The past couple of weeks have gone by in a whirlwind. As Scott discussed the day he picked me, I’ve spent a lion’s share of my time traveling the state, taking the pulse of South Dakotans and talking about economic development and jobs.

Over the past week or so I’ve met with scores of South Dakotans, walked in parades, and attended briefings with experts from all walks of life as we continue to work to bring new blood and new ideas into the political discussion. I also have taken part in meetings in Harrisburg, Beresford and Tea visiting with their local economic development boards where we had great and detailed discussions about the best ways to help diversify our job-creation efforts in South Dakota.

And among the meetings and events I had this week, I met with a dozen business leaders in Sioux Falls to outline Scott and my vision for economic development and to listen to their terrific ideas on how to move this state forward.

Everywhere I go, it seems people are eager to discuss state government’s current misplaced priorities. We simply can’t give away $11 million to Trans Canada and waste millions of dollars each year on “no bid” contracts if we want to get serious about balancing South Dakota’s budget. And, we have to balance the budget before we can start making smart investments in our people.

Business owners are very concerned about our state’s finances and the long-term implications for our economy. Scott and I remain committed to traveling the state, hearing folks out and also delivering our core message of smaller, smarter and more open and accountable government.

Ben

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Posted on Thu., Jul. 15th at 1:07 pm. In category: Blog.
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