Friday, September 01, 2006

Rounds' flip-flop on execution

Some of our finest Pennington Democrats (Judy Duhamel Olsen, Eric Abrahamson, and Justin Lena) were interviewed today, as they call for an investigation concerning our our Governor's last, last minute stay of execution of a convicted murderer.

Visit: http://kotatv.com/, click on "Execution delay: Democrats call for investigation"
also, see the NewsCenter1 report.
Posted by at

Friday, August 18, 2006

PenDemorandum: Capping off the summer!



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Pennington Democrats <democrats@pendem.org>
Date: Aug 18, 2006 11:01 PM
Subject: PenDemorandum: Capping off the summer!
To:

PenDemorandum for August 19
==============================
End of Summer Calendar
==============================
_____________________
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party, edited by Curtis Price.  Please forward it along to your friends! To comment, subscribe, or unsubscribe, email democrats@pendem.org or visit http://pendem.org.  The Pendemorandum is also posted on the web at http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com.
Posted by at

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Re: Stop C party, Saturday at 4, at Price/Wojahn's

All candidates and others are invited to come by for a free yummy meal of pork ribs, refreshments, and talking points on the disastrous results of the Lege's current jag of social activism. Hope to see some of you there! Please RSVP 341-1871

More details, and why two arguably straight people like us are this wound up about this on my blog:
http://rr57701.blogspot.com/2006/08/stop-amendment-c.html

Curtis



Posted by at

Monday, August 14, 2006

PenDemorandum: Howard Dean on Wednesday!


PenDemorandum
*** Howard Dean edition! ***
==============================
1. Calendar
2. Quick Notes
==============================

1. Calendar          
  • Friday, Aug 18, 4 pm, Pendem Friday Forum
    TOPIC: What's On the Ballot?     (Questions up for a vote in November)
    Rapid City Public Library, Helen Hoyt Room
     http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/stateandlocal/4jlrr

  • August 18-24:  PenDem Booth Central States Fair.  Call Joyce at 343-2547 or Cheryl at 716-6210 if you can help. Available booth shifts on Aug 18,19,20,26. Please call now!
    http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/4jlgm

  • Saturday, Aug 19, 11 am, PenDems in the Fair Parade, downtown Rapid City.  Candidates: come join up with the Billion for Governor group at 10 am on 2nd Street! Everyone else: come on out and let out a cheer when we come by!

2. Quick Notes
- Bike raffle, benefiting SDDP 
http://sddp.org
- District 32 Ice Cream Social, Sunday Aug 20 (please RSVP)
 http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/4jlrv
- PenDems monthly meeting will be held Aug 31
http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/meeting/4jltk
- Labor Day Parade and Picnic Sept. 4: Working People Honor the Military
http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/campaign/4jllf
- The Center West has opened its doors to support GLBTQ persons in West River.  (Phone: 348-3244)
 http://www.rcweeklynews.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/08/10/44dba166d32f7
- Apply now for early voting. Get the form here!
http://www.sdsos.gov/electionsvoteregistration/registrationvoting.shtm#absentee
Please read the instructions carefully. If requesting by mail, send to:
Julie Pearson / Pennington County Auditor
315 St Joseph St / Rapid City SD 57701-2879
_____________________
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party, edited by Curtis Price.  Please forward it along to your friends! To comment, subscribe, or unsubscribe, email democrats@pendem.org or visit http://pendem.org.  The Pendemorandum is also posted on the web at http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com.
Posted by at

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

PenDemorandum for August 9

PenDemorandum for 08-09-2006
*** RALLY EDITION ***
==============================
1. Calendar
 2. Howard Dean comes to Rapid City
 3. Sweet Bike Raffle!
==============================

1. Calendar          
  • Friday, Aug 18, 4 pm, Pendem Friday Forum
    Rapid City Public Library, Helen Hoyt Room
     http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/stateandlocal/4jlrr

  • August 18-24 Central States Fair. The PenDems will have a booth and we need volunteers to spread our message of hope and excitement! Please consider helping staff the booth... this is one of those opportunities where volunteer time (rather than money) is critical to our success. To volunteer, call Cheryl at 716-6210.
    http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/4jlgm

