BROOKINGS – Dan Hansen is seeking a second term on the Brookings City Council. The candidate submitted his nominating petitions for re-election this week.
Hansen, who has served on council since May 2014, said that “while I think we have made some positive strides over the last three years, there are still a number of things I want to help accomplish.”
Hansen said that Brookings is an amazing community, but it has a number of issues on the horizon. That includes sustaining the growth of Brookings’ tax base.
“I want the city to continue to take a futuristic approach to the issues facing this community so that can be proactive rather than reactive.
“I want to continue to make investments in our entrepreneurial infrastructure, ensuring that we support those who are trying to invest in our community.”
Hansen also pointed to improving the quality of life in Brookings.
“Whether that be making investments in events like Downtown at Sundown, expanding our parks and recreation system, or helping complete the work of the Mental Health Task Force, we need to do all we can to ensure we meet the needs of those who currently live here and those that may be interested in calling Brookings home.”
Hansen said that being a member of the council is something that he takes seriously, noting the time he spends meeting with citizens and hearing different points of view.
“Hopefully over the past three years, everyone in Brookings has come to find out that I am the type of person that tries to learn as much as he can about an issue before making a decision.”
Hansen said he brings a unique perspective to the council, having been trained in health care and having a younger family.
Hansen originally moved to Brookings in 1999 to attend South Dakota State University and later graduated with a B.S. in pharmaceutical sciences in 2003 and a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2005. Shortly after graduation, Hansen and his wife, Jessica, moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where he worked as a pharmacist for Walgreens Pharmacy.
Hansen and his wife moved back to Brookings in 2007 when Hansen took a job at SDSU, where he currently serves as the assistant dean for student services for the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.
The couple has four children.
The city election is scheduled for April 11. There are two city council seats currently up for grabs, currently held by Hansen and by Councilor Ope Niemeyer. Both have three-year terms.
Niemeyer filed his petitions for re-election on Friday.
So far three candidates – Patty Bacon, Keith Corbett and Don Diamond – have filed petitions in the mayoral race. That post has a one-year term.
