Calabrese, Howard contest District 34 as voters weigh data center rules and constitutional amendments

Rapid City voters face a choice between two candidates in District 34 and four constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Michael Calabrese, the Democratic challenger, spoke on the Oct. 30 episode of Dakota Town Hall. He runs Black Hills Vinyl with his wife and identified data centers as a top priority for his campaign.

Calabrese argued that local restrictions are insufficient for projects located outside city limits that impact shared regional resources. He proposed statewide rules to govern water use, environmental review, and financial protections for communities.

He stated that large-scale developments do not fit the area due to water concerns but distinguished these projects from smaller facilities and server rooms. Calabrese insisted that requirements for protections like closed-loop cooling must be established before development proceeds. Other participants on the panel suggested considering projects individually based on their specific designs.

Calabrese also outlined a platform focused on low taxes, schools, roads, and health care. He called for more cooperation in Pierre and noted that incumbent Republican Sen. Taffy Howard did not participate in that segment of the interview.

The discussion shifted to four proposed constitutional amendments referred to voters by the Legislature. Amendment L would require 60% voter approval for future constitutional changes. Nathan Sanderson of the South Dakota Retailers Association supported the higher threshold. He argued that the constitution should establish the framework of government while detailed policy belongs in state law.

Patrick Lalley of Sioux Falls Live challenged the amendment without corresponding changes to the initiative process. He argued that legislative revisions to voter-approved measures explain why supporters seek constitutional protection. Seth Tupper of South Dakota Searchlight cited Medicaid expansion as an example of this dynamic. He noted that supporters turned to a constitutional amendment after lawmakers declined to adopt the policy.

Amendment I addresses Medicaid expansion and federal funding. The proposal would condition the constitutional requirement for expanded Medicaid on the federal government's level of support. Sanderson framed the issue as a question of additional state expense if federal funding drops. Other participants emphasized health care affordability and the consequences for residents who depend on coverage.

The panel also reviewed Amendment J, which concerns U.S. citizenship as a voting qualification. Amendment K would establish a trust fund for unclaimed property. All four proposals return the question of who sets rules and who pays to the voters.

The full Oct. 30 episode is available through Dakota Town Hall. Official ballot explanations and voter information are available from the South Dakota secretary of state at sdsos.gov.