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Office of Gov. Dennis Daugaard
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, S.D. 57501
605-773-3212
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 2, 2013
CONTACT: Tony Venhuizen or Joe Kafka at 605-773-3212
Sen. Mark Johnston To Resign - Gov. Daugaard Invites Public Input On Replacement
PIERRE, S.D. – Sen. Mark Johnston has announced his intention to resign from the South Dakota State Senate.
Johnston, a Republican from Sioux Falls, represents District 12. He has served as a senator since 2011.
“I’m honored to have served the citizens of District 12,” Johnston said. “The last three sessions have been very rewarding for me professionally and personally. I’m proud of our accomplishments. And working together, we have made South Dakota a better place to live and work. At the same time, I’m very much looking forward to the new responsibilities at Sanford.”
Johnston is resigning to accept a position with Sanford Health as Vice President of Health Policy. His resignation is effective May 31.
“I thank Sen. Johnston for his service, and I’m sorry to see him go,” Gov. Daugaard said. “Sen. Johnston was a thoughtful legislator and a leader on education issues as the chair of that important committee. He will be missed.”
Johnston’s resignation creates a vacancy that will be filled by gubernatorial appointment, and the Governor is asking members of the public to nominate candidates to fill the position.
Those wishing to offer nominations should contact Will Mortenson in the Office of the Governor at 605-773-5999. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current address, telephone number, and relevant background information.
District 12 generally includes neighborhoods in Sioux Falls near Sanford USD Medical Center, the University of Sioux Falls, the Veterans Administration Hospital, Minnehaha Country Club, Empire Mall, Western Mall, and Sertoma Park. It also includes the portion of Sioux Falls that is south of Interstate 229 and west of Western Avenue. A map of the district is attached, and those interested in the vacancy should verify residency in the district with the county auditor.
The Governor expects to fill the vacancy by mid-summer.
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