  • Sunday, Aug 20, 2 pm, Ice Cream Social and Benefit at the home of Curtis Price and Bethany Wojahn in Robbinsdale, 108 E Centennial St., Rapid City
    Come meet and greet District 32 Legislative Candidates Katus, Hemmingsen and Nolan
    RSVP 341-1871
     http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/4jlrv

  • Thursday, Aug 31, 6 pm, Pennington Democrats Monthly Meeting (NOTE MODIFIED DATE FOR AUGUST)
    Rapid City Public Library, Helen Hoyt Room
    The primary objective of this meeting will be fill Precinct committee positions, and get up to date on what's going on for September and October
    http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/meeting/4jltk
2.  Howard Dean in Rapid City
Gov. Howard Dean, former Presidential candidate, Chair of the Democratic Party, and architect of the 50-state strategy that is changing everything, is coming to Rapid City on August 16!  This visit is a benefit for the South Dakota Democratic Party. There will be a special event at the home of Party Chair Judy Olson Duhamel at 6 pm, then a benefit ($50) dessert reception at 7:30 pm at the Radisson in Rapid City, with the doors opening to the public with no admission charge at 8:30.
http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/campaign/4jltc


3. Sweet Bike Raffle!
The South Dakota Democratic Party is raffling off a Harley Softail. The tickets are $100, but, hey, only 500 tickets will be sold statewide it's a sweet bike and the money is absolutely needed to help our candidates get the message out--if we get a chance to really be heard, we will win. (There's a great second prize too!) The bike is on dsplay at  at the Billion West River HQ, 629 Main in Rapid City until August 8.
http://qurls.com?i=655 (SDDP website)
http://sddp.org

_____________________
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party, edited by Curtis Price.  Please forward it along to your friends! To comment, subscribe, or unsubscribe, email democrats@pendem.org or visit http://pendem.org.  The Pendemorandum is also posted on the web at http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com.
Posted by at

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Bike Raffle!

Win this Deluxe Softail Bike!!

1st Prize-2006 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe ($18,680 value)


Sweet.

(Note: you can check the bike out at the Billion West River Campaign Headquarters, near the corner of 7th and Main in Rapid City)

$100 per ticket
(Note: No more than 500 tickets will be sold!)

2nd PRIZE- 2006 Honda Rubicon 4-WHEELER ATV ($7400 retail)




All proceeds benefit the South Dakota Democratic Party

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION: Elesha(605) 224-1750 OR Justin AT 209-3236

DRAWING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2006. NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN. WINNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TAX AND LICENSE. PRIZES MUST BE PICKED UP AT PETERSEN MOTORS.
Posted by at

Monday, July 31, 2006

PenDemorandum for July 30

PenDemorandum for 07-30-2006
==============================
1. Calendar
2. Billion Breakfast Monday
3. Black Hills Pride and Diversity Festival
 4. Howard Dean comes to Rapid City
 5. PenDem Chair Speaks in the RCJ
==============================

1. Calendar          
  • Monday, July 31, 7:30 am, Billion Breakfast Potluck (see below)
    Billion for Governor West River Office, 629 Main St, Rapid City
  • Monday July 31, 5:30-7:30 pm, Bryce Healy (SD Public Lands) re-election fund raiser at the home of Judy Olsen Duhamel, 1106 Hyland Dr, Rapid City. Suggested donation $100.
  • Tuesday Aug 1, am, Billion for Governor Office Chamber Ribbon Cutting. Both Jack and Eric will attend. Billion for Governor West River Office, 629 Main St, Rapid City
  • Wednesday, Aug 2, 7 pm, Penn Democrats Special Meeting Penn Democrats to select a District 34 candidate and a precinct chair. (see below). All are welcome.
    Billion for Governor West River Office, 629 Main St, Rapid City
 
2. Billion Breakfast Monday
 Democracy in Action is hosting a potluck breakfast for the Billion/Abrahamson campaign on Monday, July 31st at 7:30 am at their new campaign office at 629 Main Street.  Please join us and have a cup of coffee with Jack and Eric and get to know our Dem candidates for governor and lieutenant governor (and their incredible wives).  Please pass this invitation along to your friends and family!

