As part of our on-going election coverage SDPB-Radio is bringing you profiles of the Candidates running for statewide constitutional offices. Today we hear from Democrat Tom Katus who's running for the office of South Dakota Treasurer.
By Charles Michael Ray
Tom Katus is a lifelong resident of South Dakota. He was born near McIntosh on the Standing Rock Reservation. Katus says he's running for SD Treasurer to return constitutional government to the people.
"Under the constriction we are elected by the people and responsible to the people but with 32 years of republican rule in this state, and all of the constitutional officers republicans. there is a tendency and in And in fact most of them do genuflect to the governor and they disregard their constitutional responsibilities," says Katus.
He says for too long the governor's office has had a hold over other state offices.
"This is especially true of my opponent Rich Sattgast -but is not serving the people. I would support the constitution of the people and I think you really need to have the balance of government restored in South Dakota," says Katus.
Katus alleges the Governor's office has misused and overspent state funds and resources. Katus says in the Janklow administration the Auditors and Treasurer's office were gagged with a law the prohibits them talking about some budget items.
"So it's absolutely foolish legislation neither the auditor or the treasurer can tell the people what's going on with their money, just an insane bill," says Katus.
Katus says under Republican control of Pierre the law has stayed in place. He says if put in Pierre he'll bring balance and be a watchdog for the people's money.
We continue tomorrow with a profile and response from Republican Candidate for SD Treasurer Rich Sattgast.