Letters to the Editor for October 7:

Still angry over IM22? You have recourse 

In a startling rejection of the people’s will, South Dakota’s legislators and governor in 2017 overturned the anti-corruption measure that voters in 2016 had initiated and approved. Not content with straightforward repeal, our elected officials attached “a state of emergency” declaration that blocked any citizen referendum to restore the original measure.

In response to public outrage, legislative leaders promised to create “better” legislation. In actuality, they enacted markedly weaker limits on lobbying access and campaign finance, replaced the measure’s independent ethics commission with a board crafted by legislators, and then – read carefully - excluded themselves from that board’s oversight! 

Angry yet? There’s more. Determined to avoid further threats of citizen demand for accountability, legislators attacked involvement itself, introducing in 2018 an unprecedented number of bills to curtail and complicate our direct democracy rights. 

Still angry? We have recourse. Amendment W is on the 2018 ballot. 

Amendment W restores the core of anti-corruption measures originally enacted by South Dakotan voters. It bans personal use of campaign funds. It prohibits lobbyists’ gifts to public officials. It establishes an independent accountability board with power to investigate possible violations and to impose sanctions subject to judicial review.

Amendment W returns power to the people. It requires automatic referendum on any legislative repeal of voter-passed laws. It limits legislators’ power to curtail initiative and referendum rights.

Amendment W, if passed, cannot be overturned by our elected officials without giving voters final approval. Vote YES on W.

Virginia Hullinger, Presho

Changes needed to keep students in state

South Dakota has a problem! Sioux Falls is a growing city, yet the population of the state doesn’t change at all. The reason for that is more people are seeing Sioux Falls as one of the only viable places to live in this state. South Dakota needs to come into the 21st century quickly! 

Yes, agriculture is an important part of our state, but it can’t be everything. We need to invest in other cities besides just Sioux Falls. We need to make our state a welcoming place to come. We need to raise pay for critical positions like teachers and nurses as we are in the bottom two in the nation for their average pay. To also help our state get crucial funding we should comply with the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and remove many annoying highway side billboards in order to get more federal funding. Furthermore, we need to create a state income tax to better fund our state, we need this to improve our infrastructure and pay for crucial jobs that we can’t afford to keep losing. 

Lastly, we need to have a diverse amount of politics here, that doesn’t mean just republican or democrat. The state GOP should not have a supermajority in the legislature like it currently does. Democrats running in South Dakota aren’t even that left as much as they are centrists. 

That’s why I’m throwing my support behind both Sutton and Bjorkman this fall. Most people will brush off my rant here, but the thing is I am an 18-year-old high school senior and I, along with many people I know aren’t sure if we want to stay in this state past high school without major changes made. South Dakota needs a fresh start if it wants to attract new citizens and retain its current ones. 

August Mills, Sioux Falls

Amendment W is right for South Dakota

Do you recall us passing Initiated Measure 22, the anti-corruption law, in 2016? Do you also recall the legislature declaring an emergency and voting in the majority to repeal IM 22 in 2017? We were described as having been “hoodwinked” into passing IM 22. The only winking going on, however, was between politicians and their donors and lobbyists. Voters were not hoodwinked. We were delegitimized!

Amendment W, the anticorruption amendment, is on the ballot as the citizens’ response to the repeal of IM 22. Amendment W provides straightforward improvements and, because it is an amendment, it cannot be repealed without giving voters the final say. It (1) prohibits personal use of campaign funds, (2) bans lobbyists’ gifts, (3) bans foreign money in South Dakota elections, (4) restores a ban on corporate and union contributions, (5) criminalizes use of state resources for personal gain, and (6) provides for an independent, bipartisan accountability board to investigate cases of corruption and rule breaking; currently, we are just one of seven states without one. And it protects our initiative process for years to come.

Who could possibly object to the provisions of Amendment W? See who’s opposing W and you will gain a sense of who’s worried about losing their big money clout in Pierre. It’s not the average citizen. 

Legalized corruption in state government has been tolerated too long. Let’s pass Amendment W on November 6 and hold our politicians accountable to voters rather than special interests. 

Gary Larson, Brookings

To Pledge Or Not To Pledge

I’m a substitute teacher, and last week something struck me I’d never thought of before. We start the day with the loud speaker lady leading us all in the Pledge of Allegiance. The entire class stood, put hands over our hearts, and the kids mumbled the words. 

It was then when it hit me that there were 3 kids in class from Nepal, one from Liberia, and at least a couple from Mexico. I wondered if there are guidelines either in the school district or in general dictating who should be asked to stand, put their hands over their hearts and say the words when they’re from another country. 

Naturally, one should always show respect when visiting a foreign country, when you’re in a different culture, or experiencing a different religion. I’m not Catholic, but when I go into a Catholic church I’m respectful, but wouldn’t kneel before the priest, take some wine and the wafer. That ceremony should have meaning, and people going through the motions would destroy some of that meaning. 

If I visited another country, I would be a bit upset if they wanted me to swear allegiance to their country. After all, I’m an American. Are there rules here, or have people like me just never thought what it all means?

