Unprecedented number of Native American women running in Rapid City, SD municipal election

[RandySF]

An unprecedented number of Native American women are running for office in the Rapid City municipal election in June.

Saying that the city council ought to better reflect the people it represents, four of them officially announced their candidacy Thursday in front of the city administration in downtown Rapid City.

"I am running because I think everyone deserves a voice at the table," said Cante Heart, who is running for a council seat in Ward 5.

With Rosebud Sioux member Lance Lehmann running in Ward 4, Native Americans are represented in the five city elections and the mayor's race.

Natalie Stites Means, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, is challenging two-term Mayor Steve Allender. The winner will be the first mayor to serve a four-year term.

Stites Means identified access to social assistance and criminal justice as two of the issues important to her. She said that the city council's recent adoption of an ordinance penalizing panhandling was what drove her to file for candidacy several days ago.

The council, she said, failed to recognize that the ordinance unfairly targeted Native Americans.



https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/unprecedented-number-of-native-american-women-running-for-office-in/article_27ddc078-acd9-5ce8-bff2-80eafdd76796.html

[Wellstone ruled]

1. This is a Story that needs following.

Knowing Sodak,hunch is,watch where the Polling Stations are placed. Watch for Voter Intimidation to go into Hyper Drive.

Gong to be one nasty campaign.

[Mc Mike]

2. Go, Lakota! Rock on.

[leftyladyfrommo]

3. Good. Those people in the Sioux Nation

Desparately need a strong voice.

Good for them.

[Wounded Bear]

4. K & R...for visibility...nt

[lunatica]

5. As a New Mexico resident represented by the only 2 Native American Congresswomen

In the House I say, “GO FOR IT LADIES!”

It’s time!

[struggle4progress]

6. Generation