BURKE, S.D. (WNAX) – Former South Dakota Governor candidate Billie Sutton has set up the “Billie Sutton Leadership Institute” to offer training to help communities grow.

Sutton says it is not tied to any future political plans.

Sutton says he learned during his campaign last year that local issues need more than political answers.

Sutton says with social media and busy lives, many people find it easier to not be active in local issues.

The first classes will be offered in late May in Chamberlain.

Sutton, a Democrat, lost to current Governor Kristi Noem in last November’s election.