This week (Tues. and Wed.), a special South Dakota House of Representatives committee is considering the removal of state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. Yesterday’s (Dec. 28, 2021) meetings included several executive sessions. Part of today’s (Wed.) agenda includes time where the meeting is open to the media and the public.
John Tsitrian, is the co-publisher of the nonpartisan blog South Dakota Standard. He says the meetings themselves reveal transparency problems that, in his view, are too common in South Dakota state government.
“We just have to accept what’s going on behind closed doors, without getting the kind of information that would help us make decisions about whether these people are doing the right thing, the wrong thing, the political thing.”
Tsitrian says when voters head to the polls in 2022, they should do their best to research candidates and strongly consider those who detail plans for a more open government.
“That’s probably the most practical way for the public to approach it right now. And then, at some point, there probably could be a process where some entity takes a look at our existing transparency laws.”
In recent years, South Dakota has gotten low marks in national rankings for state government accountability and transparency.
Tsitrian also expressed nepotism concerns surrounding Governor Kristi Noem, and the recent handling of her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser’s license. Noem has denied any wrongdoing in the matter. Noem also has faced backlash over access to travel expenses for appearances in other states.
Calls for Ravnsborg’s removal began after he fatally struck a pedestrian in 2020, avoiding jail time through a plea deal. He contends the news media reported false claims about the incident. But, Noem and others have criticized the deal and demanded his removal.
AG Ravnsborg, should be treated as a normal person and not a”big wig”. If it were anyone else this would be all over with. He should not be in office now and seems to me that this is going on long enough that he will be in office until his term, is up. This has taken way to long. Remember who you vote for next time ,if something isn’t done with him. the poll that was taken showed that most were for him not to be in office!!!