Primary becomes early general election for Minnehaha County Commission candidates

By Dave Baumeister

County correspondent

            Since no Independents or candidates from any other political party filed to run for seats on the Minnehaha County Commission, the Republican primary on Tuesday, June 4, will serve as an early “General Election.”

            Winners from that contest will be unopposed in the actual November General Election.

            This year’s election cycle will see two commissioners being elected, and since 10-year veteran commissioner Jean Bender is not running for re-election, at least one of those candidates will be new to the commission.

            Incumbent Dean Karsky is running for his third term on the commission in the primary.

            Also running are challengers Dan Kippley, Cole Heisey and Roger Russell.

            Since South Dakota does not have open primaries at the present time, and Republicans do not allow Independents to vote in their primary, well-over half of the voters in Minnehaha County will not have a say in who is serving on our county commission.

            However, according to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website, voters can change their party affiliation until May 20 so they can vote in the upcoming Republican primary.

            This can be done at sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote/default.aspx, or at the Minnehaha County Auditor’s office.

            This week, all four of the commission candidates responded to questions from The Brandon Valley Journal, Garretson Gazette, Minnehaha Messenger and Dells City Journal.

            Because the candidates took the time to fill these out, we ask that our readers also take the time to go through them and think about what each has to offer Minnehaha County.

            While Primary Election Day isn’t until Tuesday, June 4, absentee voting is already underway on the third floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls. For those who want to avoid the stairs, an elevator is available to the right of the main entrance.

Cole Heisey

Address: Sioux Falls.

            Occupation: Insurance Professional.

            Education/experience: O’Gorman High School Graduate, USD Graduate w/Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Minor in Philosophy, vice-president of Sioux Falls Area Right to Life, vice-chair Minnehaha County Republican Party, treasurer S.D. Young Republicans, Republican Precinct Committeeman.

            Why do you want to be on the Minnehaha County Commission?

             In the best sense, I'm running to serve the public and ensure fairness for all—property owners, small and large business owners, and everyday citizens alike. I want to ensure that Minnehaha County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Public service has always been important to me; civic engagement is more important than ever. I'm really passionate about safeguarding citizens' rights and ensuring their voices are not only heard but also respected. I believe I possess the temperament, judgment, and impartiality required to be an effective commissioner. Furthermore, I am not encumbered by conflicts of interest or other special entanglements. In our rapidly growing county, many significant issues and tough decisions await; I am eager to tackle these challenges.

            What do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner?

            Minnehaha county is growing. A main focus will be to balance economic growth with community needs and desires while preserving our character and values. Listening to people, involving community and business leaders, and working alongside every branch of government to achieve efficient and effective solutions—all these actions will be cornerstones of my policy-making process. It is the government's role to responsibly steward community resources, ensuring they enhance residents' lives and that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. This involves overseeing and funding essential county responsibilities, including the building and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, as well as providing other critical services. I aim to achieve several key objectives, including enhancing transparency, bolstering law enforcement, ensuring election integrity, safeguarding property rights, and maintaining local decision-making authority. As your county commissioner, I will be dedicated to fostering a thriving county where citizens' rights are protected and their voices heard.

            What do you see as three major issues affecting Minnehaha County?

            I'm determined to address the persistent increase in property taxes head-on. Another pressing issue is the future of the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds: investing in its current location or exploring relocation to another part of the county. Additionally, crime rates have been on the rise in the county. Prioritizing solutions and bolstering support for law enforcement will be paramount. Every issue that lands on my desk will receive the seriousness and impartiality it warrants. I eagerly anticipate finding solutions.

            What issue will have the greatest effect on the county in the future?

            Managing and overseeing countywide economic growth will likely be the most demanding aspect of my day-to-day responsibilities. Ensuring responsible growth without straining public resources will require constant balance. As a commissioner, I will prioritize both present needs and long-term vision in decision-making. We must always remember the residents who have called this place home for generations.

            While property taxes from the citizens of Sioux Falls account for most of the revenue for Minnehaha County, outside of Sioux Falls there are still many smaller towns and rural areas.

As a commissioner, how will you be responsive to these areas?

             I enjoy meeting with and connecting with people. As commissioner, I look forward to engaging in numerous conversations and meetings to address the current and future needs of residents countywide. Residents of smaller towns and rural areas can trust that their voices will not only be heard and respected but also acted upon during my tenure in office.

            For the past three years, a few people have complained many times about how the Minnehaha County elections are run. Do you see any problems with the county’s election process? If so, what are they?

            Timely and accurate election results are key. The very first complaints I heard several years ago were related to the length of time it took to receive election results. I don’t foresee this to be a continuing complaint, however. Since then, the topic has changed to election integrity and transparency. More than just a few people have raised this topic. I believe it’s a non-partisan matter that we should all take seriously. I will ensure the county auditor’s office has all the resources it needs to run elections with full transparency to uphold public trust. Proper audits are one way to leave no doubt about the integrity of our elections. I will be supportive of the auditor’s office and remove any unnecessary obstacles in its performance.

