RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA — Two candidates who were once rivals are now working together for a better North Rapid. A little over a year ago, Ron Sasso and Bonny Petersen were facing off against one another in a bid to replace outgoing City Councilman Malcom Chapman, who was retiring. Petersen, who also is a Registered Nurse and diabetes education coordinator for Regional Health won the runoff, 1,078 to 820. Recently named Vice-President for the City Council, Petersen was one of several new faces to be elected, along with Jordan Mason, Gary Brown and Dave Davis. When talking to Petersen regarding Native Americans living in the city, she said it was an open option for meeting “with a representative that the Native Americans feel would represent them. It might be better to form a small committee to meet with the mayor and council leadership on a regular basis so that several Native American voices are heard. The current human relations committee addressed problems after they occur, it would be good to have an ongoing dialogue.” Sasso, after an earlier loss, stayed interested in the field of politics and elected to run again, this time taking on a popular local candidate, Kay Ribbentrop. Sasso, who works at Community Transitions, a local brain injury company, managed a close win, by a total of 1,472 to 1,289 votes. Sharing similar thoughts on Native American relations, Sasso said, “I would be open to the idea (of a Native American contact). I think we would want to be careful about what the role of that committee would be, and that it shouldn’t overstep the bounds of the Human Rights Committee because discrimination is discrimination - regardless of race, color, sexuality, etc. Separating Native Americans out in that regard could lead to more groups wanting to be separated out. With that said, I think there is far more that the City can do to repair our rapport with the Native American community.” Regarding issues presently affecting the Native American population Sasso said, “Too often there has been political posturing and talk about reconciliation while larger concerns impacting Native Americans are treated without concern for a real solution (such as homelessness - putting spikes under some bridges - all it does is create a new problem for people who are homeless and cause them to relocate without giving a solution). Again, I should note that homelessness is not just a Native American problem but it is a problem for all people, but Native Americans are impacted disproportionately.” When approached about the problem of Ward Five, being made of three different sections of Rapid City and how they could make sure each part is treated equally, Petersen said “that treating different parts of the ward, the same depends on the consistency of the councilperson to some extent. It also depends on the people that come to (the) council.” She added, “It is unfortunate but it is still true that the squeaky wheel gets oiled. I encourage people to come to council to get to know the system better and become more comfortable with the system. However, I can assure you that any person, no matter who they are, can come to council and they will be listened to. It won’t always go their way, but sometimes it will. They can also call me at (605) 342-6245 if they have any questions. I will try to stand up for the “little guy” whenever I can and it doesn’t matter what ward or part of town they live in. In fact I have been more outspoken about issue in wards that were not technically my own but still in North Rapid.” “While campaigning I was outspoken against the dividing up of North Rapid. Though I will give my section of North Rapid the attention it deserves it could put an alderman at odds if there was competing issues. For example, if there was a push to put a lap pool on the northwest side of Rapid or rebuilding Horace Mann, an alderman may choose to go with the majority of his or her voters,” she added. Sasso would clarify this, stating, “I am 100 percent in favor of keeping Horace Mann where it is and rebuilding it, sharing a hypothetical, I think most people look at Ward five as being three different sections. The biggest challenge is respecting the wishes of each, even when they may be competing. Many people on the Westside don’t support downtown revitalization but people in West Boulevard are strongly supportive.” Sasso would also share an idea for the city, “I have wanted to see statues of Native American leaders in Rapid City, much like the statues of our presidents. This is not just honoring their culture; it is also good for tourism. It is good for Native American youth. It shows we hold them in higher regard than having just a statue of a bound and subdued Native American, which we used to have.” Petersen would close her message, stating “The people of north Rapid need the same things that all the people of Rapid City need with special understanding of local issues. North Rapid needs the Horace Mann pool to be built. Infrastructure and roads are always an issue as well as bringing good jobs to the area. We need to improve police and community relationships and continue to improve transportation and housing. I think a polling place in Lakota Homes would encourage everyone to get involved with the North Rapid Civic Association and call their elected officials.” With the needs of Ward five being handled by these two former rivals, the future looks bright with the work ethic of these two public officials. (Contact Joseph Budd at joseph@rapidnet.com)
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