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SD lt. gov. outlines gov campaign plan for economy

175 days ago

By CHET BROKAW
Associated Press Writer

(AP:PIERRE, S.D.) Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard said Wednesday if he becomes South Dakota's next governor he would seek to improve the state's business climate, educate workers for modern jobs and reduce and simplify state regulations.

Daugaard waited until the end of this year's legislative session to begin distinguishing himself from Gov. Mike Rounds, who cannot seek re-election because of term limits. Rounds supports Daugaard in the five-candidate race for the GOP nomination to run for governor.

Daugaard said he would return the state's economic development office back to a separate cabinet-level agency, which would reverse a reorganization Rounds made that put economic development, tourism and some other agencies in a combined state department.

The lieutenant governor also said he would re-evaluate the industries targeted by South Dakota's development efforts, seek to add money to a low-interest loan program for businesses, and streamline state regulations that affect business.

"I think Governor Rounds has done a good job in economic development," Daugaard said. "But you need to look ahead, not back. Every so often you need to re-evaluate your strategic targeting."

Daugaard said his differences with other candidates are more important than his differences with Rounds.

The other GOP candidates are Senate Republican Leader Dave Knudson of Sioux Falls, state Sen. Gordon Howie of Rapid City, former Brookings Mayor Scott Munsterman and Buffalo Gap rancher Ken Knuppe. Senate Democratic Leader Scott Heidepriem of Sioux Falls is the lone Democrat in the race.

Knudson, who tried unsuccessfully to create separate economic development and tourism departments during this year's legislative session, said he is pleased Daugaard agrees with the idea.

"I think creating a focused economic development effort instead of the fragmented department we have now will clearly be important," Knudson said.

He said South Dakota must focus on creating jobs after seeing unemployment rise during the recession. He agreed with Daugaard that the state should emphasize its favorable regulatory and tax systems.

Daugaard said he developed his economic development plan as he talked with experts and people in the more than 70 communities he visited during the past year.

He said state government can help business by balancing its budget without raising taxes. And state regulations should be reduced or at least written in plain language, he said.

South Dakota should continue to promote its strengths such as agricultural processing, ethanol production and wind energy, Daugaard said, adding that he also supports the proposed Hyperion oil refinery in the southeastern portion of the state.

He said he wants to increase research and the number of college graduates at state universities, promote math and science education, and train people to work in technical fields. A state loan program for businesses could be expanded with funds raised by selling unused state land or other assets, Daugaard said.

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