The Pride of the Prairie newspaper in Bowdle sent questions to the candidates for Edmunds County Auditor. The questions and their responses can be seen below.

1. Name

2. Family

3. Work History

4. Past Experiences (clubs, organizations, etc.) How are some other ways you volunteer or help serve the community?

5. What motivated you to want to run?

6. What attributes do you have that you feel are essential for people successful in this position?

7. What is your vision for the future of this position in the county?

8. How do you decide what issue is most important to tackle? Is there an issue or project that you feel needs priority?

9.What are the current challenges facing our county you wish to overcome?

10. What are your specific goals if you are elected?

11. Is there anything else you would like the voters to know about you?

Keith Schurr

Family: My wife, Cheryl, and I live in Mina. We have three daughters; Laci (Josh) Hettick, Stacy (Marc) Counterman, and Ashley Schurr (Derrick Ettel), and we have three grandchildren.

Education and Work History: I was raised on a family farm near Roscoe and have lived in Edmunds County the majority of my life. I graduated from Roscoe High School and South Dakota State University with a degree in business economics and accounting with a computer science minor. In addition to working for the county over the last 33 years, I have also worked as an accountant, computer programmer, office supply salesperson, and have helped area farmers.

Past Experiences (clubs, organizations, etc.) How are some other ways you volunteer or help serve the community? Past member of: South Dakota Association of County Officials Executive Board, Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department (24 years), Tri-Parish Catholic Church Council, Roscoe City Council, and Bryant Township Board.

What motivated you to want to run? My Grandfather and Dad served on numerous boards and volunteered their services. My family has lived in Edmunds County for four generations. I know and care about this community, and wish to continue this tradition.

What attributes do you have that you feel are essential for people successful in this position? I am organized, hard working, dedicated to the job, lawful, and have great attention to detail. I care greatly about the work that I do as well as the people I serve.

What is your vision for the future of this position in the county? My vision is increase the efficiency of the office and to continue its modernization. My background and training gives me the ability to adapt to the ever-changing world of elections, secure federal and state stimulus funding, and keep the county computer system updated and protected.

How do you decide what issue is most important to tackle? Is there an issue or project that you feel needs priority? - All issues are important. There is a specific calendar the Auditor’s office must follow, which helps prioritize issues based on deadlines.

What are the current challenges facing our county you wish to overcome? Funding. For the 2023 budget, $906,000.00 cash reserve is being applied to fund the county for all services, in addition to the yearly revenue. Recently, federal funds have been coming in to help, but counties must find fair and long term additional funding sources as opposed to increasing property taxes.

What are your specific goals if you are elected? I am seeking another term to ensure that the public and county employees are treated fairly and with respect. Also, I am committed to following all federal, state, and local laws and guidelines in the procurement and distribution of any and all funding that goes through the County system.

Is there anything else you would like the voters to know about you? It has been an honor to work for the citizens of Edmunds County for the past 33 years, and I will continue to serve with honesty and integrity. My knowledge and experience reinforce my desire to pursue another term as your County Auditor. Your support on November 8th would be very much appreciated.

Daniel Hardison

Family: 2 Daughters Ellie (11), Evie (7), and one son Dante (9)

Education and Work History: I have spent 6 and a half years in the US Navy, which included 3 Operation Enduring Freedom deployment, 2 of which were to Afghanistan. For the past decade I have been in law enforcement.

Past Experiences (clubs, organizations, etc.) How are some other ways you volunteer or help serve the community? I have served several years on the Bowdle City council. The city council also serves as the board of directors for a multi million dollar hospital. I am also a past member of the American Legion, however I still help with fundraisers and attend as many events as I can. As my kids get older they are getting more active with sports and I help transport other kids as well to make sure they can all participate.

What motivated you to want to run? There are many reasons I want to run. With three growing kids, the schedule of a Deputy Sheriff is very demanding. It limits the amount of time I can spend with my kids and attend events. The position of Auditor would allow me to be able to watch my kids grow up, yet continue to serve this county in a different capacity. The Auditor's office has also been a challenge for the Sheriff's Office. It has attempted to Defund our Department and take away grants that benefit the citizens. I believe that I can continue to support the Sheriff's Office in a way that would benefit the citizens.

What attributes do you have that you feel are essential for people successful in this position? I believe that I have the integrity to do the job fairly and equally for everyone. I have the motivation to continually look for grants and funding to help increase the quality of life for our citizens. I work well with others and can communicate efficiently to increase cohesion with the other offices in the County.

How do you decide what issue is most important to tackle? / How do you decide what issue is most important to tackle? I believe that one thing I would like to see is the accessibility of the Auditors Office as well as the other offices in the courthouse. As it currently stands, people need to take time off from work in order to be able to renew their drivers licenses, register to vote, renew registration. The courthouse is closed during lunch breaks and when people get off work. I would like to see our availability increase during these times so people can take care of what they need to do.

Is there anything else you would like the voters to know about you? I am a passionate person who constantly strives to do what is right. I believe that there are changes that need to be made within the county. I love my time serving as a Deputy Sheriff, but I believe it is time for me to start a new chapter in my life. My entire adult life has been dedicated to public service, and I would be honored if the people elected me to do so in a different capacity.

The candidate felt unanswered questions were answered within others.