The general election is less than two weeks away on Tuesday Nov. 5.
There are two contested races for Marshall County Commissioner positions. In District 3, incumbent Jason Bender, a Republican, is running against Gerry Person, a Democrat. There are three candidates for the District 4 position. Incumbent Leron Knebel, a Democrat, is being challenged by Andrea Kilker, a Republican, and Jared Holland, an Independent.
If you’re unsure what County district you fall in, check at marshall.sdcounties.org/county-commissioners.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee voting is going on now. See the public notice on page 5 for all the precinct locations in the county.
In an effort to get to know the candidates better, the Journal asked them to respond to a questionnaire. Their answers are as follows.
Check back in next week’s Journal for questionnaires from the District 1 House of Representatives candidates.
Background information:
Jason Bender (District 3 Republican Candidate): My name is Jason Bender, I am the son of Arlie and Lorene Bender and June and Charles Rabenberg. My siblings are Robyn Thompson and Kirk Rabenberg.
I was born, raised and graduated from Britton. My dad Arlie, was born and raised in Britton. My mother June graduated from Langford in 1970. I attended SDSU and received a degree in animal science and a minor in chemistry in 1994. After graduation I came home to the family farm and married Tammy in May of 1995.
We farmed, milked cows and finished beef for many years. In 1999, the first buffalo came, and we transitioned to a bison operation over the next ten years. Tammy and I have 4 daughters. Jayden 18, Baylee 14, Skylar 11 and Rhyker 8.
Gerry Person (District 3 Democrat Candidate): I have lived in Marshall County my whole life. My son, Troy, and his wife Lisa with grandson Daniel live on the family farm eight miles south of Britton. My grandson Taylor and wife Savanna live in Langford and both work in the area. Troy’s other son Zack works at Horton. My daughter Tera and husband Eric along with grandsons Tucker and Turner live in the Madison, Wisconsin area.
I went to Britton High School and South Dakota State University. I graduated from SDSU in 1973 and came back to Marshall County and started farming on my grandfather Roy Person’s farm. I am now retired and enjoy working on old cars and tractors.
Leron Knebel (District 4 Democratic Candidate): Many of you know me as Santa Claus! I have been one of the main local Santas since 1987. I really enjoy doing that during November/December each year. I get to every town in the area at least once during the Advent/Christmas season.
I live in the same house my mom grew up in, I grew up in and we raised our children in. I was married to Jackie Wilgers of Lake City for 52 years. She passed away in December of 2018, 4 months after we lost our son John in a farm accident. I have 3 adult children still living- Londra (Burney) Fleming of Winterville, NC; Peggy (Dan) Kirchmeier of Webster, and Basil (Kelly) Knebel of the Eden/Langford areas. I have 9 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. My siblings have all lived in the area. Gary (Rachelle) Knebel lives in Roslyn, Bonnie (Vince) Sigaty lives by Roy Lake, and Mary (John) Spicer lived in Britton for many decades until moving to her husband’s childhood farm by Wessington. I have lived, worked, and farmed/ranched near Eden my entire life, other than four years I lived in Fargo in the early 1970s. I worked for many years at the Farmers Elevator Co-op. In the 1990s, after the cooperative was dissolved, my wife Jackie and I bought the elevator in Eden to continue feed and chemical services for local farmers and ranchers. I sold the business in the early 2000s. I am involved in my community in many ways. I am a faithful lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in Eden where I have previously been a council member and a Communion Minister. I still work summers mowing for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. I spent many years on the Eden Township board and the South Dakota State Town and Township Association state board. I am also a board member of the State Catholic Order of Foresters board.
Andrea Kilker (District 4 Republican Candidate): My husband, Darian, and I live on Clear Lake, and we farm west of Britton with our son, Mason, and our daughter-in-law, Morgan. I’ve spent most of my life in Marshall County, where we’ve raised our three adult children and now enjoy the company of our four grandchildren!
Jared Holland (District 4 Independent Candidate): I was born and raised in this district and have been here my whole life. I spent much of my early years helping my grandfather farm and build bins. Most of my life’s work has been centered around agriculture. In 2016 I decided to venture into starting my own business selling grain monitoring systems. That business is now a well-known business in our community employing many members of our community as well as contributing to our community in multiple ways. I have been married for eight years and we have six children ranging from 11 months to 17! Around 2016, I started to become more open to the concept of the God of the Bible, I am most definitely still a work in progress, but my commitment to seeking God has proven to be the best decision I ever made. Now, I am ready to give back to my community.
Why did you decide to run for the commission / seek reelection for commission?
