Former Rep. Dusty Johnson Launches Unpaid Civic Speaker Series
The soon-to-be ex-lawmaker will facilitate six university-hosted debates on topics ranging from energy to rural health through April.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
South Dakota U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson begins a six-part statewide speaker series on November 5 at Black Hills State University in Rapid City. The events are designed to facilitate public discussion on complex policy issues and will run through April of next year. Johnson, who is set to leave Congress in January, stated that he will not receive payment for organizing and leading these forums.
The first session, titled Energy, Innovation and the Environment, starts at 6 p.m. in Room 110 of the university's main building. Entry is free for the public. According to a release from the university, this opening night will focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence, energy production, and environmental responsibility. Johnson will moderate conversations involving faculty, students, and industry leaders during the events.
Johnson is stepping down from his role in the U.S. House after losing his bid for the Republican nomination for governor in a four-way primary last June. Republican Attorney General Marty Jackley won that race on Tuesday. Jackley will succeed Johnson as the state's sole representative in the federal government.
The Black Hills State University Center for Civic Engagement organized the series in partnership with other state universities. It is branded as the President's Speaker Series on Civil Discourse and Complex Challenges. Johnson cited the need for long-term planning and data-driven decision-making as the primary motivation for the project. He noted that the constant presence of upcoming elections often prevents politicians from focusing on long-range solutions.
Future sessions are scheduled to cover America and an Evolving World in January, Reimagining Rural Health in February, Rethinking College Athletics in early March, and Strengthening South Dakota's Economic Future in March. The final session, Teaching, Learning and Civil Discourse, is planned for April. Exact dates and locations for these remaining events have not yet been released.
Johnson told the South Dakota Searchlight that he visited approximately 250 classrooms during his time in office, including three days spent substitute teaching. He described working with students as one of the most rewarding aspects of his congressional career. He intends to remain in South Dakota after leaving office in January while he searches for full-time employment.
