Jackley Announces “Hometown South Dakota” Initiative

PIERRE, SD: While meeting with Chamber of Commerce groups at the capital Wednesday, Attorney General and Republican candidate for governor Marty Jackley unveiled a five-point Hometown South Dakota Initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s economy.

“Our South Dakota communities are like a circulatory system in which each town has an important role to play in giving the entire state life,” Jackley said. “After gathering input from civic and business leaders at the local level, we’re proud to release a plan to support opportunities in hometowns across South Dakota.”

The collaborative effort that produced the Hometown South Dakota Initiative is underscored by events like last week’s economic forum in Harrisburg, which Jackley said will be replicated in communities across the state in the coming months.

“It’s important that mayors have a seat at the table when discussing issues like infrastructure, workforce development and housing, and I welcome the idea of our next governor being a willing partner in that conversation,” said Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen.

The initiative proposes action in five areas that emphasize cooperation with local leadership:

1. Opportunity South Dakota: New and better jobs will be Jackley’s highest priority, and giving our youth the opportunity to stay here is the first step. By giving our young people the opportunities they need to remain in the state and aggressively recruiting employees in high-demand areas from outside the state, we can retain South Dakota’s best and close the worker shortage.
2. Fairness for Main Street: Our South Dakota businesses can compete with the best in the world, but they deserve a level playing field. Jackley is leading the fight for Main Street all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court with the South Dakota v. Wayfair case. A Supreme Court victory will bring millions in lost revenue back to the state.
3. Connecting South Dakota: We can unlock the incredible economic potential of all our communities by connecting our towns with the high-speed internet that the 21^st century economy requires. By partnering with institutions like SDSM&T, SDSU, and DSU that are developing cutting edge technologies in this space, we will modernize four areas of critical technological infrastructure: broadband access, education, telemedicine, and precision agriculture.
4. Governor’s Economic Roundtables: Strengthening our economy and creating better jobs requires a team effort from the state, local governments, educational institutions, and the private sector. In order to build a stronger partnership with communities, Jackley will commit to three annual roundtables: one each for mayors, county leaders, and businesses.
5. Revitalizing Housing and Infrastructure: During Jackley’s listening tours across the state, he has consistently heard about the need for a renewed focus on infrastructure and affordable housing. Both are vital components of growing our workforce, and Jackley will be a steadfast partner to local governments that are working with limited resources to build the roads, bridges, and housing units our citizens need to usher in a new era of economic growth.

“As governor, it will be my job to remember why I have two ears and one mouth,” Jackley said. “Our Hometown Initiative is not about telling communities what they need to do to improve. Rather, it is about listening to communities and understanding what I can do as governor to assist them with the necessary resources to grow and thrive.”

The policy initiative can be read in its entirety here: https://www.martyjackley.com/hometown-south-dakota-initiative/

Jackley will be available for press interviews during the day.

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From Facebook:

By the looks of it, apparently former US Senate Candidate Dr. Annette Bosworth has a new book out. And depending how you look at it, it either has an unfortunate…  or pretty versatile title:

I’m sure she could use “ANY WAY YOU CAN” as the title of a other books she could author.

Such as a book on fundraising for your legal defense…

or perhaps how to get on the ballot….
I’m just going to stop right there.

If I said that the incoming freshman class of Republican legislative candidates is darned impressive, I don’t think I’d be contradicted in that statement.

Republicans can point to at least three candidates running for the House of Representatives who have earned or are earning the title of ‘Doctor’ in their studies across a diverse range of disciplines. And if they’re successful in their campaigns, they will be bringing that talent and knowledge to the House Republican Caucus in January of 2019.

Dr. Paul Miskimins of Mitchell just filed his papers to run as a Republican for the House in Legislative District 20.

Miskimins received his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from the University of South Dakota and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. If successful, he would be the second Dentist in the State House, joining Dr. Leslie Heinemann of Flandreau.

Scyller Borglum of Rapid City has a surname that’s synonymous with the Black Hills region, and in addition to sharing a name with the carver of Mt. Rushmore, the professional background of this District 32 House Candidate has a similar association with rocks.

Because in addition to her work in the private sector, she’s graduating in May with Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.  And to that impressive degree you can add her previous work earning a Masters of Science in Petroleum Engineering, a Masters of Theological Studies, and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.

We also have Dr. Tamera Enalls of Sioux Falls joining the list, as she’s soon going to be officially announcing her candidacy for the House as a Republican in District 25.   Tammy, a Sioux Falls businesswoman, has her Doctor of Management, and is a published author & international speaker.

She was an author of 1994 Federal Crime Bill reform provisions and has been contributing to policy reform for the National Diversity Coalition at President Trump’s request.   She just missed being elected to the Sioux Falls City Council in 2016 as a first-time candidate by only 40 votes, so she’s energized to give campaigning another go.

And let me close this out by noting there will be another candidate with Dr. in front of their name announcing for the House later this week, but I can’t say who yet. Let’s just say we’ve heard his name before, and he’s going to be an energetic campaigner.