JB: I volunteered to fill in for Kevin Jones. Gerry Person and I were both interviewed. After receiving encouragement from family, friends and respected neighbors, the decision was made to run for the position.
GP: My decision to run for commissioner was based on the belief of giving back to your community. Being retired I now have time to focus on issues and projects happening in Marshall County.
LK: I ran for commission when Lyle Michlitsch retired because I wanted there to still be someone with a farming background and strong ties to the southeast corner of the county on the commission. I am seeking re-election as a commissioner to see the courthouse project through, as well as continuing to represent the people of the “hill country” of our county as one of them who has lived in the hills my entire life. I also hope to continue to work hard for our roads in this part of the county.
AK: I thrive on new challenges! With our children now grown, I have the time and energy to fully engage with how our county operates. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions, and I genuinely enjoy researching solutions. My goal is to work diligently to ensure that Marshall County remains one of the very best and safest places to live. We are truly blessed to call this community home.
JH: Running for county commissioner is not just an ambition; it’s a commitment to my community and a passion for public service. This decision stems from my recognition of the critical role that local government plays in shaping the lives of residents. The county commissioner’s office is a platform for impactful change, and I see it as an opportunity to connect with the community, address pressing issues, and implement solutions that truly serve the people.
Why are you a strong choice for the MC Commission?
JB: I think I am a strong candidate much like the current county commissioners because being community minded and answering questions directly is important to me. If I do not have an answer, I will find it. Being on the commission for the last six months has opened my eyes to how many responsibilities the county has and I look forward to serving District 3.
GP: My strengths are construction and with the courthouse project underway I feel I can be a benefit to the commissioners as this project unfolds. I have the time to watch this project closely as well as our roads and bridges. We need to try and be ahead of the ball on repairing or replacing these structures. I also enjoy working as a group and making good sound decisions based on facts. With age I have learned that listening is more important than talking.
LK: I have lived and worked in my district for 76 of my 80 years. This shows that I know our area, our people, and will continue to represent as a local person. I have a lot of experience on the commission, as well as local township and state township board. I understand the workings that make a grassroots-level government operate. I feel the ability to personally recognize individuals and locations within my commission district brings a lot to the board when we are discussing things going on within the county from roads to building permits and anything in between. I may be an “old dog,” but I come with a lot of years of experience and have a vast knowledge that benefits the county and its citizens.
AK: I bring experience in leadership and board roles, having served on the Britton-Hecla School Board, the Marshall County Healthcare Center Board, various church boards, and as a 4-H leader. Currently, I serve on the Lake Region Electric Board and am the secretary of the Upper Crow Creek Watershed District. As a Certified Public Accountant, I have a solid grasp of budgeting and finances. I also have hands-on experience with FEMA funding, having helped secure significant resources for two flooding disasters. I believe in listening to concerns and ideas from everyone, as I’m convinced we make better decisions when we draw from diverse perspectives.
JH: My desire to run for county commissioner is fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to my community and a vision for a better future. Effective local governance, community engagement, economic development, public safety, social justice, and fostering a culture of unity through diversity will serve as the foundation of my campaign.
I understand that the county commissioner’s role is not just administrative; it’s about serving the people, advocating for their needs, and striving for a community where everyone can thrive. I seek your support not only to help realize this vision but also to empower our residents to take an active role in the governance of our beloved county.
If elected, what would your top priorities be and how would you address them?
JB: Some top priorities are heavily influenced by visiting with people and listening to the needs. Infrastructure and taxes are high on many people’s list. Keeping people informed with direct and open communication is important as well.
We demand more of our roads and bridges than they were designed for. Increased use, speed, truck traffic and excessive moisture have sure taken a toll on some of them. I feel patching them like we have isn’t a solution. Looking past today and thinking about what the needs will be in 10 or 20 years will be challenging but is important to consider. Truck traffic is only going to increase in agriculture in the future. Therefore, we need to be proactive in road repairs, maintenance and rebuilding. Having a multi-year plan in place and budgeting for these expenses is very valuable.
Keeping taxes in check is a priority as well. Megan Biel and the county commission has actually lowered the mill levy slightly from 2024 which was 3.27 /$1000. In the 2025 budget, it is 3.176. This is a testament to the dedication for keeping taxes in check during times of rapidly rising costs.
GP: My top priorities will be the Courthouse project and working and helping it stay on budget and making sure it is built for the long haul and completed according to the plans and on time. My next priority is water. Whether we are using it, holding it, or just making sure it runs where it should run, it is a very up front issue not only this year but for years to come. And of course our roads need constant evaluation and maintenance, which will be an everyday work issue. I look forward to working with the other commissioners to move our county into the next year and the next generation.
