Kim Parke is running in District 11 for South Dakota House.
Why are you running for office?
I am running to bring reasonable, transparent and fair legislation to our state
Women’s Reproductive Health
What is your opinion on the overturn of Roe v. Wade?
It is a step backward for women and women’s rights. A 50+ year precedent was erased that could have substantial repercussions on our country.
What will you do to ensure access to critical healthcare to save the lives of women, despite recent restrictions on reproductive services?
At the very minimum, exceptions for rape, incest, and the physical and mental health of the mother need to be clearly defined and protected. The decision to end a pregnancy should be made by the woman and her doctor. I will work to get these exceptions legally protected in our state.
In 2006 and 2010 the people voted to keep access to abortion safe and legal for all who need it in South Dakota, yet the elected officials in Pierre have allowed a
trigger law banning abortions. What is your plan to honor the voters?
First, the trigger law needs to be revoked. Legislation that represents the will of the people of South Dakota should be passed or we vote one more time to decide when abortion should be be option.
Social Justice
What will you do to combat the violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls?
I will absolutely support legislation that addresses the problem and truly works to decrease the violence and occurrences.
What will you do to combat the history of racism and oppression against the Indigenous people of South Dakota?
Accurate and truthful history must be openly discussed and taught in our public schools. We need to acknowledge the mistakes of the past and work toward new practices that are acceptable to all parties.
What would you do to make sure LGBTQ+ and BIPoC feel safe in South Dakota?
Everyone deserves the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation. Acceptance and education is key to making these groups feel safe in our state. I will support legislation that creates equality for everyone.
Environment and Climate Change
Currently, access to exploratory drilling has been granted to mining groups above Pactola Reservoir. What is your plan to protect our natural resources in South
Dakota, such as fresh water, clean air, and the environment?
I believe climate change is a real problem. I will support legislation to decrease harmful practices and protect the environment in our state.
Some South Dakota’s top industries are agriculture, forestry, mining and power, manufacturing and transportation. What steps will you take to ensure these
industries operate responsibly when it comes to environmental protections and preserving South Dakota’s pristine beauty and its natural resources?
It is a delicate balancing act. We must find ways for industries to continue to thrive while still protecting the environment. It will pay off in the future.
Where will protecting the environment and addressing climate change fall on your list of priorities once you take office?
The health, well-being and rights of South Dakotans are my top priorities. But I realize that these things can be negatively affected by ignoring environmental issues. We must finds ways to protect both.
Mental Health
Our generation has lost far too many of our peers tragically to drugs, suicide or violence. How can we make young South Dakotans feel safe and like they have a future in our state?
Mental health has been overlooked for far too long. We need to recognize that drug addiction, suicide and violence are issues that need to be addressed on a societal level. Quality programs that address mental health associated with these problems are imperative.
How can we break the cycle of incarceration and poverty for those exposed to violence, drug/alcohol abuse, trauma at a young age?
I believe we incarcerate way too often. Non-violent crimes should be dealt with in a different manner. Removing a person form their home, family and employment only creates more problems for the person and society. Replacing guards with mentor/social worker/probation officer type positions that could monitor, supervise and hold the person accountable while in house arrest would provide better outcomes for all.
In 2020 suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in SD among ages 10 to 19. In 2019 South Dakota had the 8th highest suicide rate in the nation and our indigenous population is committing suicide at a rate that is 2.5 times higher than Caucasians. Simply put, many of our generation and specifically your indigenous neighbors are finding end-of-life more desirable than living. What can be done to combat these statistics?
Education, awareness and quality programs are necessary in combating these problems
Marijuana Legalization
Do you think that marijuana should be decriminalized?
Absolutely!
Two years ago, The people of South Dakota voted to legalize both medicinal and recreational marijuana. What will you do to honor the voters’ wishes?
I will vote according to the will of the people and fight for legislation that supports it.
What should happen to individuals who are currently incarcerated or on probation for marijuana related offenses if/when marijuana is decriminalized?
One size will not fit all but if it was a victimless crime without intent to distribute large amounts and no other ill intent or crimes, sentences should be forgiven or adjusted based on the situation.
Gun Control
Do you support gun control legislation?
Yes but I also support the 2nd amendment.
What can be done to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous and mentally unstable people while protecting the rights of responsible, law-abiding citizens?
The answer to this problem is not clear yet. But we must continue our efforts to find ways to reduce gun violence and protect the second amendment. Compromise is necessary for an effective solution.
Healthcare
Currently our state has many residents who lack access to necessary healthcare services either because they cannot afford insurance, are underinsured or face social or cultural barriers. What steps can be made to correct this imbalance?
Medicare expansion will help provide healthcare to those who need it in our state.
Many South Dakotans are one health emergency away from financial ruin. What can be done to prevent citizens from severe poverty simply for seeking necessary healthcare?
I believe healthcare is a basic human right. Medicare expansion will improve access to healthcare for many. Then we will need to find the holes in the system to provide for those still in heed of help.
To Conclude
How can the voices of our generation be heard and honored in South Dakota?
Get involved! Vote! Let your voice be heard!
How can we (the young people in South Dakota) help you to achieve these goals?
You can talk with people about the issues you care about. Don’t take you right to vote for granted. Encourage everyone to register to vote and then actually go vote.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you as a candidate that we neglected to ask? What do you want to make sure our generation knows about you before they cast their vote?
I believe that everyone should be respected, accepted and celebrated regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. As long as you do not infringe on the right of others, you should be free to live life as you choose.