Session
3
The Political Process
Pierre, SD
January 16, 17, 18
Class I of the South Dakota Agriculture and Rural
Leadership Program met for session three in the powerful Capitol City of
Pierre, South Dakota. The session was kick started by an informative meeting
with Board of Directors Member, Dusty Anderson. Dusty’s great experience and
insight of the political process was extremely valuable.
Following
Dusty’s presentation, the class moved into a political issues and policies
forum. Presentations were given by some of the states most important and
influential officers. First was
the Executive Director South Dakota Association of County Commissioners,
Richard L. Howard. Mr. Howard gave many details, which included funding issues
on the state’s roads, highways, and railroads.
Following
Mr. Howard’s presentation was John L. Cooper, South Dakota Department
Secretary of the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. Secretary Cooper
highlighted the many tough issues facing the State’s G, F & P’s. Road
hunting and control issues to environmental extremist were a few discussed.
John’s “middle of the road” philosophy entails listening to all sides
& doing what is best for all. Mr. Cooper also felt strongly that every
facet, whether agriculture producers, wildlife groups or environmentalist need
to work together to help produce a better farm bill.
Tim
Tollefsrud, Division Director of Environmental Services, followed Secretary
Cooper’s comments. Tim spoke of
the many environmental issues facing South Dakota, including air quality,
water use and quality and state compliance. He concluded by stating, “South
Dakota enjoys a high quality environment.”
Next,
Class I SDARL had the privilege to meet Larry Gabriel, Secretary of
Agriculture. Secretary Gabriel voiced many concerns for South Dakota’s
production agriculture. Those concerns included zoning setback distances for
animal production, estate taxes, green payments, WTO, and NAFTA among many. Of
the concerns Secretary Gabriel had, the current farm bill and its reactive
philosophy seemed to worry him the most.
He stated that the creators of the next farm bill must have a definite
goal in mind. He also stated that
South Dakota has the widest corn basis in the county and one of the lowest
return on assets. Thus, Secretary Gabriel has become a true believer in
value-added agriculture.
After
a full afternoon of thought provoking presentations, Class I adjourned to Mad
Mary’s Steakhouse for a delicious dinner and stimulating conversation with
various SDARL Advisory Board Members, area donors, and several
representatives. Alysia Ryan gave a presentation by the National Cattlemen’s
Beef Association.
Day
two began with progressive enthusiasm. The entire morning was spent observing
various senate and house committee hearings. Several hearings were taking
place including State Affairs, House Judiciary and Senate Appropriations.
It was intriguing to see the political process work first hand.
Mid-afternoon brought what many considered to be the highlight of the entire trip with a question an answer session with Governor William J. Janklow. One of the main points Governor Janklow hit home was the fact that raising capital for a business in South Dakota is extremely difficult. Amendment E has closed many capital raising doors. The Governor mentioned the three necessities for a successful and profitable business. They were:
1.
Skilled Labor
2. Management
3. Capital
Without
all three the business will likely fail. The Governor also spoke about being a
politician, term limits and the school system. He left us with the adage that
you must lead, follow, or get out of the way!
Jim
Burg, member of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission talked to the
class about the entities his committee must deal with. Energy prices are the
major concern at the present time. Jim talked in length about future energy
needs and all the great possibilities that South Dakota has to produce. These
sources ranged from coal to wind to gas. Jim feels strongly that when it come
to energy “Develop it All!”
After
an intriguing day of watching how the state government works, SDARL Class I
infiltrated to the local Pizza Ranch for a witty and fun filled evening. The
group looked back on the day and all the highlights and what was encompassed.
The evening concluded with an informative talk by Executive Director Dan Gee
about the next session and the planned trip to Washington, D.C.
The
third and final day began with an exercise for effective speaking. Each class
member gave a short speech of a personal concern. While many of the speeches
dealt with important agriculture and state issues, several were on a lighter
and more humorous side and a good time was had by all.
The
fast paced program continued with a presentation by Bryce Healy, Deputy
Commissioner South Dakota School & Public Lands. Bryce, while joking that
the SPL is the least known political office, mentioned that it was also the
most important. He went into detail on management and lease procedures rental
rates & meandering lakes to weed control and the problem of land locked
parcels.
Next
on the agenda was Cheri Rath, Agriculture Specialist from the Governors Office
of Economic Development. Cheri gave an informative and energetic presentation
on value-added agriculture initiatives and the many projects and feasibility
studies the sub fund has assisted.
Dr. Sam Holland spoke to the group on various animal health issues. Dr. Holland is the state veterinarian and is on the Animal Industry Board. Dr. Holland’s long experience and great insight became apparent as he spoke of many issues including beef quality assurance, imports, record keeping and regulating non-domestic animals to name a few. Many good questions arose about the state meat inspection program and Mad Cow disease. Sam assured everyone that the state meat inspection program was equal to or better than the federal inspection program. Dr. Holland also informed the crowd of the many Mad Cow disease safeguards that have already been implemented. Some of them include active and ongoing surveillance and the elimination of European imports. Dr. Holland closed by stating “We hang our hat on the best science that there is.”
The
final presentations were given by two of the most well known lobbyists in
Pierre. Brenda Forman, SD Association of Cooperatives, and Steve Willard,
Cattlemen’s Association. Brenda and Steve corrected many negative
misconceptions about lobbyists. They made everyone realize that lobbyists
perform many important functions including being a critical resource of
information for legislators. The
point was made that the lobbyist must possess honesty and integrity to be
effective.
The
grand finale for SDARL session three was being present for the signing of
legislation. Returning Federal Corp of Engineers ground back to the state. Tom
Daschle and Governor Janklow along with a Corp of Engineer representative were
present, as was the entire State House and Senate. Standing ovations abound as
a historical moment was at hand.
It
was obvious, as the third session came to a close that many new and exciting
experiences and acquaintances definitely made the third time a charm!