Let's change our focus to what's right with Rapid City

It has been an honor for me to serve as your mayor for the past four years. Working together, we've created 3,000 new jobs, seen more than $700 million in new construction, helped revitalize the downtown area, and we've done it all with a balanced budget and property-tax levies at an all-time low. But there is still much work to be done.

That's why I would like to continue in the mayor's office for the next two years. Some people say it's time for a change, and I agree. Instead of my opponents talking about what is wrong with Rapid City, let's change the discussion to what's right with Rapid City.

There is too much negativity from others in this campaign, and that's unfortunate, but let's remember how well things are going in our community. Rapid City is a great place with great people and a promising future. I ask for your vote in the June 5 election. Let's continue working together to make Rapid City even better for everyone. Thank you.

JIM SHAW

Rapid City

Hadcock has been dedicated to residents of Ward 2

Deb Hadcock has represented Ward 2 of Rapid City and the Rapid City community with vigor, knowledge and selfless dedication. She has no agenda other than to serve. She initiated a Ward 2 neighborhood meeting. She initiated a clean-up campaign and physically and personally joined in the cleanup. She is available to those who have individual concerns.

Deb is not beholden to contributors and those who do contribute know that.

During county commission meetings, she was frequently there, helpful and learning what the county government is about, realizing, as I have often stated, if you live in Rapid City you also live in Pennington County.

I'm proud to call her my friend and my council representative, and our household is in support of Deb Hadcock.

DELORES COFFING

Rapid City

Hanks has plan for city, experience and character

There needs to be some changes made in Rapid City and it starts with electing a new mayor. That's why I'll be voting for Alan Hanks on June 5.

Alan is both a friend and a former colleague on the planning commission. However, my reasons for voting for him go beyond our friendship. Alan has a real plan for our city, the experience to make it happen and the character to see it through. He will bring common sense fiscal management back to City Hall.

He will start by looking for solutions to stop the exploding cost overruns for civic center expansion, ensure TIFs are not being over-used at the expense of taxpayers and better manage 2012 funds by focusing on basic needs like drinking water and adequate storm sewers.

With nearly 25 years as a business owner and a degree in business administration, Alan has the first-hand management experience to make these changes happen. Then add the leadership he displayed in the six years he was on the city council, we have what we need for a new mayor.

Vote Alan Hanks for mayor.

JOHN HERR

Rapid City

Kooiker would serve all citizens, not just select few

I would like to urge everyone to get out and vote on June 5 for Sam Kooiker. I had the pleasure of meeting Sam in 2004 after our home was flooded due to construction the city was doing behind our home. After many attempts to contact the mayor and my aldermen, with no response, I went to a city council meeting to address them and the situation they left me in. After viewing the videotape of the flooding, Mr. Kooiker contacted me and was instrumental in getting the issue resolved.

As a Native American, I found Sam to be concerned for my family's welfare regardless of my race. I believe Sam is the most qualified because of his education in public administration and his work experience. His open government platform is the type of new leadership Rapid City needs. It is time to bring the public's business out in the open, not behind closed doors in executive sessions. The mayor's office needs to serve all the citizens of Rapid City, not just a select few.

Please check out his Web site, www.samkooiker.com, to see his qualifications. Then make the right choice for Rapid City and vote for Sam!

MARY ALICE NOBLE

Rapid City

Hadcock professional, has tireless work ethic

I live in Ward 2 and Deb Hadcock is my voice on city council. Besides Deb being a warm and engaging representative, I know her on a professional level as well. I work with Deb on a daily basis and see first-hand her tireless work ethic. While she keeps a full schedule at work, Deb still manages to scoot to numerous committee meetings. Deb also attends many meetings voluntarily, because she cares and wants to ensure that the entire process is fair and complete.

Though her phone rings constantly, Deb cheerfully answers the questions and concerns of her constituents. She treats everyone fairly, from business owners to city employees to the common person on the street. Deb is there for us, bringing her passion, knowledge and dedication to every issue.

Deb responds with truth and a vitality rarely seen in a public official. She is a great asset to this community and deserves your vote in June.

