Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of six Brookings City Council candidate profiles that will appear in The Brookings Register this week.
BROOKINGS – Nick Schmeichel wants residents to lead the way into the future for Brookings, and he hopes to be part of that journey.
That’s why he’s running for a 3-year seat on the Brookings City Council.
Schmeichel is part of a four-way race for two 3-year seats on the council that also includes Patty Bacon, Verna Longville and Nick Wendell. The election is April 10.
“I think it’s important to foster a conversation with the community in order to see where they want the future to go,” he said.
Schmeichel grew up near Salem on a small family farm. He came to Brookings in 2003 to attend South Dakota State University, where he earned a degree in mass communications with a minor in political science. He worked at Daktronics for four years before starting his own business, Sideline Productions, in 2011.
Schmeichel and wife, Joni, have a 3-year-old son.
In January, he was appointed to the Swiftel Center Advisory Committee and the Board of Adjustment.
He wants to bring all his experience and knowledge – learning hard work and responsibility growing up on a farm, being part of a company team that works together and accomplishes goals, and being a small business owner concerned about making a good product and keeping his eye on the budget – to the council.
“That’s what city council is. You’re a group of community members working together to solve issues and make our town better,” Schmeichel said. “I think being a citizen and a caring citizen of this community is one of the biggest qualifications you can have.”
He talks to a lot of people in the community and hears some concerns over and over: housing, workforce development, and some things the council can’t fix.
“Affordable housing is (an issue). Workforce development is an issue right now; has continued to be a problem. Qualified workers are difficult to find … that’s a South Dakota issue,” Schmeichel said.
The school district opt-out and the proposed county jail are two issues not under the city’s control.
“I encourage citizens (to) look into the school board, chat with them; see, talk to county commissioners on those issues as well (because) those can affect how the city would spend its money,” Schmeichel said.
“We have a quality of life in Brookings that I feel is better than a lot of other places in South Dakota. The reason we have that is we do spend a lot of money on certain amenities,” Schmeichel said. “But the city also has to look at it in how can we generate revenue, as well. We have to have money coming in in order to spend it on things that we want.”
Development and investments bring in money to ensure the town’s future, Schmeichel said.
“We’re very fortunate right now to have a sales tax base that is positive. A lot of towns across South Dakota are losing on sales tax. We have to find ways to keep that going,” Schmeichel said. “Brookings cannot solely rely on property tax, which is why it’s so critical to keep sales tax strong and investing in new ways to collect,” he said. He wants to increase tourism, bring in more business and encourage start-ups.
“Let’s not forget about the businesses that are here,” he said, adding that fostering growth in the current business climate, especially with workforce development, will help.
Brookings’ future is not just up to the council, Schmeichel said.
“I think it’s important to have that open conversation line with the entire community,” Schmeichel said.
One of the biggest ways the council can impact the city is to invest in infrastructure because so many other things hinge on it. The first thing developers need, whether they are building homes or businesses, is sewer and water.
“Let’s spur that development and find a way. I’m not saying that’s the only way, but these ideas are what help get the conversation at least moving,” Schmeichel said.
He takes a long-term approach.
“As a city councilor, … I’m going to look at expenses critically. I’m also going to look at investments as a ‘how does this help us in the future?’” he said, adding they can’t just spend for short-term goals. “I like that the city has put together a 20-year Master Plan. That’s great. Forward thinking is crucial to keep our city moving.”
One thing he wants to keep moving forward is the construction on 22nd Avenue. People are eager to see the street fixed.
“I think that’s something that’s going to be important to get done and get done quickly, but also get done correctly,” he said.
He encourages everyone to vote April 10.
“Your local elections are where you as a voter can make the most change. If we don’t get a big group out to vote, you just never know what the community is thinking,” he said.
Visit his Facebook page or website at brookingsnick.com or e-mail him at nick.schmeichel@gmail.
“I care about Brookings; I want to see it succeed,” Schmeichel said.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
