Donate Now
Public funding is a necessary part of political change. Your donation will fuel efforts to have better representation in Pierre. Be on board and help serve the needs and interests of 30, stop freedoms being taken from women, lift people up and responsibly care for our Black Hills.
Meet Susan
Creative and business savvy.
Tenacious, yet open minded.
50 year tourism background.
The Black Hills are Home.
South Dakota born, I attended school in Lead and Rapid City, and graduated from BHSU with a Bachelors in Business Administration. Living in the Colorado mountains after college, I witnessed rampant growth and the efforts of various communities to protect long term residents from being taxed out of their homes, plan for growth, and protect green spaces. For 30 years I've wondered when it would hit the Black Hills.
I am a long-time back country enthusiast and enjoy climbing, hiking, gardening and training my bird dog. Getting to Pierre and protecting citizens from hurtful laws is important to me.
Climber to Catalyst ~ Building Hill City
In 1988 I met with the Director of Custer State Park to inquire about starting a guide service. In 1989, I launched Sylvan Rocks Climbing School, the only woman owned and nationally accredited service in the U.S. We operated in Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower and NV. Granite Sports was started and was listed for many years as among the best authentic outdoor stores in the nation. I am proud that both continue to serve the area after selling them. I’m no stranger to working long days, for the business as well as the community. I thrive the on exchanging ideas, research, and coming to thoughtful solutions.
Hill City Champion ~ Building a Destination Through Collaboration
For decades my businesses were part of the very effective Downtown Merchants group. We created numerous events, increased visitor traffic and greatly increased sales tax revenues. The transformation of Hill City as a destination location was remarkable. I’ve attended countless City Council, Chamber, Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, and Arts Council meetings. We now have lights on Main, an enforceable building code to protect property owners, road and infrastructure improvements. We hired a City Engineer to establish property lines, road elevations, drainage and sewer system. It's astonishing what a dedicated group can help do!
Sustainable Tourism for a Healthy Community
Dependence on tourism requires an appealing atmosphere for visitors. Destination marketing was implemented in the mid 90's to better brand Hill City. Creating and adopting a sign ordinance gave the town more continuity. Tourism conferences provided ideas on what communities can do for business health. Business market trips brought more merchandise diversity to town. More recently, I've been studying the impacts of mining, logging and climate concerns as related to tourism and our forests and prairies. We need leaders who will support conversation on very challenging water issues including growth and fire suppression. The forests need to be in good health to help mitigate fires.
Together We Rise
If democracy is to SERVE the PEOPLE we need to stand up and get involved!! The food tax most hurts those on low income. Now is the time to discuss difficult topics and protect democracy and the right to vote. So many of you are working so hard to make the Black Hills a better place. I love you for it. Please join us!
Child Care and Education
Education is among the most important tenants of healthy societies. Young families across our nation struggle to find affordable quality child care. Early education results in better quality of life as an adult and creating a love of life long learning. Let's treat our teachers as the cornerstone of society. Let them teach and pay them well!
This Gem is Who We Are!
Yes, mines make money and create some jobs. But profits don't stay here. It's clear the mining industry has fumbled a lot of balls over the decades! Taxpayers have picked up cleanup several times. Why doesn't Pierre demand MUCH larger bonds? Right now, we see effects from uranium in the higher cancer rates in Edgemont and its' at the headwaters of Angostura. We must protect peoples' health, homes and water. Off road vehicles are creating public and private property damage, safety issues from congestion, and water way destruction. Let's plan better for the 7th generation!
My Vision
District 30 needs future visioning, 10 and 20 and 50 years out! Continuing on the hurry and build build build track is a mistake. How do we want to manage population growth, affordable homes, property tax reform, healthy businesses, and safe communities. District 30 is one of the most heavily visited in the state. It is one of the highest revenue producing districts in South Dakota, bringing in over $300 million each year to the state's economy, yet does not get an a proportionate amount of funding back. Let's do better.
District 30 - The southern Black Hills and south western SD.
SD House of Representatives
District 30
Includes Custer County
Western Pennington County
and Fall River County
We need volunteers in these cities.
- Hill City
- Custer
- Hot Springs
- Hermosa
- Pringle
- Edgemont
- Keystone
- Rapid City (south)
Can you help with door signs or yard signs?