David Krause, Sioux Falls

There are better choices than Kavanaugh

It’s hard to watch the Kavanaugh fiasco play out and not wonder how we, as a nation, got here. Partisan tribalism went nuclear on Supreme Court confirmation process and now it seems political operatives are in demand for the highest court in the land. The standards for temperament, honesty and moral integrity have essentially been erased. 

Regardless if Kavanaugh attempted to rape anyone, he admitted that as a high school student he drank beer, and “liked it”; and still does. While that may appeal to “average Joe” as an admission by someone poised to literally “rule” over our lives, that he is down to earth just like me, the fact remains that he is guilty of underage drinking; a crime. He has lied to the Senate more than once. 

He will not subject to a polygraph test nor would he propose there should be an FBI investigation. I would expect that from someone that has something to hide. His demeanor during his testimony was not one of righteous indignation so much as it was condescending, disrespectful and overbearing; sounding like a “mean drunk”. Then he politicized his plight. 

The Supreme Court is supposed to be a check on the legislative and executive branches of government. Kavanaugh has written that a seated president is above the law. No check on the executive branch here. Now why would Trump pick that guy? A Kavanaugh confirmation will destroy the trust and credibility of the court and make it the codification mechanism for a political agenda. 

Solomon said a mouthful (Proverbs 29:12) If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked. Just remember, the Trump administration coined the phrase “alternative facts” as the politically correct term for “LIES”. Regardless of what the FBI comes up with, there are better choices. 

Ed Bierman, Ipswich

Support for tobacco tax increase

I have practiced family medicine in Rapid City for more than 37 years. I have seen patients on happy days for well-child visits and annual physicals, and on terrible days when they receive news of a dire diagnosis. For all of them, I have a few simple wishes: to help them be as healthy as possible and to spare them the pain of difficult treatments.

That’s why I support IM 25.

IM 25 will appear on the ballot in November. The measure would raise South Dakota’s tax on cigarettes by a dollar a pack and use that money to fund technical college tuition reductions.

This is a brilliant idea!

Raising tobacco taxes is good medicine. I volunteer for the American Cancer Society and its nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. ACS CAN develops policy recommendations based on the science of preventing and treating cancer. It supports regular and significant increases in tobacco taxes for two reasons. First, it helps people who want to quit using tobacco with the extra financial encouragement they need to finally stop. 

I also support IM 25 because of where the money will go. People are sometimes concerned about the consequences of higher prices for people who pay for tobacco taxes. Two thirds of South Dakotans support the approach taken by this plan. The new money raised by the tobacco tax will establish a post-secondary technical institute fund to lower tuition and provide financial support for South Dakota’s technical institutes. Projected new revenue for South Dakota from increasing the cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack is nearly $20 million annually. That’s a lot of education!

South Dakota has room for improvement with our tobacco tax. It’s currently at $1.58 per pack of cigarettes. That places us behind the national average of $1.75, ranking 28th in the United States. 

We, the voters of South Dakota, have a chance to change the future for our state. We can improve lives and even save lives by increasing the tobacco tax. I’m asking you to support a $1.00 per pack cigarette tax increase with your vote. In honor of those who are my patients now, and in support of those I hope to never have to treat for a tobacco related disease, I will vote to pass IM 25.

Allen E. Nord, M.D., Rapid City

Noem can lead wave of women candidates

This campaign year is different from any other year. Right now, across the nation, other women are stepping up to the calling of politics and representing more and more. This year, in our home state of South Dakota, we have a chance to make history. In all the years, in our state’s history, we have never had the pleasure to elect a woman governor. This is not for lack of trying, or options, but we now have the great opportunity to see a qualified woman candidate, Kristi Noem, serve us and our state as governor.

Kristi Noem is a driving force for women’s voice in politics. She said earlier in August that “Women don’t want to just talk about women’s issues,” and she is absolutely correct. Kristi indicated women want to be on the same playing field as their male counterparts. Like me, women in South Dakota care about small businesses, agriculture, our economy and much more. Kristi believes that women should not be underestimated with how much impact they can make in their lives and the lives of others. I know for a fact that Kristi cares more about the issues facing South Dakota today than any other candidate. 

I believe, with Kristi as our governor, it would not stun anyone if more and more women found their callings in South Dakota politics. On November 5th and before, please encourage your neighbors, family, friends and anyone else you know to vote. We, South Dakotans, can cast a vote to go down in history. Kristi Noem brings the leadership, the experience and the work ethic needed to be governor. 

Patricia Murphy, Sioux Falls

Sutton a positive choice for governor

I've seen several Billie Suttons commercials and I am impressed. They are very positive and they focus on him versus spewing negative comments, or 'guilt by association' references to national level politicians (past and present) and his opponent. Good job.

I am a registered Independent voter and have voted for people in both parties over the years. At the end of his commercials I looked for the usual reference to a political party and again I was pleasantly surprised not to see any. So, I went to his website to learn more about him. As I perused his site I could not find any reference to a particular political party. If it's there. it's so subtle I couldn't find it. Again, very refreshing. After reading through his site I have decided he is the change we need in SD and he has my vote for Governor. 

