Brookings businessman and Democrat Spencer Hawley has announced his candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 7.

“The State has major decisions to be made in the next couple of years that will have a dramatic effect on our citizens, students, the Brookings area and SDSU,” Hawley said. “ As a businessman for 31 years in the community and with my proven leadership qualities I feel that I can have a positive impact on influencing those decisions.”

Hawley said he has the unique collection of experiences to work toward these goals in the state legislature.  As a two-term commissioner on the Game, Fish and Parks Commission and chairman for the past two years, Hawley has worked successfully within state government to accomplish GF&P goals.

His service on the Brookings City Board of Appeals since 1996 has proven he can work effectively within local government for the city’s citizens.  He has also been a member of Brookings-National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Region since 1979 and has held all offices including president.

Other civic experience includes being past president of the Brookings Chamber of Commerce, member of the Government Affairs committee, Military Affairs committee, Brookings Advance Foundation board of directors, SD World Affairs Council and currently Vice-Chairman of the Brookings Economic Development Corporation.

He is a member of the American Legion, Military Officers Assn., Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Brookings and SD Wildlife Federation.

He is also a member and past state president of the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota and member and past Exalted Ruler of Brookings Elk Lodge.

Col. (RET) Hawley is past president of the National Guard Association of South Dakota.  He is currently president of the SDSU Army ROTC West Point of the Plains Association and co-chairman of the SD Military Retirees Committee.  He is a regional representative for the ESGR committee (Employer Support for the Guards and Reserves).

“The state and the Brookings Community have provided my family with an excellent quality of life and it is important that we are able to make this available for our future generations,” Hawley said. “ I think we can best do this by maintaining and improving the business environment, providing a quality education for our children, and giving them the opportunity to expand their education at the college level.”

“SDSU and Brookings have had a unique relationship, where they have worked together to improve the university and community.  This relationship needs to be continued and fostered even more. “

Hawley is owner of Hawley Insurance Services and has received several awards for his work. He is married to Barbara Ann Hawley.  They have four children.