Former Sioux Falls mayor Rick Knobe: State Rep. Venhuizen is a conservative but not on the far-right fringe
Editor’s note: I picked the historic (dated 1913) photo of our state’s capitol to go along with author Knobe’s recently developed group Change Agents of South Dakota, an endeavor that has some promise and may be the catalyst for some substantive changes in our state. The photo, of course, is a reminder that the arc of change is a long one and that the ultimate “change agents” in South Dakota are, and have been, doing their work inside the Capitol for well over a century, since 1889 to be exact. My holiday wish is that Knobe and his group will have some success in achieving their goal of keeping the extremists out by helping elect moderate, thoughtful, responsible candidates into office.
His following reflection on the thoughtful and articulate Republican legislator Tony Venhuizen speaks to the non-partisan nature of Knobe’s undertaking.
We at The Standard wish you well with this venture, Rick. – John Tsitrian
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Tony Venhuizen is a state representative from District 13.
Prior to being in Legislature, he served as chief of staff for Gov. Dennis Daugaard, his father-in-law, and, for a short time, in the same role for Gov. Kristi Noem.
He is the vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He was Change Agent of South Dakota’s guest Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Topics discussed: Gov. Noem’s expanded $4 million school voucher program. He questioned adding something new when numerous cuts have been proposed, including library services, South Dakota Public Broadcasting and Human Services, to name a few.
He is proposing residential property tax relief. To pay for it, he is proposing going back to the 5% state sales tax.
He was asked about mental health funding. Current problem is not enough staff and in many places, not enough beds.
The horrible state of water quality in our streams, rivers and lakes was brought up. He is not aware of any legislation at this point to address the problem.
Updating building codes was discussed. He said his experience is the Legislature does that with no controversy.
There is an issue with the energy code being old, from my perspective. The 2009 version in effect. Other codes are at or close to 2020-22.
From Venhuizen’s perspective, this will be a tough budget to balance. Less federal money. Stagnant sales tax collections being a big factor. Also, there will be many new legislators with no long-term budget experience.
This is my impression:
Rep. Venhuizen is a fiscal conservative. But not an off the deep-end variety. He is not eager to approve the cuts Gov. Noem has proposed. He indicated a desire to hear soon-to-be Gov. Larry Rhoden’s budget priorities.
Reportedly, Noem is being fast-tracked to be Homeland Security secretary. If that happens she could be gone before the end of January.
I hope you are able to celebrate the holidays without a dark cloud hanging over you.
Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and a longtime radio talk show host who is now retired but remains active and involved in his community and state as an independent political observer and commentator. His columns appear regularly on The South Dakota Standard.
Photo: SD State Capitol, ca. 1913. Public domain, wikimedia commons