I applaud his positive attitude and non-partisan tactics in serving SD and as a candidate for Governor. As an Independent voter I have also said that I vote for the person vs. the party. Mr. Sutton is the perfect example of how a candidate should conduct a campaign. I urge voters to support this person of outstanding character by voting for him as our next Governor.

Larry Plucker, Jr., Sioux Falls

Sutton does not have South Dakota values

Do you think Billie Sutton has South Dakota values? Think again.

While priding himself on being pro-life, he voted against a 2017 bill banning abortion after 20 weeks' gestation when it is proved that unborn babies are capable of feeling 
pain. Furthermore, he attended a fundraising event given by a Planned Parent employee.

Michelle Lavelle, Sutton's running mate, spoke at a Gay Pride event in Pierre in July which was sponsored by Attorney General Democrat candidate, Randy Seiler. Sutton voted against the "bathroom bill" in 2016 which would have insured that girls use girls' facilities and boys use boys' facilities. Sutton is endorsed by Equality South Dakota, the group who opposed privacy for students in showers and bathrooms.

In 2017 Sutton opposed giving faith based adoption agencies the freedom to refrain from placing a child in a home that was contrary to the agency's religious mission statement.

Not surprisingly, in June 2016 Billie Sutton endorsed Hillary Clinton saying, “Secretary Clinton has shown she has the same values as families in rural America." Really? 

As a proud "deplorable," I'm pleased to vote for Kristi Noem--a lady with real South Dakota values.

Jodi Waltman, Wetonka

Ravnsborg an ideal candidate for Attorney General

These days in politics, we see the same characteristics in most politicians.  We often consider them to be non-transparent, argumentative and ineffective.  It is difficult in 2018 to find a candidate who stands above the rest.  It is problematic to find a person whom voters can trust to follow through on his promises and goals.  It takes an outstanding person with character, experience and strength to follow through in government.  However, in the current 2018 South Dakota Attorney General race, I believe there is a person who fits the requirements for a candidate of prestige.  Jason Ravnsborg is a person who has all the qualities of a respected public servant.

Jason has spent his adult life dedicated to the law and its protection.  He has served as the Deputy State's Attorney for Union County and is a practicing lawyer at the law firm of Harmelink, Fox and Ravnsborg in Yankton, SD.  He has been an effective representative of the law.  Jason has traveled around South Dakota educating others about ballot measures and issues.  He is unlike other candidates, because you can see Jason's dedication to South Dakota through his actions.  Over the past several months, he has made great efforts to visit with concerned voters about the issues.  Jason is committed to finding the best solutions to bring to Pierre.  Many may consider Jason Ravnsborg to be a political outsider, but I believe that is what our state government needs.  Pierre needs a man who does not fit the usual mold.  Jason is a man who can think outside the box and discover new options for dealing with problems.

Please, on November 5th, vote for Jason Ravnsborg for our next Attorney General.  His steadfast dedication to our state and upholding its constitution makes him the ideal candidate to fill the Attorney General position at our state's capitol.

Carol Luebke, Canton

What are Democrats thinking?

I can’t understand what goes on in the minds of the democrats.
How can they be upset with the fact that the economy is booming?
How can they be upset with the fact that the GDP has grown over 4% for the last two quarters. Obama had only one quarter with a 3% growth during his 8 years?
How can they be upset with the fact that we got the largest tax cut in history?
How can they be upset with the fact we have the lowest unemployment rate ever for African Americans, Hispanics and women?
How can they be upset with the fact that we have over 4 million fewer on food stamps?
How can they be upset with the fact that Dow Jones reached an all time high?    
How can they be upset with the fact that the average wage has gone up about 3%?
How can they be upset with the fact that the revenue to the Federal Government is at an all time high?
How can they be upset with the fact that over 2,000 of Obama’s job killing regulations have been eliminated. 
It is not the democrat party that I used to be a member of.  President Ronald Reagan said: “I did not leave the democrat party, it left me.”

Steve Elkjer, Sioux Falls

Noem is a role model 

In 2018, we are overwhelmed with the amount of technology and Internet access that is readily available at our fingertips. In addition to this fact, we recognize the impact of these new technologies and how they affect our families. As we raise our children, it is the goal of every parent supply and identify excellent role models for our children. There is one great role model living in Hamlin County: Kristi Noem.

As of South Dakota and a mother, Kristi Noem has filled the quota of being a role model for South Dakota. With her active resume in South Dakota government, she exemplifies what it means to be a leader and a voice for those who have none. From beginning on her family‘s farm to her current position as US House Representative, Kristi Noem has lead a life worth admiring and striving towards. When choosing our next governor, we should consider who is going to be the person to guide our state and future leaders in the right direction. When elected, Kristi plans to make family-first policies one of her major initiatives.

Kristi Noem has always been an active, vital character in our communities. She has helped create legislation and policies that impact the taxpayers, small businesses, and more. Kristi Noem is South Dakota; hard-working, a leader, and a citizen. Please join me and many others on November 5th to elect Kristi Noem as our next South Dakota Governor. 

Amber Mauricio, Sioux Falls

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