As reported in last week’s Marshall County Journal, Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed Britton resident Nick Fosness to serve in the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 1, effective immediately.
Fosness takes over the seat previously held by Republican Chris Reder of Warner, who resigned earlier this year.
A lifelong Republican, Fosness said his path to Pierre is not one he had planned.
“I never woke up with a goal to be a politician,” he said. “I typically avoid publicity. But because the Governor asked me to serve, I will do my best to represent my neighbors.”
Fosness grew up in Tripp, South Dakota, and married his high school sweetheart, Jenny. After attending college in Aberdeen, the couple fell in love with this glacial lakes region. His career took them to Iowa, where he worked as an administrator for Good Samaritan, before returning to South Dakota in 2004.
He spent several years in Pierre, where, he joked, he used to attend Appropriations Committee meetings “for fun.” In 2012, a position at Marshall County Healthcare Center in Britton allowed him to return to small-town life and raise his family.
“The community embraced us,” Fosness said. “We love this area and have many friends that are like family to us.”
Fosness and Jenny have four children: Sydney Haugo of Detroit Lakes, MN; Ashley Koehn of Arlington, SD; Cole of Fargo; and Graham, a junior at Britton-Hecla High School. They also have a grandson, Henry.
In Britton, Fosness served on the school board for nine years, including seven as president. He also serves as vice president of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations and is slated to become its president next year. That role, along with his prior time in Pierre, put him in contact with state officials and legislators.
“When there was a vacancy for the District 1 House seat, I was asked to be considered,” Fosness said. “I interviewed with the governor, whom I hadn’t met prior.” Though stepping into public office was unexpected, Fosness said he is committed to the work.
“I truly want to represent the opinions of people in this area,” he said. “I’m going to be visible in District 1. I want to meet with county commissions, city councils, tribal councils — if I’m going to do the job, I want to do it well.”
Fosness will keep his day job as CEO of MCHC, noting that much of the legislative work will happen outside hospital hours.
“Our leadership team and governing board are very supportive,” he said. “It’s good to have a voice in Pierre for subject matters such as rural healthcare and Federal changes to Medicaid.”
He said his background will help him navigate new legislation affecting both healthcare and education. One of his concerns is the long-term funding of public schools as a result of tax changes.
“If we reduce owner-occupied property taxes, there is potential for school funding issues, or potential for taxes to rise in other impact areas,” he said. “Something can’t go away without replacing it with something else.”
Describing himself as “solution-minded,” Fosness said he is ready to listen to constituents and help problem-solve.
“One year in Pierre is spent just learning the ropes,” he said. “If I’ve done a good job, I’ll be happy to run again if the voters so choose.”
The governor has called for a special legislative session in September to vote on the construction of a new state prison. Fosness will be sworn in before that session begins.
While he admits serving will mean missing some basketball games and family time, Fosness said he feels a sense of purpose in representing District 1, which covers Marshall, Day, and most of Roberts and Brown counties.
“ I want people to know the lines of communication are open,” he said. “If you have concerns, give me a call and leave a message.”
Fosness can be reached at 605-228-5555 or at [email protected].