Please join me in voting for Deb Hadcock, Ward 2 Rapid City Council and keep her voice representing us.

BROOKE HERSHFELDT

Rapid City

Weifenbach has proven record in community

Vote Ron Weifenbach for Ward 1 Rapid City Council. I have had the opportunity to know Ron both as a friend and business associate. We have also coached youth sports together.

Ron has a proven track record of giving to the community. He has the leadership skills and the ability to get things done. Ron is also a good family man and would represent Ward 1 in the same manner. Please vote for Ron Weifenbach for Ward 1 city council.

STEVE HUGHES

Rapid City

Look at positive vs. negative in candidates

It's city election time. I vote for candidates with a proven record and positive campaigns. Let's look at positive vs. negative:

Ward 2, Deb Hadcock: two years hardworking experience, serves on committees that manage water, sewer and streets. Trolleys and upgrading Christmas decorations at no cost to city. Positive campaign, good choice. Steve Laurenti: No experience, campaigns by knocking Hadcock and trolleys. Negative campaign, not my choice.

Ward 5: Bob Hurlbut: three years experience, one by appointment, proving to be an intelligent alderman, we need more like him.

Mayor: Alan Hanks, willing to leave Legislature if elected. I question if elected mayor, would he leave before completing term if a better offer appeared? Negative campaign with mailing showing uncompleted civic center construction on a Sunday. (no workers in picture.) What is his point? Is he knocking the entire council? Negative campaign, not my choice. Tom Johnson: working man with 13 years council experience, supports Smart Growth (which includes infrastructure), supports Best Value Contracting for municipal projects, fiscally conservative. Tom served as mayor during Shaw's illness at time of possible base closure. Tom has experience for the job, and it's a job that can't afford "on the job training." Running a positive campaign! Johnson has my vote.

RICK LIVESEY

Rapid City

Kooiker committed to being a watchdog

In the past five years, Sam Kooiker has been doing an excellent job of representing Ward 2 on the council. He quickly responds to all calls regardless of whether the caller is in his ward or not and takes immediate steps to resolve the problem.

Sam is an honest and sincere person and will be financially responsible with our tax dollars. He is committed to being the watchdog we need at City Hall!

Having served five years on the council, he is well aware of what goes on at City Hall and with his degree in public administration - he has the qualifications to serve as Mayor of Rapid City.

It is time for a change at City Hall-and Sam is the man. I encourage you to vote for Sam Kooiker for Mayor of Rapid City.

TWYLAH LUEDTKE

Rapid City

Angles don't add up for election day

Various topics just aren't adding up correctly when we are talking or thinking about mayoral candidates. I think I need a personality transplant to figure out all the angles that make figures add correctly.

I might remind all readers of the headlines in the Journal the past couple days in regard to the proposal for the 15-story mixed-use building between Fifth and Sixth streets. Tuesday's headline read "Negativity" topples Rushmont, and on Wednesday, the headline said "Rushmont project to proceed." So, in all honesty, it appears this project might be dividing voters on election day, so maybe the next mayor might be the deciding factor.

The other big issue of the candidates seems to be PAC contributions, so we wonder if the city council really runs the show or do big money, politics and power make some of the decisions?

I know I am looking for a candidate who knows what a dollar is worth and will spend our tax money wisely, one who is honest and who has a lot of common sense.

We all know the old adage "God Bless America," and we better add "God Bless Rapid City" on election day.

MELVIN D. PARLET

Rapid City

Kooiker champions taxpayers over interests

Sam Kooiker (pronounced Quaker) will be a good mayor. The main reason you should vote for him is: He cannot be bought by big money.

Rapid City has a true champion working for them, not just at election time but all the time.

Sam Kooiker took on the big money boys when he literally exposed the sneaky scheme to lease/lease back the sewer treatment plant. Despite all those people on the city council and others who thought it was a good idea to turn the sewer treatment plant over to some untouchable group outside the country, Sam stepped up to the plate for taxpayers. Saying "No" to another backroom deal that would hurt Rapid City taxpayers.

