The race for City Council is on. Here is questionnaire sent to those running to help you understand the candidates.

Who are you, in your daily life?

I am a mother of an amazing 15 year old daughter and have been a small business owner since 2007.  I am an owner of a commercial space in the gap and am a homeowner. I have a degree in Dance from the University of New Mexico and have danced professionally abroad and nationally.  I love Rapid City, the Black HIlls and intend to stay here permanently. 

What prompted you to run for city council in the first place?

Several factors informed my decision to finally run for local office.  I have ties to South Dakotans from all sides of the political spectrum and this gives me the strength of understanding and fairness to issues that may arise.  Both sides of my family are from Faulkton, SD.  My grandfather was a very successful rancher there, creating Deiter Brothers Ranching with his brothers.  I watched his success with awe and can connect to the issues that he and my extended family in that small town care about.  I am a first generation college graduate as well, so was exposed to ideas and people that shape the issues that affect urban populations as well.  My education took me around the country and around the globe allowing me to have perspectives from a diverse range of populations.  

Timing is another factor in why I decided to run for office.  I recently had a massive career shift and now have more time on my hands to be able to give to serving my community.  I also have a daughter who will start driving herself in May, which is a pretty great rite of passage for any parent, opening up my evenings as well.  

My main reason for wanting to run is that I want to see more balanced perspectives on our City Council.  I care deeply about Rapid City and its future and want to contribute my balanced and ethical views to the conversation as we grow.  It’s important to me that Rapid City grows in a thoughtful manner, creating new jobs and opportunities for a diverse pool of new population while not leaving behind the folks who already live and work here.  This means focusing on areas of town that need infrastructure improvements to strengthen neighborhoods, creating a corridor from SDSMT to downtown that attracts younger adults to  move here and stay here, expanding our transportation facilities to give more opportunities for locals to get to work, strengthening a growing downtown and solving the ‘mall’ problem.  I want to champion TIFs that are more transparent and ensure benefits for a broad population of Rapid City. 

How have you worked in the past to contribute to the local community?

Since my return to the area in 2007, I have been a small business owner.  Those who run small businesses understand the connection to the community that you MUST have to be successful.  From hiring photographers, printers and sign makers to a unique direct line to customers, small business owners are crucial for a strong Rapid City.  My business was Barefoot Dance Studio (2007-2023).  This unique business connected me to hundreds and hundreds of families and children over the years. I am so proud of the success of that business, not only in its increasing numbers and incredibly trained dancers, but the relationships that I built and have retained.  That work gave me opportunities throughout the arts community including Black HIlls Community Theater, Black Hills Playhouse, Flutter Productions and so many more.  

Outside of business I was the President of the Dance Network of South Dakota, a board member of East of 5th, Black Hills Dance Theater and received local and national awards for community building along the way.

What do you consider to be the pillars of your campaign?

Transparent TIF processes, smart infrastructure investments and transparent and informed decision making are my top three priorities.  Our most recent TIF vote on Libertyland was an eye opener for me as I noticed that much of our community was opposed.  It inspired me because such a diverse population all agreed.  The curiosity of what led different populations to the same conclusion was interesting and I learned that a common theme was the lack of transparency in the process that concerned people.  Balancing new development with affordability, tourism considerations with small business concerns, attracting new residents and taking care of those already here will be a focus for me. As a dancer, balance is a strength.

How do you feel about the city’s role regarding issues between Summer Nights and Downtown businesses? Would you have done anything differently?

I would have demanded we go back to the drawing board the minute I heard small businesses felt left out of the conversation and could be negatively affected. Given the division we have experienced over the years with this issue I would have recommended an ambassador of sorts from City Council to mediate and lead all involved to a solution that works for everyone, whether that be the Mayor himself or an Alderman, instead of leaving it up to Summer Night’s leadership alone. This event is important for our city and I want it to continue in a way that works for all. 

What are your feelings on the use of fiscal tools (like TIFs) to attract private investments within Rapid City? What would be your approach to using these tools?

I am interested in looking into the boxes that would need to be checked by developers to get the green light from council and in return what the city can do for developers and how these things can be negotiated.  Examples of standards for developers might be city transportation guarantees, measures to protect resources, inclusionary zoning, community benefits agreements, impact fees etc.  In return negotiating could look like streamlining processes, reduced application fees, reducing parking minimums etc.  Negotiating these TIFs so that they work for more of us and informing the public through transparency would be a priority. 

What is a public investment you feel Rapid City could benefit from? (such as roads, parks, public transit, etc.)

I would like to see the area from 5th street to School of Mines a major focus for near future planning.  Any steps we can take to make Rapid City feel more like a college town for students and a more desirable place to stay and live for graduates can ripple into increased revenue, cultural impact and so much more.  We have one of the best schools in the country right here in Rapid City, yet it’s as if it exists on its own island. 

A lot of current attention is on Citizens’ desire to own hens, and attempts to bring this policy to the council via Alderman Tamang. If you were made to make a decision on this, or another proposal, how would you evaluate whether or not a project or policy is worth implementing

Simply by holding time with constituents in my ward. Issues like hens and others reflect on the core of the job at hand, which is representation.  All of my decision making will be overwhelmingly influenced by my time listening to people in Ward 3.  I intend on doing a lot of it, and have already started in full force.