Fred McPherson of rural Sturgis has announced his candidacy for the District 29 South Dakota House of Representatives seat.

McPherson will face fellow Democrat Bob Burns and Republicans Dean Wink and Thomas J. Brunner. The four will vie for two seats.

McPherson is a fourth-generation rancher. He worked in manufacturing for more than 20 years and is a lifelong resident of District 29.

McPherson and his wife, Rhonda, have been married for 33 years. Together, they have raised four children.

In 1981, McPherson was employed full time by a livestock feed manufacturer while also ranching full time. He said that during his 20-year career, he worked his way from laborer to a management position.

"That experience helped educate me about the issues facing folks living from paycheck to paycheck, and my ranching background certainly illustrated what it is like to receive one paycheck per year," he said.

McPherson said he understands that things must change in Pierre, and he has the vision to do so.

"I believe that taxation is one of the very important issues facing South Dakota, and the $25.7 million shortfall indicates the current system is not working," he said.

McPherson said education is another issue that should be addressed.

"The current Legislature feels that education is being funded properly, but I believe that the current lawsuit would indicate this belief is dead wrong," he said.

McPherson said he is passionate about the need to develop of alternative energy within the state. He said he believes that South Dakota could be the leader in this area as well as provide economic benefits and income opportunities for the state in the process.

Also, health care is a serious issue facing many Americans, and McPherson said he believes that South Dakota could take the lead in that area, as well.

"While establishing a health care program within the state, which would assist every citizen, regardless of income, South Dakota would lead the entire nation toward a more cost-effective system," he said.