to the Legislature. “I’m working on a balanced budget without raising taxes,” she said. “And we have several pieces of legislation that we’re getting done.” Noem has laid out a number of areas she wants to address during her administration. She spoke to the Press & Dakotan about this issue during a November stop in Yankton. Those areas include more vocational programs and other educational opportunities, in turn benefiting workforce development. Agriculture will continue to remain a top priority, she said. In addition, she sees herself provide an important face in representing the state in trade talks, business recruitment and other official capacities. “The governor is the salesperson-in-chief, who will go out and promote our state,” she said. “My experiences are very different. I have started and run a business. I have been a manager and a boss. I have served in the Legislature in leadership and understand how federal dollars impact our state. I hold a unique perspective that we’ve never had in the governor’s office.” During her political career, Noem has also targeted the importance of social programs and quality of life. She has spoken out on issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, which in turn often leads to crime and imprisonment, and the growing problem of human trafficking. Noem has also spoken out on the importance of mental health issues, including needed funding and staffing at the Human Services Center in Yankton. In addition, Noem has emphasized the importance of partnering to make the most of state and federal dollars. At the same time, she stressed her record of standing up for South Dakota’s rights, particularly in dealing with federal agencies. As governor, she plans to work with initiatives to protect South Dakota’s resources. Those issues range from improving habitat to fighting Missouri River sedimentation. As governor, Noem is drawing upon her family for assistance in her administration. Her daughter, Kennedy Noem, worked with the campaign and transition team, and Kennedy will serve in the administration as a policy analyst. And with Kristi Noem as the first female governor, husband Bryon Noem becomes the state’s initial “First Gentleman.” Byron Noem will have ceremonial duties, but he also plans to offer his talents to serve the state, Kristi said. “Byron will have initiatives that he’ll be working on,” she said. “The advice that (former First Lady) Linda gave to him is to wait six months and find out exactly what is the most effective way to use his time.” Byron Noem holds an agriculture and business background, and he already has ideas on how he can serve the state, Kristi said. “He cares passionately about small towns and the history of this state,” she said. “He wants to help small towns to be successful and to preserve our way of life in South Dakota.” With fewer than a million residents, South Dakota is considered a large land base with few residents. Kristi Noem likes the idea of governing such a state. “We’re a small state. Many people talk like that’s a challenge. But I view it as a huge opportunity, because we can do a lot of things in a very flexible way,” she said. “We can be innovative and do a lot of things that other states can’t do.” Commander-In-Chief Noem’s administration isn’t limited to domestic affairs. As governor, she serves as commander-in-chief of the South Dakota National Guard (SDNG). She faces an immediate task in replacing Adjutant General Tim Reisch, who announced he will retire in June. The replacement selection will follow a set process, Noem said. Candidates will undergo background checks and interviews before a final decision is made on Reisch’s successor. Noem noted a connection, as her father served in the National Guard. In addition, she served in the U.S. House on the Armed Services Committee. “The military has always been special to me,” she said. Noem received another reminder of her role as commander-inchief when she attended the December activation ceremony for the Yankton-based Bravo Battery of the 1/147th Field Artillery of the SDNG. The 114 members — which includes Bravo Battery, Alpha Battery, Higher Headquarter Battalion and Forward Support Company — are serving in Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. During her remarks at the activation ceremony, Noem referred to the local soldiers’ courage in taking on the mission a strategic — and possibly volatile — part of the globe. “We live in the greatest country on earth because of these brave men and women who are serving so we have freedom every day and can enjoy that freedom,” she said. She pointed to the significance of Yankton as the birthplace of the South Dakota National Guard and the 100th anniversary of South Dakota soldiers returning home from World War I. Noem told the Press & Dakotan she was struck how many of the deploying soldiers had very young children. “I think it’s impossible for me to understand the sacrifices they’re making. I look at the crowd and see so many little kids. Some many of those kids are under the age of 5,” she said. “But what’s neat about this community is that it stands along with these families. These soldiers will miss events (in their families’ lives), but the community will stand alongside their families when it comes to juggling responsibilities and paying bills, the (things of) day to day life.” Bravo Battery’s ranks now include female soldiers. Noem noted those women who are deployed on the mission. vNOEM continued on page 19