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Candidates for District 2 outline views on dairies, data centers, prison and rural services
Summary
At a public interview session, more than a dozen applicants for the District 2 vacancy described local ties and varied approaches to dairies, hyperscale data centers, rural ambulance funding, roads and the state's prison siting; commissioners will take final action July 7 after public comment.
The Lincoln County Commission spent much of the June 30 meeting interviewing applicants for the District 2 vacancy and hearing public comment. Twelve candidates described local ties, public-service experience and positions on major county issues: large dairies and livestock operations, the proposed siting of hyperscale data centers, the state's attempt to place a prison in the county, road and bridge funding, and rural emergency medical service capacity.
Applicants repeatedly referenced three consistent themes: follow the county's comprehensive plan; seek transparency and constituent input; and protect the county's agricultural character while balancing infrastructure and fiscal responsibilities.
Brandon Maddox, a business owner, said he would "call feedback from the rest of the commissioners and get their feedback" on difficult votes and emphasized stewardship of taxpayer funds. He told commissioners he was "pleased to see that it's not coming to Lincoln County" when asked about the prison process, adding he applauded the county's organizing to oppose it.
Maline Boglai, who teaches education at the University of South Dakota, urged adherence to the comprehensive plan and said "data centers...need to be done in a thoughtful way" that preserves rural character. Several candidates — including Dwayne Carlson, Eric Enabo and Chad Skyles — expressed skepticism about placing very large data centers in parts of the county that lack sufficient electrical and water infrastructure. Skyles said he favored a moratorium on data-center approvals "at this stage" until more information is gathered.
Candidates with township and farming backgrounds emphasized road maintenance and volunteer emergency services. Dwayne Carlson and other southern-district applicants urged attention to township roads and suggested exploring state and federal funding to address declining volunteer EMS capacity. Multiple applicants described plans to be available to constituents and to work across townships.
Public comment largely supported locally known applicants and underscored township concerns; several speakers recommended picking a District 2 appointee from the southern part of the district and noted the seat had been filled by a Republican, urging continuity. Commissioners did not take a vote June 30 and said they expect to continue the process and vote on July 7.
The commission structured interviews with a five-minute candidate presentation and a ten-minute question period; commissioners said the July 7 meeting will include final ballots and additional public input.