3. Special PenDem Meeting Wednesday
Pennington County Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the Billion for Governor West River headquarters at 629 Main St. to nominate a candidate to replace Courtney Clayborne in the District 34 House race. Unfortunately, Clayborne is withdrawing from the race for health reasons. (The other District 34 Democratic House candidate is Justin Lena. District 34 covers the Canyon Lake, Corral Drive, South Canyon and Horace Mann areas, including most of West Rapid and all of North Rapid west of Wood Avenue south of Interstate 90.)

The meeting is open to the public. Democrats also plan to fill a vacant precinct committee position during the gathering.  Any one who would like to join the PenDem leadership should attend this meeting.

 4. Black Hills Pride and Diversity Festival
Democrats (and Independents and Republicans) are invited to come celebrate our differences! Many local organizations and businesses are supporting this effort to include everyone in the life of our community. The event includes a group of events over three days, including a benefit concert by Bill Russell on Friday, a full day (10-6) outdoor event at Old Storybook island featuring many local bands and community organizations, and, just for fun, trail rides on Sunday! There is a raffle that many local businesses and organizations are supporting!
http://www.againstdiscrimination.org/content/view/65/2/
Buy raffle tickets online! (need not be present to win)
https://secure.ga4.org/01/pride
4. Howard Dean in Rapid City
Gov. Howard Dean, former Presidential candidate, Chair of the Democratic Party, and architect of the 50-state strategy that is changing everything, is coming to Rapid City on August 16! Keep the date open, details will be forthcoming.

5. PenDem Chair Speaks in the RCJ
Our Chair, Justin Lena, led the way with a Letter to the Editor in the RCJ that this writer thinks captures where we're at as Dems these days: working (diligently and with great enthusiasm!) for a return to dialogue, for an open debate that respects and welcomes differing points of view. Recommended reading!
http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com/2006/07/ideology-police.html

_____________________
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party, edited by Curtis Price.  Please forward it along to your friends! To comment, subscribe, or unsubscribe, email democrats@pendem.org or visit http://pendem.org.  The Pendemorandum is also posted on the web at http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com.
Posted by at

Sunday, July 30, 2006

PenDemorandum: Calendar Update!

Editors note: We apologize for the flurry of emails today, there is so much going on-- and the information keeps coming. We will try to do better.
Note the Sunday event with Sen. Johnson!

What a great, proud time to be a Democrat.

Hope to see you (and your friends and family) in the coming week at one of these events!
_____________________________________

 CALENDAR UPDATE:
(follow web links for more details)
_____________________
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party, edited by Curtis Price.  Please forward it along to your friends! To comment, subscribe, or unsubscribe, email democrats@pendem.org or visit http://pendem.org.  The Pendemorandum is also posted on the web at:
http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com.     
Posted by at

Ideology Police

(This is a Letter to the Editor published in the 7-29-2006 Rapid City Journal)

Here's a simple observation. The Pennington County Republican Party is held together by ideological policing.

While Republican leaders speak the rhetoric of freedom, rights of conscience and wisdom of the individual, the ideological enforcers, including Bill Napoli and Elli Schwiesow, have a clear message: be of the same opinion or be excused from the Republican party.

Napoli and Schwiesow co-wrote in 2004:
Let those individuals agitating for moderation go or they will ultimately weaken the party ... perhaps the Democrats could enlarge their tent enough to hold them.

It seems they are getting their wish.

Recently Napoli demanded that Sen. Adelstein be drummed out of office for doing no more than speaking for the cause of moderation. With certitude focused like a laser, Napoli has apparently appointed himself the high inquisitor of the S.D. GOP.

The Democratic Party also contends with ideological divisions. Many Democrats support HB1215. Many more oppose it.

And after lengthy debate at our convention, we unanimously approved a resolution acknowledging that on issues of deep moral concern, the individual's conscience shall not be overridden by the political party agenda.

These events make it clear which political party will promote and protect my freedom on election day.