LK: I think the top priority will be maintaining our roads and bridges and seeing the courthouse remodel and addition to completion. Addressing the situations will involve meetings, driving to inspect things with a “boots on the ground” approach, as well as listening to both sides of a situation, whether we are talking roads, bridges, the courthouse, personnel, equipment, or any other situations that may arise.
AK: My top three priorities are enhancing our emergency and law enforcement services, improving our roads and bridges, and successfully executing the courthouse project. If elected, I will immerse myself in learning about these critical areas and actively seek innovative and proactive solutions. We need to work collaboratively to ensure our ambulance and law enforcement services are well-staffed and well-equipped. Our roads and bridges require necessary updates and repairs, and the courthouse project needs to be executed to meet the county’s needs effectively.
JH: Below, I explain why I want to pursue this role, focusing on local governance, community engagement, economic development, public safety, and social justice.
1. Commitment to Effective Local Governance- Local governance is the foundation of democracy and directly impacts residents’ quality of life. I believe in transparent and accountable government that works for the people. As a commissioner, I would establish mechanisms like open forums to encourage constituents to voice their opinions and concerns. It’s important for residents to understand not only the decisions being made but also the processes behind them. To further enhance communication, I would leverage technology, creating a user-friendly website and social media platforms to make county policies, budgets, and projects easily accessible. This openness fosters trust and strengthens the relationship between government and citizens.
2. Engaging with the Community- Community engagement is central to my candidacy. I’ve seen how vital it is for communities to come together and discuss challenges and aspirations. As commissioner, I would focus on developing programs that encourage civic participation and ensure every voice is heard. One initiative I would pursue is establishing “Community Action Committees” to address specific local issues like transportation, housing, and public health. These committees would foster collaboration between government and residents on critical initiatives. Additionally, I would promote volunteerism, encouraging residents to contribute positively to their neighborhoods through clean-up efforts, educational programs, and arts and culture projects.
I also understand the importance of inclusivity. Our community comprises diverse voices, and I would prioritize outreach to ensure every group is involved in decision-making. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can create a more unified and engaged community.
3. Economic Develop.ment and Sustainability- In today’s changing economic landscape, local governments must actively stimulate growth. I would champion initiatives that create jobs, support small businesses, and attract new industries. Collaboration between local businesses and educational institutions would be a priority, and I would promote mentorship programs to help entrepreneurs thrive. Furthermore, I believe in leveraging tourism and natural resources to boost local businesses. Enhancing parks, trails, and recreational areas can attract visitors and generate jobs in hospitality, driving economic growth.
Economic development, however, must be sustainable. I am committed to environmental responsibility, promoting renewable energy initiatives to ensure we grow the economy without compromising the environment’s health.
4. Prioritizing Public Safety- Public safety is a fundamental right, and I would prioritize measures that address both crime and its root causes. Law enforcement should be complemented by community outreach, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. I support community-oriented policing, where officers build relationships with the public to foster trust and prevent crime. Additionally, I would focus on expanding mental health and addiction resources to reduce recidivism.
Technology also plays a key role in public safety. I would advocate for enhanced emergency alert systems and data analytics to strengthen safety measures, ensuring our emergency services are well-equipped to respond effectively.
5. Championing Social Justice and Equity- Social justice and equity are at the heart of my vision. I would advocate for affordable housing policies to expand access and improve existing units. Equitable access to education and healthcare is equally vital. By collaborating with schools and health organizations, I would support tutoring, mentorship, and healthcare initiatives, including mobile clinics and mental health services, to ensure underserved populations receive the resources they need.
6. Fostering Unity through Diversity- Our county’s diversity is a strength, and I would promote programs that celebrate cultural diversity through festivals and art exhibitions. I also believe in policies that address the unique needs of immigrants, minorities, and marginalized groups, ensuring their voices are integrated into decision-making through listening sessions and community dialogues.
7. Commitment to Lifelong Learning- Leaders must be adaptable to ever-changing challenges, and I commit to ongoing education. I would encourage a culture of learning within the county government, emphasizing professional development for county staff, ensuring our leadership remains innovative and responsive to the community’s evolving needs.
Together, I believe we can create a prosperous, safe, and inclusive community that serves as a model for others. With your support, I am ready to listen, to learn, to act, and to lead our county into a brighter future. Thank you for considering my candidacy for county commissioner; I am excited to embark on this journey together.
