Mary Kidwiler

Another candidate wants a spot on the Brookings County Commission. But this candidate, unlike two incumbents who have announced plans to seek re-election , would be a brand new member if elected.

Mary Kidwiler, a Brookings resident who is employed by South Dakota State University, has filed her nominating petition to get on the November ballot.

Three spots are opening this year on the commission. Kidwiler, a Republican, is one of four candidates seeking a seat so far.

Brookings County Commission Chairman Dennis Falken and Commissioner Don Larson, both Democrats, announced their candidacy earlier this year but have not filed nominating petitions yet.

Another Republican, Earl Hamer, a self-employed businessman and farmer from rural Brookings, has filed his nominating petition at the Brookings County Finance Office as well.

Commissioner Mary Negstad currently serves on the board but is not seeking another term.

If elected, Kidwiler would be a brand new addition to the commission, but she has experience in Brookings County matters. She has served on the Brookings County Planning and Zoning Board since 2004. She was appointed to fill the position for her husband when he died.

Kidwiler said her involvement on that board sparked her interest in becoming a commissioner. She has found her work in planning and zoning to be "very interesting" and would like to carry over that experience onto the commission.

"These county commissioners seem to fit what my interests are and where I want to go," she said.

And she believes the timing seems to be right for her to get involved.

"I've always been interested in the area of public service, and I think people are called to do that," she said. "It's a time in my life that I think I can do this, and I'm interested in doing it." Raised on farm

Kidwiler was born and raised on a family farm in Minnehaha County. She graduated from Tri-Valley High School before earning a degree at SDSU. She then worked briefly in the SDSU Plant Science Department before landing her current job as program assistant in the Office of Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, a position she has held for 32 years.

Kidwiler deals with curriculum , scholarships and various other issues involving students and faculty.

In addition to her position at SDSU and on the planning and zoning board, Kidwiler is a member and former chairperson of the South Dakota State Employees Organization and now serves on that organization's executive board of directors . She is also a member of Rotary and chairperson for the Rotary Public Relations Committee.

She has served various other organizations during her career, including the South Dakota State Advisory Council and 2006 Presidential Search Committee.

Kidwiler has lived in Brookings for about a year and a half after living in rural White for 31 years. She said would not bring an "agenda" if elected to the commission, and would be an "environmentally aware" and "fiscally responsible" commissioner . Goal in office

"My goal would be to just make the best decisions for the citizens of Brookings County," she said.

Commission candidates were allowed to begin circulating nominating petitions Jan. 1, and they are due back by March 30 for those with a political affiliation and by June 8 for independents .

Other county positions opening this year are sheriff and register of deeds, as well as state representatives and senators for both District 4 and District 7.

If needed, a primary election will be held June 8. The fall election date is Nov. 8.

Contact Ryan Woodard at rwoodard@brookingsregister.com.