South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s Appointments to Legislative Seats: A New Beginning after the State Supreme Court Ruling

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, known for her strong leadership and commitment to her state, has recently made headlines for her appointments to two legislative seats that had been vacant for months. The appointments came after the South Dakota Supreme Court issued a ruling on conflicts of interest related to state contracts.

Last fall, Governor Noem had requested the state Supreme Court’s opinion on legislator conflicts of interests related to state contracts after a state senator resigned and agreed to a settlement to pay back about $500,000 of federal coronavirus aid she received for her preschool business. The court heard oral arguments last month and issued its opinion on February 13, 2024.

Justice Mark Salter wrote in the opinion, “The contract restriction stated in the South Dakota Constitution is not a categorical bar on all contracts funded by the State. Instead, it prohibits a legislator, or former legislator within one year following the expiration of the legislator’s term, from being interested, directly or indirectly, in contracts that are authorized by laws passed during the legislator’s term.”

The ruling provided much-needed clarity for both the executive and legislative branches of the South Dakota government. Top Republicans in the state’s GOP-led Legislature welcomed the opinion, with Republican House Majority Leader Will Mortenson, an attorney, stating, “It looks to me like a sound decision rooted in the plain meaning of the constitutional provision.” Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck, also an attorney, added, “I’m not aware of a lawmaker who has a conflict under the court’s opinion.”

Governor Noem expressed her gratitude for the court’s swift action, stating, “The court acted swiftly to provide clarity for both the executive and legislative branches.” On Saturday, February 16, 2024, she named former state representative Kristin Conzet, a business owner in Rapid City, to a vacant House seat. On Monday, February 18, 2024, the governor appointed Mike Walsh, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired law enforcement officer in Box Elder who runs a polygraph examinations and background investigations business, to the Senate seat.

The ongoing legislative session in South Dakota began last month, and these appointments mark a new beginning for the state’s political landscape. Conzet and Walsh bring unique perspectives and experiences to their respective roles, and their appointments demonstrate Governor Noem’s commitment to ensuring that the best candidates are in place to serve the people of South Dakota.

Conzet, a successful business owner, brings a strong understanding of the economic challenges facing South Dakota and the importance of job creation and economic growth. Her appointment to the House seat is a testament to Governor Noem’s belief in giving individuals a second chance and the opportunity to contribute to their communities.

Walsh, a decorated military veteran and retired law enforcement officer, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Senate seat. His background in law enforcement and polygraph examinations will be an asset in addressing public safety issues and ensuring that the people of South Dakota are protected.

Governor Noem’s appointments to these legislative seats have been met with enthusiasm and support from the South Dakota Republican Party and the people of the state. The appointments demonstrate her commitment to putting the needs of the people first and ensuring that the best candidates are in place to serve the state.

As the legislative session continues, South Dakotans can look forward to seeing the positive impact of these appointments on their state. Conzet and Walsh’s unique perspectives and experiences will contribute to thoughtful and effective legislation that benefits the people of South Dakota.

In conclusion, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s appointments to the vacant House and Senate seats after the state Supreme Court ruling on conflicts of interest mark a new beginning for the state’s political landscape. Conzet and Walsh bring valuable experiences and perspectives to their respective roles, and their appointments demonstrate Governor Noem’s commitment to putting the needs of the people first and ensuring that the best candidates are in place to serve the state. The ongoing legislative session promises to bring positive change and effective legislation for the people of South Dakota.