Pennington County GOP urgently calls upon Governor Kristi Noem to fill the legislative vacancies of District 34 Representative and District 35 Senate seats to prevent citizens from being deprived of their right to representation.
Pennington County Republican Chair, Amy Wagner, expresses concern, as District 35 and District 34 are not totally represented going into the 2024 Legislative Session that started Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2024). Our State Motto: “Under God the People Rule” is not being upheld when the people of Pennington County are not represented. With the resignation of Jessica Castleberry, District 35 has been unrepresented in the South Dakota Senate for 144 days as of January 8, 2024. Jess Olson’s resignation leaves District 34 only half represented in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Is this really the time for waiting? I know of several good candidates who have applied for these positions. Three people that I personally recommended from these districts would have no conflict of interest, and would serve the people of these districts well.
Many in these districts are feeling frustrated and cheated. Pennington County GOP would like some answers and action for the people. Bills will be discussed and voted on soon and there is a lack of representation. This is an election year. If the people don’t like the choice they will have opportunity to vote in the primary in June. The time to take action on this issue is now, not after session is over.
The Pennington County GOP stands firm in its commitment to advocate for the voices of the citizens and ensure that our government is fully functional and representative. We urge Governor Noem to take immediate action to address these vacancies and dismiss any unfounded reasons for delay.
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