How to Restore Trust in Government

South Dakotans deserve a government that is honest and accountable to the people it

serves. Transparency isn't a partisan issue. It's a prerequisite for good government and the key to

earning the public's trust.

Too often, major decisions are made without meaningful public involvement. Whether it's the

TIF proposal in Rapid City, the debate over the CO₂ pipeline, questions surrounding the use of

the state airplane, or decisions about the location of the new state penitentiary in Sioux Falls,

many South Dakotans have come away with the same feeling: their voices didn't matter.

That has to change.

As governor, I will work to ensure that major state projects include meaningful public input

before decisions are made. Public meetings should be held early in the process as well as throughout it. Information should be readily available and citizens should have real opportunities to ask questions, share concerns, and influence outcomes. Public participation should never be treated as an afterthought or a burden.

Taxpayers also deserve to know how their money is being spent. Every dollar invested by state

government should be accountable and focused on delivering results for the people

of South Dakota. Whether we're discussing economic development incentives, infrastructure

projects, or major capital investments, the public should be able to easily understand where their

tax dollars are going, why those investments are being made, and what benefits they can expect

in return.

Government works best when it welcomes scrutiny instead of avoiding it. Accountability means

being willing to explain decisions, measure results, and acknowledge when improvements need

to be made. That's the standard I will hold every department in my administration to.

I also believe we need greater transparency in economic development programs and incentive

funds. South Dakotans deserve regular public reporting on how state dollars are being invested,

who is receiving those investments, and whether those projects are delivering the jobs and

economic growth that were promised.

My commitment is simple: I will lead an administration that listens before it acts, communicates

honestly, and respects the people it serves. South Dakotans may not always agree with every

decision their government makes, but they should never wonder whether they were heard or

whether decisions were made behind closed doors. Trust in government isn't built through speeches. It's built by being transparent, inviting the public to the table, and remembering that every elected official works for the people, not the other way around.