Democrat Jason Frerichs announces for State House
As I sit at my desk at home wondering if sick infants come with an off switch for both their runny noses and howls of displeasure, I see I got a press release from a new candidate.
Democrat Jason Frerichs, a man whose family has quite the history in the state legislature, including his Dad who was in Democratic Leadership, has announced his own bid for the State Legislature for District 1. From my e-mail box:
Frerichs Announces Democratic Candidacy for State House of Representatives
WILMOT – Jason Frerichs—farmer, teacher, and rural community leader—has announced his intention to represent District 1 in one of two seats in the South Dakota House of Representatives. According to Frerichs, his motivation for entering the race centers on the belief that “Education should be viewed as an investment in the future of our State, and not simply tagged as an expense.” He is running on the Democratic ticket.
Along with making investment in education a priority, Frerichs further believes that the state stands to benefit greatly in providing incentives for E85 blender pumps and community-based wind energy. All three are areas that, according to Frerichs, need to be facilitated through the legislature.
“Each day I drive from the farm to Lake Area Technical Institute on half E85 in my regular vehicle,” said Frerichs, “and after talking to a number of folks in District 1, I am of the shared belief that more South Dakotans should have the opportunity to utilize the hard work of our rural communities by being able to access an E85 blender pump.”
On wind energy, Jason contends that “Community investment and ownership of wind energy projects makes the most logical sense, as we can retain more of the profits locally through these types of projects.” Believing that the State can play a role to assist South Dakotans in creating a renewable, locally-profitable, and clean source of energy, Frerichs advocates for the creation of a South Dakota “Citizen’s State Investment Fund on Community Wind Energy” which would allow South Dakota citizens to invest in the creation of a local wind project. Depending upon its success, Frerichs believes that the “Fund” model could be expanded and available for other new homegrown renewable energy projects such as cellulosic ethanol.
Frerichs graduated Cum Laude from South Dakota State University with a bachelors degree in Agriculture Education. At SDSU, Jason discovered many opportunities to hone his leadership abilities while working with fellow students, faculty, and administration and community leaders.
Serving as President of the Roberts County Farmers Union since April 2005, Frerichs is most proud of working with ethanol champion Orrie Swayze to successfully pass an E85 blender pump resolution from the county level to the district, state, and ultimately, the national level where it passed unanimously at the National Farmers Union Convention.
Currently, Frerichs manages his cow/calf operation while farming with his brothers and father northwest of Wilmot. He also teaches agriculture education at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown and serves as the Watertown Area FFA Advisor. Public service runs deep in the Frerichs family history. Jason’s father Kent, served 14 years in the legislature; Jason’s maternal grandfather, Bert Ellingson, served 12 years in the legislature; and Jason’s paternal great-grandfather, Nels P. Christensen served 12 years in the legislature. Frerichs aspires to continue his own life of public service by staying true to both his forebears’ 38 year tradition of public service and the interests of the citizens of District 1.
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Comments
Jason is about 23-24 years old. I believe his father was quite young when he served in the legislature as well.
Jason is a fine young man, known to even associate with Repubs. As for the lens question, which is odd, their house is 20 yards off of the road – if you are on your way to Curt Whempner’s. If you’re heading for Wilmont, then it’s a 2 mile look-see to the north.
You don’t know me but your paternal great-grandfather was
the brother to my maternal grandfather. I was interested
in that side of my family and found this article. It is
great to see that you are following in the family ways!
My daughter is in grad school now following a career path
in politics too…it is her passion. Must be strong genes.
I would love to here from you and how your career is going.
By god Jason did a pretty good job, an i believe that most people appreciate his work and effort.
Congratulations Jason! It’s good to see young people continue to get involved in the process.