State Senator Solano Announces Resignation, Noem Seeks Public Input on Replacement
PIERRE, S.D. – Senator Alan Solano today announced that he will resign his seat in the State Senate effective November 30. Solano has represented District 32 in the State Senate since 2014.
“Serving in the South Dakota Senate has been extremely rewarding, and I’ll forever be indebted to the people of District 32 for putting their trust and confidence in me,” said Solano. “In the last months, I’ve recognized the difficulty of balancing my legislative responsibilities with my new professional responsibilities. Right now, I need to take a step back and focus on the foundation and my family.”
Solano currently serves as chair of the Education Committee, chair of the Interim Rules Review Committee, chair of the summer study to Reduce the Overall Use of Acute Mental Health Hospitalizations, and chair of the summer study on Electric Services in an Annexed Area. He is a member of the Health and Human Services Committee and the Transportation Committee.
Upon Solano’s resignation announcement, Governor Kristi Noem requested public input on filling the District 32 vacancy.
“I commend Senator Solano for his dedication to the legislature and wish him all the best,” said Noem. “In the coming weeks, I’ll be looking for someone to represent District 32 who will work hard to make South Dakota stronger for the next generation. I look forward to collaborating with the folks in District 32 to find a qualified, dedicated public servant to serve in this capacity.”
Those wishing to be considered for the Senate vacancy, or to offer nominations, should email Rachel Graves at [email protected]. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current physical address, telephone number, and relevant background information. All nomination materials must be submitted by November 8.
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It is too bad the legislature e board can’t appoint. This is a big struggle for separation of powers.
Considering under the constitution, the power of appointment strictly rests with the governor, the E board having anything to say about it would be a violation of the separation of powers.
If I my legislator resigns, I certainly wouldn’t want the replacement to be selected by people who have never gotten a vote from my district. The E-Board has no jurisdiction on who my legislator is. The Governor has gotten votes from my district and that who is sufficiently accountable to the people to make the selection until the next election.
Its not about separation of powers. Its about power. If the legislature wanted to rightly re-balance the power, use their Constitutional power regarding the power of the purse and impacting legislation.
BTW, in the end, the only way they get their rightly balance is to get rid of term limits. By the time a legislator figures out what the issues are (and were the imbalance occurs), they are forced out. Back in the day when there were two dozen old hands in both parties, even Janklow’s power (first term) was limited. When those guys were put out to pasture, Janklow (second term) and every Governor since has had a field day running circles around the legislature.
Troy, you had me until you talked of removing term limits.
The legislature could just pass a constitutional amendment to change the process to put before the people.
If it takes them 8 years “to figure out what the issues are” they are not doing the job and should be sent home.
I’m going to agree with Troy about term limits.
When I was there, one of the major complaints I heard was the lack of Institutional knowledge among legislators. It seems as the lobbyists have more knowledge of how to make things work than even the governor’s staff.
While having new people with new ideas coming is a good thing, having some access to this institutional knowledge is also important.
Borglum should drop out and run for this state senate seat
Just as soon be rid of her, thanks
Anon,
Support term limits all you want. Just know the unavoidable consequence is a very weak legislature and very strong Governor.
And a very very strong bureaucracy. I’d support term limits for legislators/congressionals if the bureaucrats had the same.
Does public service not mean anything anymore? Resigning due to professional responsibilities? Come on. You were duly elected and knew the term of office when you ran. You made a commitment to the people. Finish the term – professional responsibilities should not outweigh the oath and commitment made. This is very frustrating.
Realist. You are not being very realistic. Life is full of changes. Most of them unforeseen. I know Senator Solano, and I can tell you he would like nothing more than to continue his term, but had to come to a difficult decision. I found myself in a similar situation this year, and worried about having to resign until I found an employer who supported my Legislative duties. Serving in the Legislature is a humbling experience, and a series of valuable lessons. Public service is not taken lightly by any Legislator, rather it is held in high regard. Sometimes, the best option for the people of your district is to step aside, rather than try to serve in a diminished capacity. I believe the good Senator did just that and does not deserve your criticism.
Well said Rep. Willadsen.
here, here Rep. Willadsen.
I still disagree – absent incapacitation or other special circumstances – the full term should be served. You viewpoint is somewhat skewed by nature of you being an actual representative. I understand that life is full of changes, but I still feel that the commitment you made to the constituents of your district. If you are duly elected, that should be your priority – employer concerns are secondary. I guess we have philosophical differences about what “public service” means. If you feel your professional duties will be limited – even during your term – dont run at all.
If you serve for 8 years you would be in Pierre for 300 days of session approximately the equivalent of 1 year in Congress. Of course you are still working outside of session but your education of how our government works primarily takes place there. We spend vast amounts of time having to constantly educate new people and try the same ideas that failed in the past. It used to be many bills were polished and dropped early in the session giving time to work them. Now the first 2 weeks has little to do and everything gets crammed and hog housed at the end. They are easily manipulated by the executive branch and lobbyists because information is power.
Term limits has done a big disservice to our citizens but the people have spoken numerous times in this and that’s the way it will be.