JUSTIN LENA
Chair, Pennington County Democrats
Rapid City
Posted by at

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

PenDemorandum for July 18

PenDemorandum for 07-18-2006
==============================
1. Calendar
2. The Office Still Needs Stuff
3. Pam Hemmingsen's website is up
 4. An Inconvenient Truth is here
==============================

1. Calendar         

2. Billion Office Shower Continues
Jack Billion's campaign and the PenDems are opening a shared office space at  629 Main St, Rapid City.  There is lots of room there, but we need stuff!   Please consider donating office items. Contact democrats@pendem.org if you have items and we'll pass the information on!
http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com/2006/07/billion-rapid-city-office-shower.html

 3. Pam Hemmingsen's website is up
Visit Pam's neat website for her District 32 House race:
http://pamhemmingsen.com
 But don't forget we have a whole slate of great candidates in Pennington County. Encourage and support one near you!
http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com/2006/06/pendem-slate.html

4. An Inconvenient Truth is here
Al Gore's movie, "An Inconvenient Truth" is playing at the Carmike 10. The movie, of course, is not about politics, it's about facing reality. Be sure and thank the Carmike 10 for showing such an important movie. See the Robbinsdale Radical's review, and more about the movie and project:
http://rr57701.blogspot.com/2006/07/inconvenient-truth.html
http://www.climatecrisis.net/
Showtimes: http://www.carmike.com/showtimes/dsp_showtimesdetail.aspx?theatrenumber=198990

_____________________
The PenDemorandum is a publication of the Pennington County Democratic Party, edited by Curtis Price.  Please forward it along to your friends! To comment, subscribe, or unsubscribe, email democrats@pendem.org or visit http://pendem.org.  The Pendemorandum is also posted on the web at http://penndemocrats.blogspot.com.
Posted by at

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Billion Office Shower Pix


The Billion office is located on 629 Main St, in Rapid City.


Lots of the powers that be were there! At left is Larry Mintzlaff, Dennis Finch (senate/33) (in the blue Finch for Senate shirt), and in shorts at the right is the very articulate Jeff Nelsen (house/33).


Suzan Nolan, Eric Abrahamson, and at right, Justin Lena.


Tom Katus, Chas Jewett, Eric Abrahamson


Sam Hurst (at right) talks politics with Lois Facer (at the "moderate left") and others.

If you have anything to donate to help put the office together, please email democrats@pendem.org—the office wish list is still posted.
Posted by at

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Legislative Candidates


Here is our slate of Democratic candidates in Pennington County for the November 2006 election.

Note that you can meet them by video online, courtesy of South Dakota Public Radio and AARP. And the Legislature tried to cut SDPB. We wonder why.

DISTRICT 30
  • Senate: Catherine Ratliff
  • House: Jerry Bloomer, Rick Hanson
DISTRICT 32
  • Senate: Tom Katus
  • House: Pam Hemmingsen
  • Suzan Nolan
DISTRICT 33
  • Senate: Dennis Finch
  • House: Jeff Nelsen, Paula Long Fox
DISTRICT 34
  • House: Justin Lena, Suzy Dennis
DISTRICT 35
  • Senate: Theresa Spry
  • House: Laurie Wudtke, John Buxcel (Independent, Dem affiliated)
Pennington County Commissioner


For more information on Pennington County Democrats, visit pendem.org
Posted by at

Friday, July 14, 2006

District 34

District 34 House candidates


Justin Lena, Suzy Dennis

Rapid City Weekly News: Four Vie for District 34 House Seats
Rapid City Journal: Four contend for seat in District 34

Justin Lena for House


I am running as a Democrat for the SD House District 34 to bring balance back to South Dakota government.

I stand by basic Democratic values:
  • Renewing our commitment to public education. Better-educated people get better paying jobs. We can preserve the American ladder of opportunity for South Dakota's kids by fully funding our schools.
  • Focusing more on public policy and less on legislating morality. Individual freedoms are threatened when government oversteps its authority.
  • Helping small business. I believe family farms and ranches drive Western South Dakota's economy. We can help small business by finding solutions to our health care crisis.
  • Ending one-party rule. Whenever one group has power too long, government gets out of balance; privilege becomes a substitute for sound reason and common sense.
  • Fostering individual freedom. As Chairman of the Pennington County Democrats I?ve been an outspoken advocate of accountability, fairness and individual freedom.

Lena with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Billion






Suzy Dennis for House



Suzy Dennis is running for the other House seat in 34. She, like Justin, is committed to creating a new dialogue in Pierre, and an end to dominating one-party rule. Suzy is a clinical supervisor for adolescent chemical dependency. She will strive to support strong, stable, and healthy families.