Sam used his own money and time to contact a congressman who was working to halt these types of schemes selling or leasing city utilities including sewer treatment plants. Sam didn't form task forces or say "there's nothing I can do." Sam Kooiker made you, the taxpayer, his special interest by saving you from another miserable boondoggle that you would be locked into paying for 99 years.

That's what I call leadership!!! Vote Sam Kooiker. It's The Right Thing To Do!

PEGGY NAPOLI

Rapid City

Hanks outshines others as a leader

This election, I am voting for someone who has already demonstrated he will make a successful mayor.

Alan Hanks outshines all of the candidates in terms of proven leadership. Alan has all the tools we need in a new mayor with 25 years of business experience and a degree in business administration from USD. He was elected to three terms to the Rapid City Council and served as its president before being elected to the state Legislature.

Alan has also served on a number of state and local committees, consistently improving the lives of those he represents. This proven leadership is the refreshing change we need in City Hall.

Vote Alan Hanks for mayor on June 5.

BOB BRANDT

Rapid City

Laurenti has what it takes for Rapid City

Steve Laurenti, a native and graduate from Black Hills State University, has a much better understanding of what it will take to make Rapid City a stronger and better community than his opponent, Deb Hadcock.

Being a BHSU graduate himself, Steve understands the struggles one has to go through in order to want to stay in this area and raise a family. Instead of focusing on trolley cars, removing bus benches for those who need and use them, tracking down people who have an opposing opinion and voting for skyboxes that will only benefit the little few in Rapid City, Steve's primary interests lay in identifying and implementing sound projects that will keep our downtown area prosperous, water management, better streets, building a safer community and attracting those businesses that will keep our college graduates here!

Steve's an honest, business-educated and credible individual. Do what's best for Ward 2 and Rapid City as a whole-vote for Steve on June 5th.

JULIE SMITH

Rapid City

After reading Hanks' plans, I'll vote for him

I don't personally know Alan Hanks, but after reading about his plans for Rapid City, listening to him speak and hearing how much others respect him, I am going to vote for him as mayor on June 5.

Alan seems to be a sincere and hardworking person. He has dedicated the last 10 years to our community by serving on the Rapid City Council and state Legislature, as well as numerous other boards. His leadership is apparent; he was quickly elected by his peers to higher positions and important committees, such as city council president and chairman of the House Committee on Local Government. Alan is a highly respected man who would serve Rapid City well.

Please vote for Alan Hanks for mayor.

CAROL CARLSON

Rapid City

Hanks will take charge, find solutions

I have had enough of the finger pointing and blame game that's going on in this town. It's not getting us anywhere. We need someone to step up, take charge and find solutions to the problems we're facing. I know Alan Hanks can do that for us.

Alan doesn't spend his time criticizing what's wrong; he spends his time finding ways to fix it.

He will to find a way get to the bottom of the civic center expansion mess and make sure it doesn't happen again. He will fix our storm sewers and find a solution to Jackson Springs water gallery, which is one of Rapid City's major drinking water sources that was shut down by the EPA almost a year ago. Most importantly, Alan's going to listen to the concerns of people like you and me.

I'm voting for Alan Hanks on June 5 and I hope you will as well.

DR. JEFF BURNS

Rapid City

Laurenti's integrity, humor are great assets

If you live in Ward 2, we urge you to vote for Steve Laurenti for Rapid City Council. We have known him for many years and his stand on the issues, his integrity and his sense of humor will be a great asset to our city's government.

He is a leader, one who will make decisions for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over Rapid City. We live in a wonderful place and great leadership can help make it even better. Vote for Steve Laurenti.

RYAN and GLYNIS BECKER

Rapid City

Johnson won't need on-the-job training

Tom Johnson is getting my vote for mayor and support in ways that I can. I urge everyone else to do the same. Vote for Tom because because he has the experience of handling city government, leadership experience and experience at keeping government transparent.

