Release: Stephen Saint Launches District 30 Bid: “I’m Not Here to Sit Quietly”

@SoDakCampaigns

Stephen Saint Launches District 30 Bid: “I’m Not Here to Sit Quietly”

CUSTER, S.D. Stephen Saint, a Black Hills businessman and Army veteran, is officially in the race for State Representative in District 30, and he’s launching with a message that’s likely to resonate with voters who are tired of talk and looking for results.

Saint, owner of Fort Welikit Campground, says his campaign is grounded in real world experience, not political theory, and he’s not shy about saying it.

“I don’t talk about policy like it’s an idea on paper,” Saint said. “I deal with the consequences of it every single day. When government gets it wrong, I feel it immediately, in payroll, in costs, and in whether my business can grow or not.”

A former U.S. Army serviceman and deputy sheriff, Saint says accountability isn’t optional, it’s expected.

“I’m not running to be quiet or to go along with anything,” he said. “I’m running to speak up, push back when needed, and make sure District 30 actually has a voice in Pierre.”

Saint is running on a platform centered on property rights, real tax relief, and strong support for local law enforcement, search and rescue, fire departments, and ambulance services, saying those on the front lines of public safety deserve consistent backing, not just words during campaign season. He also emphasizes ensuring rural communities aren’t sidelined when decisions are made at the state level.

He’s also putting a spotlight on protecting the VA in Hot Springs, calling it a priority that requires more than words.

“We don’t need more promises, we need follow through,” Saint said. “If something matters, then you fight for it. If something’s broken, you fix it. That’s how I’ve run my business, and that’s how I’ll serve.”

With deep roots in the Black Hills and a reputation for being direct and results oriented, Saint is making it clear early he’s not easing into this race.

“I’ve spent my life stepping up when it counts,” he said. “This is no different.”

District 30 just got a candidate who isn’t interested in waiting his turn.

And it won’t take long to see who’s ready for that and who’s not.

###

10 thoughts on “Release: Stephen Saint Launches District 30 Bid: “I’m Not Here to Sit Quietly””

  1. SD has a lot of bad legislators, I wouldn’t count Trish Ladner or Tim Goodwin among them. Sure I wish they voted differently sometimes, but this Stephen Saint’s accusation that they don’t follow through doesn’t strike me as particularly accurate. I believe all three D30 legislators brought property tax ideas, which seems to be the consensus number 1 issue in Fall River county.

  2. Ms. Anonymous is mostly right, as mostly Ms. Ladner and Mr. Goodwin are swell enough for most. However a little new blood for the insanest District numbered 30 would be OK, so grudznick welcomes the entry of Mr. Saint.

    It will be interesting how he wants to support essential services while further cutting the property taxes, so he may have some learning to do. Also, get a sharper picture. The one in the ad is grainy and wrinkled.

  3. Having never served in elected office and lacking firsthand understanding of how the process actually works, he comes across as arrogant. The reality is that many people run because they disagree with decisions made in Pierre and assume it is straightforward to fix. It is not. The real challenge is persuading 105 legislators that your proposal serves the best interests of the entire state. Too often, agendas are driven by personal narrow interests rather than the broader good, and that statewide perspective is what is increasingly missing in today’s elected officials in Pierre.

  4. I don’t know the guy but he comes off as a know-it-all/jackass. We sure don’t need any more of that type in Pierre.

  5. I have known Mr. Saint the last few years. I do know he has been going to the legislative session for the last 6 years. He has put in several bills to help campgrounds and small businesses. Last year he worked with Senator Hulse on a bill to help property owners with issue of people using their address for voting purposes unbeknownst to the property owner. I know he has consistently gone to Pierre to testify on a wide range of issues. I saw him testify last year in a few committee hearings, from veteran issues to small business issues. I do believe that at least half of the current legislators even know him. I believe he does know how the system works and I am all for giving him the chance to prove himself. He is a friendly guy, and I would encourage anyone to reach out to him and talk to him.

    1. Nope the “system” is getting 105 individuals to agree with you. A citizen exercising their right to testify and keeping abreast of bills in Pierre is most commendable, the actual passing of a bill into law takes more than attendance. Just as Phil.

Comments are closed.