Letters

To the Editor:

VOTE NO

You may or may not be aware of four measures that will be in our November ballot. As an Edmunds County precinct committeeman, I feel it my duty to give you some insight. Let it be known that every one of these measures has been introduced by entities outside of this state. Allowing anyone of these measures to pass will change the dynamics of South Dakota.

Measure H Open Primaries – South Dakota hasn’t had an open primary since 1917. This measure would change our elections by allowing other parties to pick each other’s candidates.

RL21 – Summit CO2 pipeline. Whatever is said by the pundits or legislators, this is nothing but an eminent domain land grab. This pipeline is unsafe to the surrounding areas where it would be installed.

Measure G – Legalizing abortion. Abortion is not healthcare; it is not a right in our constitution, and it destroys our future generations. Sixty-six million plus so far!

Measure IM29 – Legalizing Marijuana for recreational purposes. If passed, it would turn this state into CO or CA. Crime will increase dramatically.

Tod Gohl, Ipswich

Letter to the Editor:

True or False – Fact Checking RL21

Referred Law 21 will be voted on next week and I want to set the record straight. First, let me say that we all have a voice, and I understand that not everyone approves of the carbon pipeline. For me, I am voting YES on RL21 for many good reasons.

The Benefits of RL21:

• RL21 provides tax relief to property owners as it requires the pipeline to pay $1 per linear foot to counties and can be used to provide financial assistance to schools, emergency responders, etc.

• RL21 removes any liability from the farmer whose land the pipeline is buried on and required additional burial depth of four-foot verses the standard three foot.

False Claims:

• RL21 does NOT mean the pipeline will not be built. In fact, a vote No on RL21, also known as the Landowner Bill of Rights, will remove the pipeline company’s accountability to landowners and the public.

• RL21 has nothing to do with Eminent Domain. Additionally, this vote makes no change to local control and counties continue to have a seat at the table just like they always have.

There are a lot of claims and mistruths swarming around about RL21. Regardless of whether you are a proponent or opponent of the pipeline, I urge you to do your research and understand what RL21 really means. Please don’t hurt the landowners who want this pipeline – RL21 is protection to landowners. Plain and simple. Vote Yes on RL21.

Brent Gabler, Faulkton

To the Editor:

The 2024 South Dakota Nurses Association Annual Convention was held in Yankton October 6-7.

The theme was “Nursing: Honoring the Past and Empowering the Future.”

“For the sick it is important to have the best,” Florence Nightingale (1820- 1910)

As nurses, we hold the crucial responsibility of being the voice for the future of healthcare. We must stand as strong patient advocates, dedicated to healing, promoting health and healthy behaviors, and preventing illness. Our role as trusted health resources empowers us to collaborate with state senators and representatives to ensure the continuation of holistic healthcare.

The American Nurses Association provides us with invaluable opportunities to champion causes such as safe staffing the prevention of workplace violence, and the elimination of mandatory overtime.

Teamwork is essential for nurses. Excellent communication and problem-solving are key components for delivering the highest quality of care. By workng together, we can lead the healthcare sector across generations, ensuring that our influence and dedication leave a lasting impact.

As nurses, we possess the power to make a significant difference. Let us embrace our roles with passion and commitment, and continue to be the driving force behind positive change in healthcare.

Nurses make a difference!

Barb Goehring, RN BSN, Mina