In the race for mayor I don't know all of the candidates, but of the ones I do know they are good people. All candidates have negatives of some sort. Tearing down another person is easy, but speaking highly of one is the road less traveled. I believe after the election, everyone will need to work together for the best of Rapid City.

I'm supporting Tom because he's above the others. I've known him since the mid '80s by working on both sides of the labor-management table and he is fair. He's a 13-year council member veteran, with good experience that other council members look to for leadership. He's been acting mayor in the current mayor's absence and president of the city council.

Voting for Tom Johnson for mayor on June 5 is a vote for good and fair common sense experience, good and fair leadership, and you get someone who doesn't need on-the-job training.

RITCHIE L. NORDSTROM

Rapid City

Kooiker believes in fair treatment

Sam Kooiker is extremely trust worthy, approachable, personable and very generous with his time. He responds immediately and follows up. Fair and just treatment is what he believes in.

Sam's purpose in city government is to make life better for all citizens of Rapid City and he is not there inflating his ego, as do patent leather politicians. Sam checks back with his constituents and shows he cares and fights to the finish for what is right.

He does what he says he is going to do. He vigorously advocates for those with disabilities and those shortchanged by the system. Sam will be a great mayor representing both nations of the community.

Sam has contributed much in the time he has been in public service. His decision-making is very well thought out. He is one of those who will be remembered in years to come.

I am glad to know him and I regard him as a good friend as well as public servant. I back Sam 100 percent and I think everyone ought to. He has advocated for Rapid City in very important issues as alderman. He will make an excellent mayor. Vote for Sam.

MICHAEL BRENNAN

Rapid City

Hadcock, Shaw came through in prison fight

This past winter, our neighborhood fought a tough fight to keep a prison for up to 300 prisoners out of our low-income, small, owner-occupied neighborhood. We won with the help of Deb Hadcock and Mayor Shaw.

Tom Johnson, our elected official, didn't return the homeowner calls, did not attend meetings, did not make public statements, nor did he even look at the physical placement of the proposed prison and how it would not border Creek Drive but border Ash Avenue.

Thanks to the advice and the action of Deb Hadcock and Mayor Shaw, we now have a prison site located in the dump buffer zone for the sum of $1. The proposed Ash Avenue site was priced at $500,000. There are now 499,999 reasons to vote where your pocketbook is. Deb Hadcock and Mayor Shaw are two common folk we need in this city. Politics are not always perfect, but you sure know when when you have a bona fide ally and when you have a politician. The ally will call back and the politician call and ask who called.

BARBARA VAN EKEREN

Rapid City

Sam Kooiker should be our next mayor

Sen. Bill Napoli and I are far apart on many issues, but we are united in enthusiastically supporting Sam's candidacy. The fact that such divergent personalities as Sen. Napoli and I can agree upon Sam as our choice speaks volumes about Sam's ability to bridge differences and to forge consensus for constructive change.

I like Jim Shaw a lot. He deserves thanks and respect for the many contributions he has made to our community, but he no longer deserves our vote. He has made serious blunders that have shaken the confidence voters and taxpayers have placed in him. His revival of Richard Nixon's campaign slogan, "Now more than ever," rings hollow. A better slogan today is "It's time for a change."

Sam Kooiker will bring open government and a new attitude to City Hall. I am proud to join Sen. Napoli in supporting him.

DON FRANKENFELD

Rapid City

Hargens unflappable, has multiple skills

Rapid City has the opportunity to elect an expert problem solver, Gary Hargens, as mayor. I have worked with Gary as a volunteer at The Journey Museum for 10 years.

Beneath Gary's quiet, humorous, unassuming manner lies someone with wide experience and mastery of multiple skills. He is unflappable and a great listener. He has seen first-hand a variety of effective and ineffective ways to run a public institution.

Sensitive to issues impacting all our citizens, not just power wielders, he brings deep understanding of the inequities among our citizens. Gary is a musician and comfortable with public relations and appearances. As a performer and museum engineer, he knows well the importance of culture and the arts.

He will promote development in Rapid City that attracts both tourists and businesses whose employees seek quality of life. Preserving open, green space - as demonstrated by the magnificent gardens surrounding The Journey - is also important to Gary.