Suzy talks with Democracy in Action member Terry Whiting.
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District 35

District 35 Candidates

House: Laurie Wudtke, John Buxcel
Senate: Theresa Spry

Rapid City Journal: District 35
Rapid City Weekly News: Dist 35 Senate Race

Laurie Wudtke


Laurie, a mother and grandmother, is a tireless advocate for veterans. her priorities are to raise the minimum wage, remove the unfair food tax and obtain health coverage for the uninsured.

Laurie Wudtke for House

John Buxcel


John is a heavy equipment operator, outdoor enthusiast, and father of three sons. He will work for a living wage, affordable health care, and preservation of natural resources.





John (right) talks about this year's campaign at the Heritage Festival with Sen. George McGovern.


Theresa Spry for Senate


Spry says: "Our legislature appears to have lost its way. I want to be part of bringing our government back to reality and back to addressing the real issues, not someone else's agenda of extremism."

Spry was born in Rapid City. Raised as the child of an Army officer, who was serving in the SD National Guard when he was called to active duty. She was educated in Germany, Virginia, Chicago and Rapid City. She has raised her family and been employed here throughout most of her adult life. "I am Native American, Native South Dakotan, Native Rapid Citian, and proud of all three. I've chosen to live in Rapid City. I bring a diverse and broad foundation of experiences and perspectives. I want the opportunity to serve in the legislature to make this the place we choose to live, now and in the future," Spry said.

"Our legislature is full of well-meaning people," Spry continues. "But this year, not only did they decline to increase the minimum wage (again), but they refused to consider regulating the use of cell phones by teenage drivers because it would be to much 'government'. Yet they voted to impose their own morality on any and every pregnant woman in South Dakota, practically without regard to individual circumstances. It seems to me our 'ship of state' has been blown pretty far off course."

Spry's work experience includes 7 years as a Certified Family Planning Counselor. "I have tried to help families wrestle with some of the toughest choices imaginable," she said, "and no two cases are alike. What gives the legislature the right to impose its will on all of them and set a single policy for every case? I pledge that as Senator, I will give careful, fair-minded and respectful consideration to every person and every issue."

Spry has also spent 16 years working in Early Childhood Education, Nutrition, Home Liaison, Counseling Programs, a Substitute and in coordinating and providing Tutoring Programs. "I have seen first-hand the kinds of challenges our education system faces every day here and throughout the state. We keep hearing how important education is for our future and economic growth," she said, "but what has been accomplished? I will work to see that first-rate public education is adequately funded statewide, and that the formula for distribution of funding delivers a fair share to the Rapid City's schools."

Health care is another area of major concern, Spry said. "Too often, for too many South Dakotans, Emergency Room Care has become the clinic of last resort. We need to address gaps and shortages that exist in our health care delivery system and focus on maintaining a healthy population, instead of waiting until it may be too late. It just makes sense, and I know preventive care will be far less expensive than relying so heavily on emergency care. With our large aging population, we have ignored the real issues for the rural health challenges we face. " For the past 12 years, Spry is a Home Health Care Provider, including caring for her own quadriplegic son, Bill, who broke his neck in a swimming accident at Angustora. "We live the reality of health care in South Dakota," says Spry.

Spry and her husband have raised their family in the North Rapid home they have owned for 34 years, so they have seen what has happened to property taxes. "It just keeps getting tougher," she says. Concerning current proposals to address the situation, Spry says, "We don't need another band-aid fix. The system is flawed and needs to be thoroughly overhauled. When elected, I will sponsor legislation to impose a corporate income tax to be dedicated to reducing property taxes. It will not be additional revenue. Every penny will go towards reducing property taxes."

Spry, married to her husband, Jerry for 38 years, has five children ages 21 to 37 and five grandchildren. She is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Tetuwan Oyate. She has been committed in a life long effort to community service, including parent advisory councils, school programs, sports, arts, music, girls and boys clubs, Scouts, Community Action, Community Planning, Health Advisory Boards, Mayor's committees and political action. "I want your vote because I am experienced, reasonable, knowledgeable and capable of the job. Also, District 35 is very diverse. We are a citizens legislature and I believe our legislature should truly reflect our communities."

