BROOKINGS – Brookings County Commissioner Larry Jensen has announced he will run for his third term in office.
Jensen has filed as an independent candidate, so he’ll be on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
“As a lifelong resident of Brookings County, with 30-plus years of county government experience, I still believe there is work for me to do as a commissioner,” Jensen said. “Some of the challenges Brookings County is facing are ongoing, and I look to help resolve those issues more efficiently with my experience.”
Jensen has 23 years of direct work experience with the Brookings County Highway Department. He said that as a commissioner, he will take the initiative to enhance the Brookings County road and bridge program, which the county is currently doing.
“Through my experiences and with my gained knowledge, I understand the need to ensure we have the available funds for matching state and federal grants on larges projects in our county,” Jensen explained. “However, we also need to remember the basic needs of maintaining our current 400 miles of roads and 170 bridges.”
Jensen says he will bring his leadership and experience to the Interstate 29/20th Street South interchange project and the future possible expansion of 214 Street to Aurora.
As a 25-year volunteer with the White Fire Department, Jensen says he has firsthand knowledge of the needs the emergency services require. Jensen has been involved with the current upgrades to communication equipment among emergency services in the county.
“Communication is vital for these services and our law enforcement personnel,” Jensen said. “While I acknowledge communication technology is ever-changing, I will continue to encourage that all our ‘911’ personnel have the needed equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”
While on the commission, Jensen has served on the jail committee since 2015. The jail expansion/remodeling project is nearing completion.
“I know funding for additional services such as mental health awareness training of current personnel and providing more counseling are all essential to serve those who experience mental illness,” Jensen said. “I feel this new facility will better serve the public, our jail staff, inmates, and anybody associated with the judicial system.”
Jensen also acknowledged the need for housing, not only in Brookings, but also in the smaller towns located within the county. Jensen said there needs to be some changes to zoning ordinances. In light of that, his goal as commissioner is to make sure that while accommodating future growth, zoning ordinances are still fair and do not negatively affect neighboring landowners, townships and small communities.
“Brookings County is growing, and we need to plan for the future,” Jensen said.
Jensen has served on the Extension Board and has seen firsthand the challenges 4-H has had.
“I have been very pleased with the staff and all 4-H volunteers, as they continued to work together and provide a great experience for our youth,” Jensen said. “I look forward to when 4-H can get back to a somewhat normal with no COVID-19 restrictions.”
As a Brookings County commissioner, Jensen has served on a number of subcommittees, which he said he has enjoyed. Jensen has also served as commission chair.
“I believe I can continue to lead our county to future growth, while listening to the needs of our constituents,” Jensen said. “I would be proud to serve four more years as a Brookings County commissioner, and I appreciate all of the community support and encouragement.”
South Dakota’s 2022 primary election is set for June 7, with the 2022 general election on Nov. 8. Petition filing deadlines are March 29 for primary election candidates and April 26 for independent candidates.
If they are contested, primary and general election races for three county commission seats, now held by Angie Boersma, Jensen and Lee Ann Pierce; sheriff and register of deeds, all with four-year terms, will be on the ballot for local voters this year. All state legislative positions, with two-year terms, are also up for election in 2022.
A Brookings School District bond election is also scheduled for June 7.
