RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Governor Rhoden has been sworn in as one of the state’s few West River governors in history.

Senate Majority Whip Randy Deibert expressed optimism on having a leader from the area, saying leadership from West River has decreased from the past. Deibert highlighted Rhoden’s long experience in the legislature saying he’s well-educated on the process. The senator says West River issues he would like to address with the new governor include a proposed water use permit, managing natural resources in the Black Hills and managing public lands.

“Those are all issues the state needs to be involved with to keep the producers, agricultural producers flourishing and our tourism industry flourishing, and those are big things out west that sometimes people forget. And, you know, I think having that rural background and that knowledge of the area will help with that,” Deibert said.

Representative Trish Ladner has her sights set on different issues she would like to take on with the new governor.

“I think, in general, of course, everyone’s is taxes. Property taxes, that to me is the biggest, for West River, eminent domain seems like it’s far away but in principle I think that’s important,” Ladner said.

Rhoden is expected to announce his pick for Lieutenant Governor this week. That nominee will need to be confirmed by both legislative chambers. Ladner says she would like to see a team player take the post.

“Team player that supports the legislature, supports the people of the state and supports the Governor, I think that’s very important,” Ladner explained, “Governor Rhoden was very supportive of Governor Noem, and she appreciated it a lot I’m sure, so I would like the same thing and same type of support for him.”

Members of South Dakota’s federal delegation have all expressed support for Rhoden’s new job. Senator Mike Rounds told KOTA he thinks Rhoden will do an “excellent job.”

“South Dakota is in good hands,” Rounds said.

Senator Mike Rounds touching on Rhoden’s long experience in state politics, says Rhoden understands the roles of the legislature and lieutenant governor.

“In the legislative process, coordination between the Governor’s office and the legislature really does help, and I think he’ll have excellent lines of communication with both House members and Senate members,” Rounds explained.

Rounds served as South Dakota’s 31st Governor from 2003 to 2011.

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