President’s Report

Put the 2016 election in the books!

With such a full ballot in South Dakota this year, all of our communities are likely impacted in some way, shape or form. Whether you’re pleased with the outcome of the constitutional amendments, the referred laws, the initiated measures, or the people we elected as leaders, we should all be pleased that we live in a country that upholds the democratic process.

Former Governor Bill Janklow often talked about the peaceful transfer of power we enjoy in the United States. In some countries, new leadership is ushered in by armed guards and gunfire. In America, God willing, we do it with a handshake.

As we look back on the losses and gains of the 2016 election, let us appreciate the successful process that affords each and every one of our community members a voice.

Elections are busy and sometimes emotional times for local governments. Our city and county governments often work together for months to plan, execute and ultimately validate the results. These combined elections are a tremendous effort that require open communications, teamwork, and sharing of resources between local governments. Despite the work, the partnerships lead to an efficient and effective election process for our citizens.

If you participated in the election process this year, thank you! Democracy as we know it, wouldn’t exist without your work.

Laurie Gill President