At its May 18 meeting SDDIA-RC endorsed the following candidates based on responses to questionnaires. DIA members are encouragesd to work in these campaigns.
Ward 1 City Council: Patty Martinson •Download Patti's flyer and share.
Ward 3: Lori Litzen •Download Lori's flyer and share.
Ward 5: Bonny Petersen •Download Bonny's flyer and share.
For Pennington County Commission District 1: David Gray
•Download Dave's flyer and share.
Green Future Events and Earth Day at WDT showcased DIA interaction with with Green City Task Force
“Our Green Future” events at the Dahl offered both family fun and serious grass roots engagement about Rapid City’s future on March 20. RC Green Task Force Panel present exhibits and the work of 8 subcommittees (Education, Water, Recycling, Energy, Land Use, Transportation, Local Food, and Natural Assets –parks, wildlife, etc) and take public input. Members of the task force are Roger Hall, Eirik Heikes, Suzanne Martley, Jessica Miller, Timothy Roach, Cynthia Matson, Aaron Sanders.
A puppet show with Sue Hey and Leonard Running and Mollie O Krafka and Heather Krafka Rederth reading their “green” children’s book offered activites for kids. l Local high school students and Donna Robinson, Recycling Facilitator for the Rapid City Schools, plan displays and activities.
City Council member Patti Martinson was available for listening and conversation. Mayor Hanks made opening remarks. Snacks included cheese by Black Hills Milk, buffalo hors d'oeuvres by Jill Maguire of Wild Idea Buffalo Company and grass fed beef by 34Ranch Meats.
The Dahl presented a recycled art fashion show by Black Hills State University art students in cooperation with Fierce Modeling Agency, Planet Hair, Black Hills State University and the Rapid City Arts Council.
The March 20, 2010 forum was one of a three part series sponsored by the Dahl Arts Center and DIA.
At the Rapid City Home Show and again Earth Day at WDT, DIA members staffed the DIA booth on Recycling and Green City Task Force booths on Local Foods. Members moderated and participated in GCTF forums.
Download a poster of March 20 event here. Watch for future Green events.
SDDIA supports Recycle-Re-use
We advocate responsible environmental stewardship and our Position Statement on the Environment “supports mandatory recycling by residential, commercial, industrial and government entities.” Read the letter we sent July 2, 2009 to Public Works Director Robert Ellis, The Mayor and City Council members.
City, County and Rapid City School Board electionsIn advance of June 20 elections, DIA Legislative Committee send questionnaires to City Council and County Commission Candidates. The Legislative Committee may plan public forums for State Legislative and County Commission candidates before the General Election. In advance of June 2, 2008 Rapid City election, DIA hosted an online forum with City Council Candidates.
Area One: |
Greening Rapid City Free Public Forum
DIA-RC, in cooperation with The Journey Museum and other sponsors, hosted a public Greening Rapid City Forum at the Journey Museum on May 3. Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Growth Management Director Marcia Elkins and council members Aaron Costello, Karen Gunderson Olson, and Patti Martinson presented findings from the Green Cities Conference in Portland that they attended in mid-April. Displays by local "green" and recycling businesses and non-profits offered lots of re-use recycle information. All participants received Recycling in Rapid City-2009 edition.
The Greening Rapid City forum sponsor/exhibitors included Ace Steel and Recycling, A-Z Shredding, Inc., Computer Village, FourFront Design, Inc., Dioten Engineering, Interstate Batteries, iSoldIt/Micro Solutions, Lighting Maintenance, J Scull Construction, Karl’s TV and Appliance Inc, Kiefer Sanitation/Waste Connection, Office Depot, Habitat Re-Store, Rapid City Solid Waste Operations and SD Waste Management Association plus several local environmental groups.
DIA Women Running for Local Offices
Suzan Nolan elected to Rc School Board.
Patti Martinson elected to Rapid City Council. Congratulations, Patti!
Bernie [Bernadette] Usera elected to the Sturgis City Council. Congratulations, Bernie!
2007 Fall Event celebrates SDDIA as PAC and Organization
The political winds are blowing in some new directions. Women of the area, spouses and friends, celebrated a Democracy in Action Fund Raiser on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Journey Museum. Funds raised will finance support of SDDIA-endorsed Republican and Democratic candidates who back progressive issues. Funds will support education on 2008 ballot issues. If you wish to contribute to the SDDIA Political Action Committee, please make checks payable to Democracy in Action, P.O.Box 123, Rapid City, SD 57709.
Letter to Mayor Hanks
July 11, 2007
Dear Mayor Hanks:
Democracy in Action members congratulate you on your election as mayor.
Our organization has a strong interest in local government, and we would like to open discussions with you on how we can work together to address the following DIA environmental goals:
• Making recycling mandatory
• Protecting the Rapid Creek floodplain from future construction
• Using city rights to Rapid Creek water in lieu of pumping from underground aquifers
• Conserving water
• Working with the Pennington County Commission to address septic tank issues not covered by city ordinance
• Funding stormwater drainage and treatment appropriately
• Using city resources to support and promote the Farmers’ Market
• Addressing global warming by becoming a Cool City -- www.coolcities.us/
Democracy in Action is a local nonpartisan political action organization and PAC that promotes progressive values. We sponsor public forums, support candidates for political office, serve on boards and commissions, research issues, and provide information on public policy to our membership. We welcome opportunities to participate in city government and look forward to developing a productive working relationship with you.
Please contact me to discuss how we can work together on the above issues.
Sincerely yours,
Shirley Frederick, Coordinator, DIA E-group
Democracy in Action has taken the following position regarding Bear Butte:
Democracy in Action supports efforts to preserve Bear Butte and protect it from commercial encroachment because it is a significant sacred cultural site for indigenous people and an endangered National Historic Landmark for everyone.
Honoring Eleanor McGovern:
Democracy in Action made a memorial gift of $250 to George and Eleanor McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service in honor of Eleanor McGovern. Her exemplary life of leadership and public service, especially for women and children, inspires us all.