            General comments:

            It would be my honor and privilege to serve the residents of Minnehaha County. Please contact me at if you have any questions. I’d appreciate your vote Tuesday, June 4th.

Dan Kippley

Address: Sioux Falls.

            Occupation: Semi-retired, business & leadership development consultant.

            Education/experience: Bachelor of Science, Business Economics/Speech Communications, South Dakota State University, over 40 years of relationship sales & business & leadership development experience working in real estate, publicly traded companies, state government and family-owned businesses.

            Why do you want to be on the Minnehaha County Commission?

            I offer the passion, the vision, and a collaborative work ethic to work along-side other commissioners, elected officials, county employees and all stakeholders to develop a strategic plan to move Minnehaha County forward for future generations. I have the available time to commit to serve the citizens of Minnehaha County and am excited to offer my experience to serve.

            What do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner?

            As a fiscal conservative, my goal as a Minnehaha Commissioner is to be a good steward of your tax dollars and to ensure that public safety continues to be a priority with law enforcement, fire protection and first responders. I plan to collaborate with all commissioners to emphasize the importance of an infrastructure maintenance plan for roads and bridges. The comprehensive long-term growth plan will help ensure that controlled growth will be well managed to include housing and job creation to help increase a diversified tax base.

            What do you see as three major issues affecting Minnehaha County?

            1. The completion of the Juvenile Justice Center in 2026 will help make the entire facility safer for the staff, judges, attorneys and especially the young people housed there. After visiting the current facility, and learning more about the operations, this new facility will be a welcome addition to the 17 counties it currently serves.

            2. The county will need to continue to collaborate with the State of South Dakota to find more cost-effective solutions to handle the increasing public defender case load and costs associated with the office. The first steps were taken by the 2024 SD legislature. Hopefully, this is the first of several steps.

            3. Like all entities, Minnehaha County will need to continue to make strides in recruitment and retention of its over 600 employees. With a vast majority of functions within the County mandated, it is imperative to having the appropriate qualified and trained staff to carry out these functions within the different offices. With 41% of the county workforce being on the job 4 years or less and 52% at 5 years or less, retainment measures are important. With turnover hovering at 16-18% annually, it is costly to recruit and onboard new employees.

            What issue will have the greatest effect on the county in the future?

            As the county population continues to grow, services will continue to be provided. Technology may save time and money in certain areas. The Sheriff’s Office, Jail, Juvenile Justice Center, State’s Attorney’s office, Public Defenders Office and others will need highly qualified and trained employees to provide the necessary services. Recruiting and retaining the workforce will continue to be a challenge moving forward.

            While property taxes from the citizens of Sioux Falls account for most of the revenue for Minnehaha County, outside of Sioux Falls there are still many smaller towns and rural areas.

As a commissioner, how will you be responsive to these areas?

            Minnehaha County needs to keep public safety as a key priority across the entire county. The Sheriff’s Department, rural volunteer fire departments, ambulance services and EMT’s all need the support of the commission. The County Highway Department will continue to prioritize the road and bridge maintenance plan and collaborate with the townships as necessary to keep transportation safe.

            For the past three years, a few people have complained many times about how the Minnehaha County elections are run. Do you see any problems with the county’s election process?

            No.

            General comments:

            I am blessed to have my grandchildren growing up in Minnehaha County. It is my goal to work hard to continue to make our community a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

            I have met or am scheduled to meet with representatives from all the elected offices and department heads to gain a working understanding of each department.

            I am planning to attend and work through the budgeting process with county officials on June 10, 18 and 25. I urge those interested in the process to attend and participate in seeing how a $100 million-plus budget is assembled. Please research the candidates and vote Karsky and Kippley on June 4 in the GOP Primary.

Dean Karsky

Address: Sioux Falls.

            Occupation: Insurance agency owner for over 35 years.

            Education/experience: Bachelors from Troy State University, AL, United States Air Force veteran 1983 – 1989, numerous other insurance and financial education certificates.

            What has been your biggest accomplishments on the commission?

            Being a Minnehaha County Commissioner is my way of continuing to give back to the community at a very high level. And as a county commissioner, twice in the last eight years I have convened a Financial Action Network composed of local experts in the field of finance and management.

            Their guidance has led to a long-term approach to county financial planning that is being utilized by the commission. Since I started on the the commission, the county “mil” rate on property taxes has declined by nearly 10%. That decrease is the result of hard work by the entire county staff and department heads during the budget process.

