Dem, GOP leaders make their best cases

Posted on Nov 08, 2016
 

Democrat Billie Sutton and Republican Mark Mickelson in the South Dakota state legislature argued for voter support of their respective party tickets in a moderated discussion at the Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls meeting Monday, November 7, the day before the general election.

 
Program Highlights:
  • Jack Marsh moderated the discussion
  • Each candidate was asked to state what they thought of each other:  Sen. Sutton stated Rep. Mickelson is a bridge builder between factions and party lines; Rep. Mickelson stated Sen. Sutton is a good communicator and you can trust what he says.
  • Both candidates state they fight for people who don't have a voice and they fight for quality education.
  • When asked, Sen. Sutton does not vote straight party ticket and says checks and balances are needed.  Rep. Mickelson does advocate straight ticket voting to preserve conservative policies and limited government in SD.
  • Medicaid expansion in SD will be a hot ticket in the legislature this year.  It was thought Democrats will vote yes and the Republican vote will be split.
Next Week’s Program:
Tracy Vik, Principal Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School —Just What Exactly is Spanish Immersion?
 
November 7, 2016 meeting attendance:
  • 109 out of 306 or 36%
  • 60 out of 101 Rotarian in attendance were Paul Harris Fellows or 59%
  • Also present were:  35 Guests; 2 Roaming Rotarians; 3 Visiting Rotarians; 3 Junior Rotarians; 2 news media persons