Jeff Bathke

Jeff Bathke was born in Mitchell, South Dakota. He has served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1989. Bathke earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Dakota in 1995 and a graduate degree from the University of South Dakota in 2011.

His career experience includes working in management and as a Command Sergeant. He has been affiliated with Rotary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Moose Club.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have worked for state and local government most of my career, working with several different departments on a common goal. I am currently the Emergency Manager and Planning & Zoning Director for Davison County.

I have served 35 years in the Military, being deployed twice. I am currently a Command Sergeant Major in the Army Reserve.

I have been married for 32 years, have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Reduce government regulations. Local government and private businesses are often forced to accept state and federal regulations that just cost unnecessary funding.Increase technical education. South Dakota wants to increase the local population. In order to do so, we need to increase the capacity of technical school education.Affordable housing. What the government considers affordable housing is not affordable for the majority of citizens. Infrastructure costs have increased so high a developer can’t afford to start a new development without government assistance.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Reducing Government regulation, technical education, affordable housing, Corrections.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My Father in Law, who was my High School Teacher and Wrestling Coach. When I was 17 he got married and introduced me to his new daughter. A few years later I married her and we have been together ever since.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

A Few Good Men-Just tell the truth.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, ability to listen to the constituents, work with others to accomplish the needs of the residents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Many years of government experience, working for or with many different departments. I have enough knowledge to understand the issues the departments face.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listen to the people and make their lives better.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Make a better life for the residents of District 20 and the State of South Dakota.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Challenger explosion. I was 14.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first professional job was a substance abuse counselor. I spent 17 years working directly with clients and still have my inactive license.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is one I wrote a few years ago about the funny stuff I saw while traveling. However, I never had it published.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Sherlock Holmes

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Out Where the Wild Things Are

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Spread too thin. I work full time, travel all over the country for the Army, and own and maintain rental/flip property. I rarely get a day off.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Open door policy. Listen to the message the legislature receives from constituents

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Crime, funding.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, the only way to get legislation passed is to work together to write the best bill possible.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Josh Klumb

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Yes

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The struggles residents have making ends meet. Everything has gone up except wages.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, some things need to be implemented immediately.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A change to the drainage laws allowing for administrative approval if upstream, downstream, and adjacent land owners approve.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Several in the construction and development field.

What committees interest you?

Agriculture, Appropriations, government operations, health & Human Services, Military, and local government

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Everything should be above the table.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Approve

Jeff Bathke did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.