When he refused my campaign contribution, I thought "this guy isn't serious." Now I understand that a person who is campaigning without others' dollars will be very careful with dollars that belong to all of us. Vote for a problem solver. Vote "Hargens for mayor."

KAREN MILLER

Rapid City

Kooiker is a leader, able to lead city

There is a saying: "A man who knows, and knows that he knows, he is a leader … follow him." Sam Kooiker is that kind of man, and a top choice to lead our proud city. Need I say more?

DELLA COLMAN

Rapid City

Hanks a natural choice for mayor

Alan Hanks is a friend and a man I have great faith in. He is honest, an excellent listener, intelligent and extremely hard-working. These are all qualities that make a great leader. For the preservation of Rapid City's future, I think our city deserves the kind of leadership that Alan can bring to the table as the next mayor of Rapid City.

Alan thinks when he makes decisions. He thinks about the interests of the people he represents and how it will affect their present and change their future. Alan keeps an open mind and uses all of his vast experience when making choices. He draws on his 25 years of real-world business experience, 10 years of political service, educational background in business administration and the opinions of those around him to make thoughtful, progressive conclusions.

Alan is by far the most qualified candidate and the only candidate running for mayor that is being supported by those who he has served with. I strongly urge your support of Alan Hanks for mayor on June 5th.

NANCY JENSEN

Rapid City

As alderman, Johnson voted to raise taxes

The following statement is from Tom Johnson's campaign announcement in 2004:

Johnson supports a repeal of sales tax on food. He said the city doesn't need to tax food to provide necessary services or expand the community, and that, if elected, he would hold the line on taxes. "This is a new tax, and one Rapid City could have operated without. After sitting through 10 years of city budget hearings, I know Rapid City did not need to increase our taxes," he said. (Rapid City Journal, May 19, 2004).

Provide necessary services and expand the community, without raising taxes. That sounds good, just what voters like to hear, right? Too bad that's not how the story ends.

The first thing Tom Johnson did after being elected in 2004 was to propose a tax increase. Ordinance No. 5019 was seconded by Tom Johnson and passed first reading Jan. 17, 2005, barely six months after being elected. Alderman Johnson takes full credit for bringing this tax increase forward in the minutes of the Jan. 18, 2006, informational meeting. This same alderman who lied to you and voted to raise your taxes is now running for mayor. Show him the door. I'm not confused.

RICK KRIEBEL

Rapid City

Laurenti needs to wait and challenge Kooiker

I was at the North Rapid Civic Association Candidates Forum last night (May 24). Mr. Laurenti talks more like Deb Hadcock than Sam Kooiker. He needs to wait until next year and run against Mr. Kooiker. Then Ward 2 will have two council people who walk the walk and not just talk.

I heard many people say this same thing. Vote for Deb Hadcock.

ALICE McCOY

Rapid City

Laurenti has concerns about infrastructure

We are supporting Steve Laurenti for city council. We are fairly new residents to Rapid City, and we are surprised at the divisiveness with the current city council.

We spoke with Steve Laurenti, and he is definitely concerned about the direction the city council has gone with our infrastructure. We couldn't agree with him more, because the person he is running against voted for those skyboxes in the civic center. We heard they cost something like $4 million to be added to the expansion. How many roads and sewer systems would be fixed sooner if that money was spent on those things instead? It's very clear to us, after talking to Steve Laurenti, that he is the most qualified candidate in Ward 2. Please vote for him. Steve Laurenti will be a much more effective representative and leader for everyone.

WAYNE and KARMEN

JOHNSON

Rapid City

Weifenbach has right experience, family life

I am proud to see my friend Ron Weifenbach running for city council. I have often seen Ron take a sincere interest in the needs of people around him and in our community. Ron's experience in business and family life are assets we can never have too much of in our elected officials. Ron Weifenbach is someone we will be proud to have as a city councilman. Vote for Ron Weifenbach, and your voice will be heard.

STEVE HOWARD

Rapid City