HURON — Saturday morning, incumbent David Wheeler (R) and challenger Jim Schmidt (D) answered questions of District 22 voters at Huron City Hall.

Wheeler went first in opening statements, discussing his background and involvement in the Huron community. He then discussed his work in his first two terms in Pierre, mentioning that he has been the prime Senate sponsor on 39 bills in his four years, 32 of which were signed into law.

“That’s a pretty good track record for someone that has as high of a bill load as I’ve been willing to carry,” Wheeler said, identifying the three appropriations bills to fund projects at the State Fairgrounds as “highlights.”

He also spent time discussing the funding that he helped to secure for Career and Technical Education (CTE) in school systems as well as post-election audit bills to enhance voting procedures.

Schmidt then had his opening statement.

“The reason I’m running is that I’ve had people give me a call, from both parties, mind you, and they say, ‘Pierre is not listening to us,’” Schmidt opened. “(Those calling Schmidt) need someone that will be there for them, and that’s who I want to be.”

Schmidt highlighted his background growing up on a farm near Wessington Springs. He stated that he is a Vietnam veteran and is willing to work for those in District 22 with the same responsibility as he served in uniform.

The two men were asked about their stance on Amendment G and their stance on a woman’s right to choose. Wheeler stated that he has consistently supported pro-life in his voting in Pierre and in his personal beliefs. He further explained that Amendment G puts abortion into the state constitution and has the opportunity to politicize the state Supreme Court in the same way that the United States Supreme Court has become a political tool, in large part due to the issue of abortion.

Schmidt stated that he “is not an extremist” and cited that situations such as the mother’s health and cases of rape and incest should be a decision that involves medical personnel and the patient, not the government. He also stated that he believes that adoption should be promoted more heavily and made to be a more legitimate option for pregnant women who do not want their children but want them to have a home. Schmidt stated that on the proposed Amendment, he also is against the Amendment, in large part because it would involve enshrining abortion into the State Constitution but also because it’s “too radical.”

The candidates were asked what areas of leadership they found most rewarding and also how they would translate moving forward. Schmidt cited service as a Scout leader while also mentioning tough decisions that he made as a church elder.

Wheeler talked about his time as a member and the president of the Huron Area School Board, but he stated that the leadership role that has taught him the most is his role as a father.

“When I’m out in Pierre, dealing with weighty subjects, the thought is often, ‘How does this affect my children?’” Wheeler said.

The candidates were asked what may happen in the legislature were proposed Initiated Measure 28 pass. Wheeler explained that sales tax is the largest driver of revenue for the state and that IM 28 would remove more than $120 million annually in revenue from the state, and that money would either need to be found through additional taxes or spending cuts.

Schmidt admitted that he had not made up his mind on IM 28 yet, seeing that replacing that consumable tax revenue could be very difficult, but he also feels that there are some budgeting issues in Pierre.

He referenced interest groups and “pet projects” being funded ahead of roads, schools, and other basic state funding as his budget concerns.

The candidates were also asked about Amendment F, commonly known as the Medicaid work requirement. Schmidt discussed the need for Medicaid and Medicare funding as a way to protect people.

Wheeler notes that he supported Amendment F going onto the ballot to clarify what the populace intended when Medicaid expansion was approved two years ago. He stated that even if Amendment F does pass, there would still be work to do in order to actually begin a work requirement, as the legislature would have to pass such a bill and then it would have to be approved by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) before it can even be enforced within the state.

Both candidates were asked about education funding as well.

Wheeler stated that he has supported increased funding for education during his time in Pierre, but it’s difficult to compete for the state without significant overhauls in tax structure to provide the funding needed. He specifically referenced the difficulty in attracting quality educators to the state, something that’s become exceedingly difficult in the last 10-15 years, Wheeler said.

Wheeler was asked about his role on the legislative audit committee in light of recent revelations about state employees using their job to embezzle funds or to gain loans through fraudulent means. Wheeler explained that the legislative audit committee has the opportunity to review, but currently has no action ability beyond making a potential suggestion. He stated that the committee will meet in October, and he is looking forward to raising some questions on that issue when they meet.

Schmidt expressed frustration with the recent cases of state employee financial fraud and embezzlement, stating, “Think of what we could have done with that money in the state. Now, it’s just gone!”

He expressed desire to expedite direct audits of state employees that can bring about quicker discovery of untoward actions. He stated that state employees are accountable to the taxpayers who pay their salaries.

In his closing statements, Schmidt talked about the push from Pierre to move forward on carbon pipelines, citing farmers that he talked with who are strongly opposed to the pipeline and feel as if they are not being heard in Pierre, despite legal actions and what they feel are illegal tactics taken by the pipeline companies in surveying and acquiring land.

He stated that he strongly supports landowners having the right to say no and not using eminent domain to push the pipeline through the state.

Wheeler referenced the broad base of issues that are covered in Pierre and the significant loss of experience that will be returning to Pierre after those who were “termed out” by term limits or lost in primaries.

He stated that sending him back to Pierre as someone in a position of leadership for District 22 will allow him the district to have its voice heard on those broad range of issues.