            Another notable accomplishment is the result of the Facilities Task Force that I participated in that resulted in the replacement of our county highway building at a cost that was nearly 20 percent less than estimated. We had the help of local business leaders on that task force as well. That task force also recommended the replacement of our Juvenile Detention Center on which ground has been broken recently for a new Juvenile Justice Center that will better accommodate the needs of 16 counties with the cost being borne by all the participants.

            What do you see as three major issues affecting Minnehaha County?

            Growth into the rural communities and how to best plan for housing needs.  Funding for rural ambulance and fire services and especially the people that are our first responders. Keeping taxes reasonable and predictable.

            What issue will have the greatest effect on the county in the future?

            The growth of funding public safety. In 2016 courts and law enforcement were 48 percent of our budget, in 2025 those two areas will be nearly 70 percent of our budget.  General government (auditor, treasurer, highways, facilities, etc.) have grown at less than one percent a year.

            I am a strong advocate for funding law enforcement and our courts and will continue to support programs that encourage “diversion” while incarcerating those that are a danger to our communities.

            While property taxes from the citizens of Sioux Falls account for most of the revenue for Minnehaha County, outside of Sioux Falls there are still many smaller towns and rural areas.

As a commissioner, how will you be responsive to these areas?

            Nearly 25 percent of the residents of the county live outside of the Sioux Falls city limits and the smaller towns attract people from all over as living in a small town is very appealing to many people.   

            The smaller communities can struggle with law enforcement needs, infrastructure development, and housing. As a Commissioner I see it as my responsibility to support common sense development of small towns and support the sheriff’s office with providing law enforcement to those communities. I am also supportive of adequately funding rural ambulance and fire departments as I proposed an increase in funding for rural ambulances in 2024 that was supported by the entire commission. I also supported a funding request to upgrade the radios used by rural fire and ambulance services.

            For the past three years, a few people have complained many times about how the Minnehaha County elections are run. Do you see any problems with the county’s election process? If so, what are they?

            Elections are a function of the County Auditor’s office, and I have supported all funding requests from the Auditor to ensure fair and secure elections. I have never seen a “perfect” system, but all reasonable efforts are being made to have the process run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

            General comments:

            I have truly enjoyed my eight years on the county commission board and humbly request the citizens and voters give me another term to accomplish a few more goals for better, more effective governance. Voter turnout is crucial to elections, so please make the time to vote on June 4th!

Roger Russell

Address: Sioux Falls.

            Occupation: Real estate agent.

            Education/experience: Real estate agent for 28 years.

            Why do you want to be on the Minnehaha County Commission?

            I aim for Minnehaha County to reach its highest potential. As a Minnehaha County Commissioner, I see my role on the commission as that of a public servant. I commit to actively listening to public concerns, being accessible and responsive, and striving to address our local challenges with effective solutions.

            What do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner?

            As a County Commissioner, I want to help ensure election integrity, uphold individuals’ private property rights and help retain local control for Minnehaha County.

            What do you see as three major issues affecting Minnehaha County?

            These responses align with what I outlined as my goals for my role as a commissioner.

            As I engage with constituents, a recurring topic is the importance of protecting private property rights. I strongly believe in upholding these rights, especially in light of proposed projects such as the carbon pipeline that aim to pass through our county.

            Another important issue is election integrity. Presently, certain members of the Minnehaha County Commission believe there are no concerns regarding election integrity in our county. Ensuring election integrity is a matter I prioritize, and I am open to discussing ways the Commission can enhance its procedures to ensure safe and secure elections.

            Another issue is to maintain local control. Local governance ensures that decisions are made at the county level to best serve the community's needs.

            What issue will have the greatest effect on the county in the future?

            There are many ongoing issues, here are just a few - Promoting economic development and job opportunities is crucial for the prosperity of Minnehaha County. Enhancing workforce skills through education and training programs is essential for fostering economic growth. Infrastructure and Transportation. Maintaining and improving roads and bridges is an ongoing effort. Public health and healthcare access is an important issue in Minnehaha County.

            It's essential to ensure accessible healthcare services, including affordable options for residents, especially in rural areas. Addressing mental health services, substance abuse, and preventive care are key components of this effort.

            While property taxes from the citizens of Sioux Falls account for most of the revenue for Minnehaha County, outside of Sioux Falls there are still many smaller towns and rural areas. As a commissioner, how will you be responsive to these areas?

            My commitment is to be accessible and attentive to constituents' concerns. Regarding property taxes, I will reach out to the appropriate department to obtain accurate information that I can then relay back to the constituent.

            For the past three years, a few people have complained many times about how the Minnehaha County elections are run. Do you see any problems with the county’s election process? If so, what are they?

             As I highlighted earlier, election integrity is of utmost importance. It is the responsibility of Minnehaha County to guarantee a safe and secure election process. I have heard current commission members claim that there are no issues with the election process in Minnehaha County. However, inconsistencies can arise in any election. The burden of proof lies with the current commission members who assert that there are no issues to substantiate their claim.