Theresa Spry for Senate
821 Halley Ave
Rapid City SD 57701
605-341-5497
spryforsenate.com
Posted by at

District 33



District 33 Candidates

House 33: Jeff Nelsen, Paula Long Fox
Senate 33: Dennis Finch

Rapid City Weekly News:
- Four Run for District 33 State House Seats
- Schmidt and Finch go head to head for District 33 Senate seat
Rapid City Journal: Candidates talk values in District 33 races

Jeff Nelsen for House



Jeff has spent most of his life in South Dakota, and he's lived in several parts of the State. He graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1968, and worked in several industries before moving to Rapid City in 1973 to build houses. He also sold cars for several years at Brekhus Honda, and raced weekly at the Black Hills Speedway for much of he '70s and '80s, first in 6-cylinder modifieds and then in sprint cards.

Jeff returned to school in 1988 at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he was involved in campus activities, and although he was 15 years older than most of this classmates (a "non-traditional student") he was elected president of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1991.

Jeff and his wife Karen moved to the suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul after graduation, where they both worked in enginnering. Jeff spent most of his career there building material-handling systems (conveyors, loaders, etc.) and he managed large manufacturing projects, including budget, personnel, manufacturing, layout, and installation. He and Karen missed South Dakota, though, and they moved back to Rapid City in late 2002. Jeff currently works at Dakota Craft, Inc. designing roof and floor systems for residential and commericial buildings.

Jeff has two grown children and two granddaughters.

Jeff feels strongly in the solid Democratic values, supporting education, healthcare and a living wage.

Nelsen for the House
Vicki Fisher, Treasurer
1800 Kings Road, Rapid City, SD 57702
email - jeff_n@rushmore.com

Paula Long Fox for House



Paula is a school counselor and teacher, and will use her training and experience in listening and arbitration to bring opposing sides to common agreements. Paul says, "Together, we can solve problems for all people."




That's Paula on the left, smiling with Rep. Herseth's staffer Lesley Kandaras

Dennis Finch for Senate



Dennis is an attorney, a small business owner, and former Secretary of Labor. He hwas bben married for 35 years. He advocates civil debate on education funding, economic developemment, and health care, and believes in less government interference in our lives.




Dennis (left) discusses what can be accomplished in Pierre next year with State Senate candidate Tom Katus.


Visit Dennis's website at http://finchforsenate.com
Posted by at

Sarge Preston


for Pennington County Commissioner




I am a fourth-generation South Dakotan and have lived in Pennington County for most of my life. My parents, Bud and Marguerite were teachers. My dad was also a dairy farmer, rancher, postmaster and a coach. I have two brothers and a sister. My brothers, sister and I are in partnership together with a buffalo ranch in Hermosa.

As a physician, I am very concerned about the health of our water in the Black Hills. Pollution of our aquifers and other sources of clean water is becoming a real problem. I will make this a priority. I envision a long-range blue print for the
Black Hills with the help of citizens and qualified community planners. I would like to see the Pennington County Commissioners look further into the future to ensure that we have the highest quality of life.

I graduated from Rapid City High School in 1967 and received a BA from the University of Utah in 1972. I then attended the USD School of Medicine graduating in 1983, followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. I operated my private medical practice in Hot Springs, SD from 1986-1989. Krista and I moved the practice to Rapid City in 1989 creating RapidCare Medical and Occupational Health Center.

As a Pennington County Commissioner, I will work for cooperation between the county and municipalities to promote reasonable, sustainable development. Due to the rapid growth of our region, there is a need to look closely at long-term
impacts on the environment and natural beauty of the Black Hills. Protecting
our natural resources, the right thing for the community as a whole, will promote
future economic development.

  • I will work for a healthy and plentiful
    water supply.
  • I will provide a balance of political viewpoints.
  • I will assist the Pennington County Commission with its budget priorities and strive to maintain fiscal discipline.
  • I will be approachable and will listen to the people in my district.
  • I will encourage vision for our future, which will secure our community's future quality of life.
  • I will fight against encroachment of
    government into our civil liberties and private lives.

Dr. Robert "Sarge" Preston For Pennington County Commissioner
22760 Stonemeadow Rd.
Rapid City, SD 57702
Email: Preston4penn@rushmore.com
Posted by at

Billion Rapid City Office Shower, Sunday

Billion for Governor
Rapid City West River office
Open House and Office Shower

Come by Sunday and enjoy coffee and desserts, and bring an item to donate!

