Meet Terri
Terri is a proud South Dakotan with a deep-rooted connection to her community. With a strong background in military operations and public affairs, she is committed to fighting for conservative values and protecting liberties in District 29. Terri's experience as a State Committeewoman and active role in the Republican party demonstrates her dedication to serving the people of South Dakota. As a candidate for the South Dakota House of Representatives, Terri aims to make a positive impact and bring about positive change in her community. Join Terri on this journey to make a difference and support her in representing the values and interests of District 29.
Why I'm Running For House District 29
Every time I look at Mount Rushmore, I’m reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s words in the Gettysburg address: government of the people, by the people and for the people. This is the essence of what government should be whether at the federal, state, or local level. Defending those ideals is why I’m running for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 29. I was drafted by numerous legislators and concerned citizens who agree with my conservative values. Many of those legislators I know through serving as an unpaid lobbyist in Pierre representing Concerned Women for America, a national conservative women’s group. I also played an active role in the Republican party at the state and local levels. I served as a Meade County State Committeewoman. I am the former Vice Chair of the Republican Party in Meade County and former Vice President of the Meade County Republican Women. I did not jump into this race lightly. I continue to prayerfully consider how I can best serve you. As a retired military officer, I still take seriously my oath to defend the U.S. Constitution. In the Air Force, I worked in space operations and in public affairs. If elected, I’m confident my military experience will be an invaluable asset to the State Legislature as Ellsworth Air Force Base expands to host our Nation’s next long-range strike bomber, the B-21 Raider. I’ve called South Dakota home for over 25 years and live on an acreage outside of Piedmont with my husband Dennis. We’ve been married for 37 years (Yes, we think it might work out!). We have two grown children. Our daughter rightly claims that being a mom is the best job in the world and has blessed us with three granddaughters. Our son is currently serving in the Air Force. My goal is to gain your trust through my actions and NOT empty promises. If elected I will strive to protect our liberties, protect the most vulnerable, preserve property rights and promote economic development. In the area of protecting our liberties, I am passionate about upholding our Constitutional foundation. I will continue to oppose any measures that degrade our personal freedoms and liberty. I look forward to meeting each of you on the campaign trail to gain your insights on how we can improve “government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Freedom Of Religion
The first amendment to the Constitution states in part that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:” Yet, increasingly we see people of faith coming under attack for expressing their beliefs. Our Founders didn’t shrink from their religious beliefs when they included “In God we Trust” on our currency. Likewise, I will not shrink from speaking up for religious beliefs. The first amendment to the Constitution states in part that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, taking seriously the South Dakota motto “Under God the people rule.”
Freedom To Keep And Bear Arms
I am a lifetime National Rifle Association member. I agree with Thomas Jefferson’s statement that the Second Amendment “provides the teeth for our Constitution.” To this end, I support the completion of the world-class South Dakota Shooting Complex as it will further encourage training in the safe handling and use of firearms. Likewise, this complex will provide new opportunities to grow the number of shooters and hunters in the state by supporting training for the next generation of firearms enthusiasts.
Freedom to own/keep private property
The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments protect private property rights by stating "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." I will fight for common sense protections for property owners. .
Freedom from burdensome taxes
We need to re-evaluate the tax burden on property owners. Many in District 29 and throughout South Dakota are facing property tax hikes that put at risk lands which have been in their families for generations. It also places a heavy burden on senior citizens who are living on fixed incomes. Although there are limits to what the state legislators can do, every avenue of relief must be pursued.
Freedom of life for the unborn
Most scholars believe that the Constitution is silent on protections for the unborn. However, I believe the Declaration of Independence of 1776 includes these precious children when it clearly states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I believe in the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
Freedom of economic prosperity
I believe in the power of entrepreneurs over government bureaucrats. In the area of promoting jobs, we need to examine our tax codes and identify new opportunities. This can be done by leveraging technology, expanding partnerships between businesses and universities, and supporting an entrepreneurial environment. We need to streamline processes for small businesses and find ways to cut bureaucratic red tape. And we can’t pass bills just to pass bills. We need to carefully consider unintended consequences. Overall, every legislative decision should meet the following litmus tests. Are we protecting our liberties? Are we being good stewards of each taxpayer dollar?
Freedom of medical choice
We should strive to have policies that allow the freedom to choose our own doctor. We should have transparency in medical billing. We shouldn’t be surprised at billing costs, and we should be able to compare prices for medical procedures. We should have a tailored approach to healthcare rather than a one-size fits all. We shouldn’t be forced to have a medical procedure that violates our conscience.
Freedom of educational choice
I believe in local control of schools and parental rights. We don’t want unelected government bureaucrats dictating course content and test material for our schools. Our schools should reflect local values. President Abraham Lincoln stated that, “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will become the philosophy of government in the next.” During his time, it was simply an observation. Today, we should treat it as a warning to remain vigilant against wrong-minded, one-size fits all education.