Heather Baxter seeks election to Rapid City-area House of Representatives seat

Heather Baxter is seeking election to the South Dakota State House in District 34. The district includes west Rapid City, just beyond downtown.

The Dakota Scout sent a series of questions to all legislative candidates running for the House of Representatives and Senate in the June 4 primary elections. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each question to 150 words or less.

Age: 48
Town of residence: Fast city
Occupation: SME boss
Public service/community service experience: Pennington County GOP Executive Board member, Women’s Shelter volunteer, volunteered in the CAAN district for eight years and volunteered for two years in my local church’s child care ministry.
Family information: I have two teenage daughters.

1) What is the role of government in facilitating economic development in South Dakota?

Government was created to protect and secure our unalienable rights and protect us from domestic and foreign adversaries. I think the government does not need to get involved in the development of SD. The government always imposes specific conditions and rules to follow. This in turn creates big government and less will of the people. I support economic development, but not when it comes with government control, bureaucracy, and at taxpayer expense.

2) If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would choose to have dinner with Jesus because I would like to talk to him face to face, seeing him in person while hearing how his day was going!

3) Does the “Bill of Rights of Landowners” — passed by the Legislature amid opposition to carbon pipeline companies’ use of eminent domain — balancing the interests of landowners, counties and the agricultural industry — and should voters have a say when they go to the polls in November?

The “Landowners’ Bill of Rights” fails to balance the interests of landowners, counties, and the agricultural industry. SB 201 allows private businesses to acquire SD land of their choice for commercial or private purposes. This does not protect our constitutional rights; it overrides our 135-year tradition of county zoning authority and overrides local ordinances. The bill privatizes pre-negotiated benefits and terms while reducing public safety oversight. The bill also limits local governments from imposing fees, allowing taxpayers to pay for any pipeline accidents. This leaves our utilities commissioner with limited capabilities due to vague language. Removing local control and private ownership equals big government and less will of the people. The people should have their say in November.