Commission interviews 12 candidates for District 2 seat; final appointment set for July 7

The Lincoln County Commission held a full evening of interviews June 30 for the vacancy in Commission District 2, questioning a broad slate of candidates about growth, dairies, hyperscale data centers, the state’s handling of a proposed prison site and county priorities such as roads, emergency medical service and planning.

Commissioners and the chair agreed on a standard interview format—five minutes for candidate remarks and ten minutes for commissioners’ questions. The commission said it plans to complete the appointment on July 7 and may call back finalists.

Candidates and key positions

- Brandon Maddox said his 20 years in Lincoln County and experience as CEO of Silencer Central would help him manage rapid growth and fiscal stewardship. “My goal would be to bring a completely different perspective,” he told the board, noting business growth experience and saying he would be “extremely well prepared to ask a lot of questions and learn.”

- Maline Boglai (University of Sioux Falls education professor) emphasized transparency, following the comprehensive plan and careful infrastructure planning for potential data centers; she said she worked with grassroots groups that opposed siting the prison in the county.

- Linda Montgomery (retired master sergeant, retired nurse practitioner) said she would adhere closely to the comprehensive plan and protect land and resources, describing public engagement at planning and zoning meetings as a model for decision‑making.

- Dwayne Carlson (township board member and road supervisor) emphasized township and rural infrastructure experience and skepticism of very large data centers and corporate‑scale dairies; several township speakers later publicly endorsed him.

- Herman Atten (former state legislator and mayor) stressed public‑safety readiness, infrastructure and legislative experience to navigate county policy.

- Eric Enabo (farmer and former building inspector) and other candidates (Nick Abbus, Mr. Catz, Chad Skyles, Sarah Stever and others) described a range of approaches to balancing urban growth and rural preservation, prioritizing infrastructure, road and bridge funding, careful building permit review and protecting family farms. Several candidates urged that data centers be self‑supporting and not strain local utilities.

Process and public input

The commission heard multiple public comments endorsing several candidates, with several Township representatives urging a candidate with deep southern‑district ties. Commissioners agreed no appointment would be made tonight; the board will hold internal discussion and a vote at its July 7 meeting, at which the public may provide additional input.

Why it matters

District 2 covers a large portion of Lincoln County and contains both growing urban edges and significant agricultural land; the appointee will participate in land‑use decisions, budget choices including possible road levies, and oversight of county services. Candidates repeatedly referenced the comprehensive plan and urged transparency, stronger public engagement and protection of rural economies.

What’s next

The board scheduled the final appointment vote for July 7 and discussed sequencing budget work and a pay study around the seating of the new commissioner. Residents interested in commenting can attend the July 7 meeting or submit materials to the county clerk’s office.