Where: 629 Main Street, Rapid City
When: Sunday, July 16 from 4:00pm-6:00pm
What: Come check out the new office space and help us get to work.

Here's the list of items to needed for the campaign. The office is big enough for Pennington County Dems and candidates to come together and organize, but we need your help in making this space comfortable and efficient.

Wish List


Office supplies
Pens, pencils
Highlighters
Staplers and staples
Paper clips
3-hole punch
Copier Paper
Felt pens/permanent markers
File folders
Hanging file folders
Note pads
Post-it notes
Head sets for phones

Office furniture
(donations may be returned in November—so let us know if you would like the item back at that time.)
Desks
Chairs
Tables
Couch
Throw rugs
Lamps
Shelves
Refrigerator
Room dividers
Coffee maker/coffee filters
Drinking water/Culligan-type dispenser
South Dakota State flag
U.S. flag

Technology needs
Computer (new)
Printer (new)
Fax machine
Music

We do have a copier/printer on its way. We will be getting a couple of phones and a phone number (!) next week, and a larger phone system August 1st. (being donated by an attorney?s office in Sioux Falls.) Roger (Billion's tech guy) says that any donations of technology need to be new/almost new, so he can network the system here in RC.

SEE YOU ON SUNDAY!
Posted by at

District 30

District 30 Candidates

House: Jerry Bloomer, Rick Hanson
Senate: Catherine Ratliff

Rapid City Journal: District 30 races focus on schools

Jerry Bloomer



Jerry is a progressive candidate who wants to improve education, improve accessibility to health care, and promote jobs that pay a living wage.









Jerry Bloomer for SD House
2146 Minnekahta Ave
Hot Springs, SD 57747

Rick Hanson


I am from Custer and am a candidate for the State House of Representatives to represent District 30. I have been married over 21 years to my wife Barbara and we have three children, two daughters and a son.

I have worked construction and later managed a dive shop in Georgia and taught scuba diving before pursuing a degree and career in archaeology. I have worked for both federal and state agencies as an archaeologist, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Army, and the US Forest Service. I fought wildland fire and was a federal wildland firefighter until 2003. I have also worked for the State of South Dakota as an archaeologist and am currently employed by a contractor to provide archaeological services. I am still an active scuba diving instructor and have worked with a local community education program teaching a scuba diving class. In addition, I am a South Dakota resident producer licensed to write life and health insurance lines and will soon begin to work for a major insurance company.

I received a recommendation of my candidacy for election to the House by the South Dakota Education Association and an endorsement from Democracy in Action. I am involved in the South Dakota Democratic Party and have been the Custer County State Central Committeeman since 2003 and a member of the South Dakota Democratic Party Executive Board since 2004.

I believe sponsoring legislation such as House Bill 1215 (the abortion legislation) is none of my business or a legislator's business. I believe legislators have no business in South Dakotans' private lives. I think more legislation benefiting South Dakotans could have been accomplished during the latest legislative session if not for time taken up during the session by the HB 1215 piece of legislation.

If elected, I can work with Republicans and Independents. There are Republicans, Independents, and Democrats who want meaningful legislation passed. I will work together with them on real issues affecting South Dakotans.

I have been asking South Dakotans of all political affiliations in District 30 what issues they want to see addressed if I am elected to the legislature. Some of the issues are: affordable health care for all South Dakotans; meaningful education funding; ways to moderate rising property taxes; higher paying jobs; and some solution to the rising cost of gasoline and heating fuel.

I would appreciate your vote on November 7th. Thank you.

Rick Hanson

Rick Hanson for State House of Representatives
Barbara Hanson, Treasurer
1201 Bluebell Lane
Custer, SD 57730
rhanson@gwtc.net

Catherine Ratliff


I am a candidate for the SD Senate from District 30, which covers Fall River, Custer, and rural Pennington counties.

The most compelling reason for my candidacy is that our system of government is out of balance. We the people ? mainstream moderate Democrats, Republicans and Independents, and new registered voters need to shore up our system of checks and balances beginning in the legislature, where one party dominates both the State House and Senate, both in numbers and in practice.

