responders and ensuring they have the resources necessary to maintain a high level of safety across the entire city.

Infrastructure and Roads I will prioritize the maintenance and improvement of our roads. Whether it is fixing potholes or ensuring efficient snow removal, I want to make sure our infrastructure keeps the city moving and makes daily life easier for every resident.

(Word Limit)

Q2- The proper role of government is to provide a reliable framework of safety and infrastructure that allows citizens and families the freedom to flourish. Local government should be efficient and focused, managing the technical complexities of a growing city without becoming an obstacle to its residents.

In my role on the City Council, I apply this philosophy by focusing on the core responsibilities that directly impact your quality of life:

Providing Stability Through Infrastructure Government is responsible for the foundational services we all rely on. My focus remains on the practical maintenance of our roads, including pothole repair and snow removal, to ensure our infrastructure is reliable for every family.

Ensuring Public Safety A primary duty of government is to protect its people. I prioritize supporting our first responders and ensuring they have the tools needed to keep our neighborhoods safe, allowing residents to live and work with peace of (Word Limit)

Rich Merkouris

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Samantha Scarlata

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Brady L Kerkman

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Michael A Crane

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Sara Pankonin

Q1- Sioux Falls is one of the most livable and safest cities in the United States and as we grow my priority is to keep it that way for those who live here and those who are moving here in the future.  I will focus on public safety, transportation and utilities, expanding green space, and keeping Sioux Falls an affordable place to live and work.  I will approach city issues with an engineer’s eye by looking at an issue objectively.  I will ask questions, and coordinate with others to find the best solution.  I will reach out to those with expertise on a particular issue and consider their experience in decision making. Further, I will seek citizen input to city government actions.  I believe in transparency and will welcome input before, during, and after city council meetings.  Finally, I will put the citizens and taxpayers first.

Q2- “Under God, The People Rule” is South Dakota’s motto and should apply to Sioux Falls city government as well.  As a woman of faith, I believe that we are all called to serve.  As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we should re-dedicate ourselves to the idea of service our country was founded on.  I believe that government exists to serve the people not the people to serve the government.  I also believe that government works best the closer it is to the people and that starts with local city government.  Sioux Falls has many needs and some of them can be met by city government, some by non-profits, some by the faith community and some by our citizens.  I will work to find the best, most cost-effective solutions to the challenges facing us now and in the future by engaging all in finding the right solution.

Zach DeBoer

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Matthew McKinley

Q1- My top priority in office will be building a safer Sioux Falls. I believe that starts with taking direct, practical steps to reduce homelessness and connect people with the support they need. I will also work to strengthen homeownership by carefully scrutinizing tax and fee increases and expanding zoning to allow more single-family homes to be built. In addition, I will prioritize responsible, conservative spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively. Throughout every decision, I will be guided by a commitment to strong family values and policies that support stable, thriving neighborhoods.

Q2- The proper role of government is to serve the people. It is established by God, with the core responsibility to protect citizens’ rights by remaining limited, safeguarding individual liberty, and upholding the rule of law.

As a city council member, I would apply these principles by prioritizing public safety, vigorously defending private property rights, working to keep property and sales taxes as low as possible, and ensuring full transparency in all decisions and processes.

This approach keeps the government focused on its essential duties while respecting the freedoms of our people.

Zak Okuwe

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Tommy Kunz

Q1- My top priorities include: people-first neighborhoods, equitable housing, preventing construction of mega-scale data centers, and getting rid of mass surveillance. First, people focused infrastructure such as creating shortcuts with sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and narrower streets promotes the health and sense of a community of a neighborhood. It reduces the long-term maintenance of roads, by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, by far biggest cause of wear and tear. Secondly, equitable housing is promoting clean, safe, and affordable places to live. Growing up on income-restricted and affordable housing has shown me what that really means, dirty and dangerous homes. We deserve a government that will put pressure on landlords and developers to be good stewards of their properties, and truly care for their tenants. Lastly, I pledge to vote against and impose restrictions on data center development to prevent rising costs for residents, and vote to remove ALPRs.

Q2- The role of government is to foster safe community and setup for generational success and stability. You do this by listening to the people, hearing their issues and concerns, and then actually finding ways to solve those problems. The world around us can create extremely complex issues that will require us to step up and create close collaboration between departments, developers, and the community in order create the necessary motion to get problems solved. I’ve based my campaign on listening to people. Each priority came from talking to everyday residents of the city about what they’re actually concerned with. I plan to continue implementing feedback and concerns people share with me to ensure that I’m meeting the moment, which I don’t believe our current government is doing.

Robert D Trzynka

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Gwenn Markham

Q1. My top priorities are managing growth responsibly, supporting local development, and maintaining the quality of life that makes Summerset a great place to live, while remaining fiscally responsible and accountable to residents. Listening to citizens’ needs comes first, and the concerns I hear most often—responsible growth, economic development, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and transparency—guide my work.

This past year, I helped hire the city’s Economic Development Coordinator to attract shops, restaurants, and services. We also installed Flock cameras to support public safety and launched Public Safety Day to strengthen community policing. Increased officer presence continues to help residents feel safe.

Our budget process is fully open to the public, with documents posted for anyone to review, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship.

Q2-  I believe the proper role of local government is to listen to residents, provide essential services, ensure public safety, and manage growth and tax dollars responsibly. Local government should be accessible, transparent, and focused on practical solutions that support the long‑term health of the community.

As Public Safety Commissioner, I carry this out by ensuring each decision reflects the voices of the people I serve. Their priorities—responsible growth, economic development, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and transparency—shape my work. I focus on making sure our processes are open, our spending is accountable, and our policies strengthen Summerset’s quality of life. Whether we are planning for growth, supporting local development, or investing in public safety, my goal is to help guide Summerset in a way that keeps our community safe, welcoming, and well‑managed.

Jordan A Pulscher

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Jeff Gilbertson

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Rich Holland

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Mary R Redin

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Arlette Reeves

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Byron Pals

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Warren Peterson

(Candidate has not responded yet)

Gloria Claussen

(Candidate has not responded yet)