Rep. Hickey Resigns; Governor Invites Public Input
PIERRE, S.D. – State Rep. Steve Hickey has resigned his seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Hickey, a Sioux Falls Republican, has served in the state House since 2011.
“Steve Hickey has been a passionate advocate for his constituents and for the causes he believes in,” said Gov. Daugaard. “I wish him the best in the future.”
Hickey’s resignation, which is effective Sept. 1, 2015, creates a vacancy that will be filled by gubernatorial appointment. The Governor is asking the public to nominate candidates to fill the position.
Those wishing to be considered for the appointment, or to offer nominations, should contact Grace Kessler in the Office of the Governor at 605-773-3661. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current address, telephone number and relevant background information.
Hickey represents District 9, which includes northwestern Minnehaha County, including the Hartford, Humboldt, Crooks and the Wall Lake area. The district also includes an area in north and northwestern Sioux Falls, encompassing Southeast Technical Institute, Hayward Elementary School and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. A map of the district is available on the LRC website at legis.sd.gov/img/Legislative_Districts/09.pdf.
Gov. Daugaard expects to name an appointee this fall.
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Don’t anyone even think about giving the Governor my name!
Maybe this will encourage Ms. Paula Hawks to stay in the legislature race. Much easier to run for 2 slots needing one vs. facing an incumbent well financed Congresswoman.
I like Hickey and I’m sorry to see him go, but this is a great educational opportunity and I know he also has serious health issues. As for a replacement, I wonder how seriously the Gov. takes nominations from the public. Seems like he’s been picking wealthy republican donors, who are “moderate” in their politics and rubber stamps to his agenda. Is Hubbell in this district or was she gerrymandered out ?
It’s time for the legislature to appointment successors rather than the gov.
Representatives are suppose to represent the people of the state year round, not just when the legislature is in session. The only way the legislature could appoint someone is to call a special session. Seems like a lot trouble to go through
I believe she was gerrymandered out.
It is not realistic for the legislature to fill the appointment, for a number of reasons, but there is an interesting political phenomenon worth noting here. There have been many resignations, and they number seems to grow with the passage of time. I think it is a function of the demands of the legislature vs the demands of life, and a little risk-reward assessment. For those who are concerned about term limits, you may have been fighting the last decades battles. For those who want 4 year terms for house or senate, you’re advocating more resignations and appointments.
I don’t have an answer, but the lack of candidates (reflected in the many uncontested races) and the resignations before a two year term is complete (actually 15 month term to end of the second session) and the demands of the job versus the compensation (and it isn’t just a pay raise issue – for those shouters) are causing this – as a state we ought to pay attention. The quality of your lawmaker is affected by this trend.
Lee, do you have any solutions? yes there is a problem, do we have a fix for it?
I say make the legislators LEGISLATE…right now we have the executive branch legislating all year long. Every Executive cabinet position and post is writing feverishly the bills THEY want some naïve legislator to “sponsor”, OR the legislators are sent to the Tides Foundation-funded “National Council of State Governments” a huge left-wing organization who writes bills for SD also…at our tax-payer expense.. (Seriously? Most legislators who have their name as a sponsor don’t even know what is in the bill, nor do they understand it). Ever read our SD Constitution? This is not how it is supposed to be. I say give the legislators $50K a year, work all year long and get rid of the bureaucracy in Pierre. If a legislator cannot write their own bill, they don’t deserve a $50K a year job….let’s get some talent in Pierre
Lora we need to get our petitions for our new party 1st so you can run as our new Conspiracy Party of South Dakota candidate. We will have a meeting at the library this weekend to install officers.
Yes, this is Lora’s new district. Previously, she represented District 11.
Yikes!
I’m currently reconsidering my previous statement.
Lora as Steve’s replacement!! Come on gov, whaddya say???
I suspect he’d say “No.”
“Hey….Im running for SD District 9…do you think Daugaard will put me in a year early if I ask? heheh…”
Lora Hubbel July 7th 2015 Pure Pierre Politics
What party will she run under? The Conspiracy Party of South Dakota has not been able to get petitions yet so they can be recognized by the state.
Hubbel honestly should run for the state senate but most likely she will be back in pierre if things continue to go the way they have with Republicans winning everything regardless of what kind of a republican they are.
MC and Lee,
I wish I could remember where I read it but I once saw an article that listed things by percent change including:
1). People who never lived more than 50 miles from where they grew up.
2). People who had less than three different employers in their adult life.
3). Lived in more than three houses over their adult working life.
And about 15 other examples I can’t remember.
My point: Our citizen legislature should reflect the citizenry. The reality we have more resignations in the Legislature should be expected in a world more mobile than before, especially since legislative service shouldn’t trump faith, family, and how they feed and house their families.
Life happens. And that is good. Let’s be happy for one who served is living his life and wish him well.
Make no mistake Troy, I’m very happy for him. He gets to go to Scotland and follow his dreams. At the same time I’m sadden at the loss of a fine statesman both for the state and district 9.