The best part – the GOP isn’t done yet. There are more great candidates coming!

Keep your browser bookmarked here and stay tuned!

From Facebook:

Noem: NRA is Welcome to South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, SD — Kristi Noem today released the following statement in the wake of the Dallas, Texas, Mayor Pro Tem asking the NRA to relocate their convention:

“The NRA would be welcome to South Dakota. We understand the freedoms and liberties that come with defending our Second Amendment, how it allows us to protect our families and carry on South Dakota’s cherished hunting traditions. Especially after a successful Pheasant Fest and Stock Show, South Dakota is ready, and we would be proud to celebrate those freedoms and traditions as host of the NRA Convention.”

Noem, who is a lifetime member of the NRA and once owned a hunting lodge in northeast South Dakota, has been a proud defender of the Second Amendment. Most recently, Noem led the U.S. House in passing national concealed carry legislation.

From Facebook this morning:

Noem Campaign Kickoff Continues in Rapid City, Sturgis Wednesday

Rapid City, S.D. – Kristi Noem will be in Rapid City and Sturgis on Wednesday, February 21, as part of her statewide campaign kickoff tour. During the tour, Noem will host events in rural Hamlin County, Pierre, Rapid City, Sturgis, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Yankton, Vermillion and Mitchell.

WHAT: Noem to Host Meet and Greet in Sturgis
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21 – 11:45AM (MT)
WHERE: Belle Joli Winery (3951 Vanocker Canyon Road, Sturgis)

WHAT: Noem to Host Tourism Listening Session in Rapid City
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21 – 2:00PM (MT)
WHERE: Black Hills Visitor Information Center (1851 Discovery Circle, Rapid City)

WHAT: Noem to Open West River Campaign Headquarters
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21 – 5:00PM (MT)
WHERE: Kristi for Governor West River Campaign Headquarters (1739 W Main Street, Rapid City)

A group appears to have formed out west – the SD Voices for Peaceful Justice & Diversity – and is actively promoting an upcoming anti-sharia law event coming on April 6th at the Alex Johnson in Rapid City, similar to events that have taken place in Aberdeen.

Curiously, the group seems to be trying to co-opt the name of the Sioux Falls groups calling themselves “South Dakota Voices for Peace” and “South Dakota Voices for Justice.”

And while it has no immediate organization or contact information available, one of the few people noting as attending at this early date is Ed Randazzo, who is affiliated with the Family Heritage Alliance group.  Ed comments below, and it’s not him, so the mystery continues.

Tapio Challenges Candidates, Elected Leaders to Speak Frankly About Refugee Resettlement, Islamic Terror

(Tuesday, February 19, 2018) With a looming showdown over the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program scheduled for Wednesday’s Senate State Affairs Committee in Pierre, congressional candidate and Watertown State Senator Neal Tapio is issuing a challenge to every elected leader and political candidate in South Dakota: Find the courage to have an open and honest dialogue about Islamic terrorism and the statistical reality of incidental violence and terrorist threat presented by Islamic refugee populations in the United States.

“The time is long past when we can allow our elected leaders to hide behind the comfortable, politically correct language that refuses to even utter the phrase, “Islamic terrorism,” Tapio said.

“I call on every candidate for Attorney General, Governor and Congress to publicly support or reject SB 200,” Tapio said.

“Tell us whether or not you think the refugee resettlement program is safe. Tell the citizens of South Dakota if you agree with Governor Daugaard that those concerned about islamic terrorism and refugee resettlements from terror prone counties are just fear mongers, as Governor Daugaard says. Be specific. Tell the people of South Dakota whether or not you think Somali violence and terrorism is a real threat that should be addressed.” Tapio said.

“We live in challenging times. This is not the time for weak politicians to run for office avoiding the real issues, offering platitudes and throwing out breath mints. Those days are over. The issues are too large and complex and the solutions are too complicated and controversial for politics as usual. We need leaders to take a stand, not politicians that take a poll. The people just want to know what you really think.”

Tapio’s bill, Senate Bill 200, would immediately end all forced refugee resettlement in South Dakota from the five nations listed in President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Proponents call it a much needed response to stemming the tide of Islamic immigration to the United States and the risk that concentrated Muslim communities become hotbeds of radicalized Islamic practice and thought and potential incubators for sleeper cell terrorism on American soil.

To underscore the necessity of decisive action to end forced refugee resettlement in America, Tapio will be joined in committee testimony by an impressive lineup of national security and policy experts who will offerstatistical analysis of the criminal activity, propensity for terrorism radicalization and social and economic costs shouldered by communities and states where large refugee populations are proving incapable of peacefully and safely assimilating into the general population. Tapio sees it as a clear line of demarcation on a crucially sensitive matter of national destiny.

“Wednesday’s hearing on my bill to end refugee resettlement in South Dakota (SB 200) will expose the fraudsters, the cowards and the pretenders in this debate, who are not only unwilling to speak openly about the threats facing our nation, but are also helping each other profit politically and corporately by their acceptance of horrible program and policy,” Tapio said.