Our American democratic system doesn't work when we're this far out of balance. The evidence - legislators this year intruded into individual rights and women's rights, and imposed one sect of one religion on government. They voted for secrecy in legislative meetings; at the same time they tried to slash funding for public broadcasting, which is by far the best source of information on the legislative process in Pierre. They voted against education, the means by which real democracy is maintained. Their extremism made South Dakota an object of national focus, and negative attention.

I believe that the SD legislature's most vital job is to invest in education. Further, I believe that public education and religion don't mix, although ethics is a proper subject to be integrated in the curriculum. However, ideas like intelligent design should be taught at home and in church, not in our public schools. We can look at Iran and see what happens when religion rules government and public education ? and women.

In accord with the high value we place on education, we will not casually close rural schools that are the heart of the community. Schools go hand-in-hand with hometown prosperity and quality of life. Therefore, we oppose the recommendations of the Education Task Force established by the 2004 legislature and handpicked by the current governor, to close all of our schools with fewer than 200 students--one-third of South Dakota's small-town schools.

To help individuals get on the right career path, improve their lives and also the productivity and profitability of small business and industry, we need a stronger emphasis on career counseling in our schools and for adults in transition. The U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Labor and other government agencies provide ample reports of industrial and labor force trends, and which jobs will provide the best benefits for SD workers. We need to emphasize getting that information to students of all ages who are contemplating further training and education.

We need to look at our spending priorities. Our tax dollars support too many prisoners, prisons and jails. We need to invest in people through education, "at the front end," instead of paying the costs after they get on a wrong path, resulting in an expensive waste of tax dollars and lost productivity.

Most urgent, after education, is equity in health care. Our state government, doctors and insurance companies, working cooperatively, are capable of figuring out how to bring health care to 90,000 uninsured South Dakotans and under-insured families, and how to staff rural clinics and reduce turnover of medical providers. Other states are working out innovative ways to provide universal health care within their boundaries. Their efforts provide a menu of models, a place to start when we begin formulating a system of health care. That system must include more reasonably priced pharmaceuticals. There is no excuse for a system that makes the uninsured and Medicare recipients the only persons required to pay full price for prescription drugs

I support a minimum wage that single parents can live on without having to take two and three jobs. But a stronger minimum wage is just a start. We need good jobs so our kids have a choice to live here, so it's not just a beautiful place to retire ? although undeniably, this is a great place for retirees. South Dakota is also a great place to raise kids; we have cultural diversity, diversity in the environment and recreation, but we need good schools to draw families here, keep families here, diversity in the job market, more career paths, and career counseling.

Energy, the environment, recreation and tourism, logging, mining and ranching are industries with many overlapping issues. We don't have to have a tug-of-war, winners and losers over these issues. Rather, we can and will approach the concerns of groups managing and competing for resources with creativity and respect, aiming for win-win solutions.

Relationships between state and tribal governments, between Caucasian and Lakota people must be supported because these intersect frequently in South Dakota; and ancient wounds and rifts cannot begin to heal until we both acknowledge ancient wrongs and respect the dignity and value the culture of every person today.

A more balanced legislature and a more respectful discourse are the starting points to our grand goals of greater prosperity, liberty and quality of life for all of our citizens.... A balanced legislature will not continue to throw us off course. We will take back South Dakota, and we will have a state that makes us proud.

About me personally, I have three sons, all of whom graduated from South Dakota colleges, and four grandchildren in Watertown and Sioux Falls.

My background includes a B.A. in English and Master's in Counseling & Human Resource Development from SDSU, and a Law Degree from USD. I have trained as a mediator and served as an officer of the SD Mediation Association. Currently I serve on the Southern Hills Alcohol and Drug Referral Center board, chair the Eagle Valley Landowners Association and Fall River County Democrats. Memberships include the South Dakota Bar Association, National Organization of Social Security Claim Representatives, National Board of Certified Counselors, Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU, Common Cause, and numerous human rights and environmental organizations. My law practice does federal court appeals for disabled people, winning economic support and necessary health care.

Ratliff for Senate
P.O. Box 844
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Phone: 605-745-4494
Email: bluestem@gwtc.net
ratliffecforsenate.org
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