Billie Sutton in 2018 SD Governor's race
On Drugs:
We're not going to incarcerate our way out of this
Candidates competing for the governor's office pointed to growing drug crime as a significant problem in South Dakota and laid out plans to address it in interviews with the Argus Leader.Democratic State Sen. Billie Sutton said the next governor
needs to explore the reasons South Dakotans use drugs and aim to combat them. "We're not going to incarcerate our way out of this. We have to get to the root problem, why are people turning to drugs?"
Sutton said. "Why are they feeling like there's no hope for their future and get them the help to be a productive citizen."
Combined, drug offenses and drug equipment offenses increased 222% over the last decade. The state's population grew
8% over that period, per estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. And in some instances, those drug violations fueled a rise in violent crime, law enforcement officials said.
Source: Argus Leader on 2018 South Dakota Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2018
On Budget & Economy:
Plan for robust economic development statewide
I've learned that the economy is pretty simple: it's people. We're lucky to have some of the most honest and hard-working folks to build our economy. South Dakota's needs include training people for the jobs we already have, creating jobs for
the people we educate, and planning for robust economic development regardless of where people live in our state. I'm focused on creating opportunities and working together to make sure nobody gets left behind as we develop, grow, and prosper.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Corporations:
Fight unjust "top down" corporate welfare
In the State Senate, Billie witnessed many of our state's problems and tackled them head-on.
He fought for smarter economic development and better jobs.˙He fought "top down" corporate welfare that only benefits those who need it the least.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Education:
Strong economy and workforce start with the right education
One of the most important elements of economic and workforce development is education. It is through carefully designed educational experiences that students find their fit in the workforce. We must give schools the resources to build partnerships with
tech schools and industries to give opportunities to students of all interests. Billie will work with educators to develop tech experiences and explore ways students can earn high school and college dual credit while gaining work experience.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Must invest in energy efficiency options to move forward
While protecting the resources we have, we can also invest in forward-thinking energy production and focus on energy efficiency in our projects.
Billie will work to fuel the state fleet with E-30 to support our ethanol producers. He will also work to establish a grant program to assist communities and nonprofits in their energy efficiency ventures.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Government Reform:
Clean up entrenched system & champion good government
I championed good government measures in the state senate, including proposals with bi-partisan support that would help restore integrity in government and campaigns. I sponsored and passed a transparency measure to help clean up the mess.
Cleaning up an entrenched system is never easy.˙A host of other reform measures I proposed were rejected by a system rigged in favor of the status quo, leaving loopholes for government mismanagement and a festering influence of money in politics.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Jobs:
Exodus of talent is the price paid when offering low wages
We believe that hard work should be rewarded, but in many professional careers, our low wages prevent folks with years of schooling from realizing the benefits available elsewhere. Folks who spend the time and money to get bachelor's and master's
degrees aren't getting the same return on investment as those with associate degrees. Billie recognizes that many highly educated students are leaving the state because they don't see the jobs or wages they need to build a strong and responsible future.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Hard work, honesty, and integrity to improve status quo
I'm running for Governor to put my South Dakota values of hard work, honesty, and integrity to work for the people of South Dakota.˙
I believe we can do better than the status quo and politics as usual.˙
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Examine where tax dollars are being spent and if wisely
South Dakota needs a leader in the Governor's office willing to fight for the type of open, honest, and accessible government South Dakotans deserve.˙We need to ensure tax payer dollars are being spent wisely, not mismanaged or steered to political
insiders for personal gain. We need to limit the influence of money in politics. I brought legislation to retain important government records for longer so if things go wrong we can look back and determine if taxpayer money was wasted or spent wisely.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Technology:
Investment in infrastructure is one measure to grow economy
Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the heart of rural South Dakota communities. Billie will work to make South Dakota the best state for entrepreneurs with a welcoming environment for new ventures and start-ups;
he'll build that atmosphere with investments in infrastructure, broadband connection, and an equipped labor pool. Talented residents--not government--are what drive growth and development.
Source: 2018 South Dakota governor candidate website SuttonForSD.com
May 2, 2018
On Gun Control:
Supports open carry for guns and extra handgun training
Q: Do you support our current open carry laws for all who are in our state?Sutton: Yes.
A: Do you support our current Concealed Carry Weapons permit and process?
Sutton: Yes. I believe the current process is working well and
I have not heard complaints from constituents.
A: Do you support the expanded permit and process?
Sutton: Yes, I am not aware of any issues with it. I like the expanded reciprocity as well as the increased training for handgun use.
Source: Rapid City Journal on 2018 South Dakota Gubernatorial race
Mar 11, 2018
On Health Care:
Look for ways to get health care coverage to all citizens
Q: Meaningful health care, what does that mean to you? Sutton: That means that we need to get people health care access at the right place, at the right time, at the right cost. Too many people don't have access to health care.
You can always go to the emergency room to get health care. But that's usually when it's too late. A lot of people are losing their lives because we don't have coverage for a lot of those folks. And so that's something that I'm interested in.
Source: SDPB.org on 2018 South Dakota Gubernatorial race
Feb 1, 2018
On Abortion:
Strong conservative history on abortion
Sutton's first major abortion vote may have had the most negative impact on South Dakota women. In 2011, Sutton supported House Bill 1217, which imposed South Dakota's egregious 72-hour waiting period and forced "counseling" sessions
for women seeing abortions. In 2016, Sutton supported Senate Bill 72, a 20-week abortion ban based on dubious science about "fetal pain."˙To his credit, Sutton this year resisted Republicans'˙effort to toughen that "fetal pain" ban.
Source: Dakota Free Press on 2018 South Dakota Gubernatorial race
Aug 10, 2017
Page last updated: Aug 10, 2019