Simplified: Three candidates are on the ballot to fill three open seats on the Lincoln County Commission in the general election after securing the Republican nomination in the primaries. Because no candidates from other parties have thrown their hats into the race, these three individuals are looking at a clear path into office.
Why it matters
- Three candidates – Joel Arends, Amy Harms and Joni Ekstrum – emerged as the Republican nominees for the Lincoln County Commissioners race in the June primary election. They are not facing any challengers in the general election, meaning they should be elected without any additional hurdles.
- Only one candidate on the ballot – Joel Arends – is an incumbent. He also ran unopposed in the June primary election.
- The remaining candidates, Amy Harms and Joni Ekstrum, will be new faces on the commission. Harms defeated incumbent Tiffani Landeen to earn the District 3 seat and Ekstrum succeeded Commissioner Jim Schmidt, who opted not to run for re-election for District 5.
- Lincoln County is the fastest growing county in South Dakota, thanks to the growth of Sioux Falls and neighboring communities. Policy decisions made by this county commission will have a broad impact on many residents, and could shape the future direction of county development.
Let’s meet the candidates
(Candidates are listed in alphabetical order)
- Joel A. Arends
- Amy Harms
- Joni Ekstrum
Joel Arends
Once officially re-elected on Nov. 3, Joel Arends will be serving his third term on the Lincoln County Commission representing District 1. The 49-year-old Sioux Falls resident owns his law firm, Arends Law, and currently serves in the Army Reserve.
Arends said he has hosted town hall meetings to listen to taxpayers, and believes he can bring a strong voice on the commission to bring forward those concerns.
“I think it was important for my experience, and to bring that experience and leadership back to the commission,” he said…