John Kooiker, father of Sam Kooiker and longtime supporter Gary Johnson at Howard Johnsons Tuesday night. John recently won a seat as an Iowa State House Representative.
Allender edges out Kooiker
By Ernestine Chasing Hawk
Native Sun News Editor RAPID CITY –– At the end of the day and with all precincts reporting former Rapid City Chief of Police Steve Allender defeated incumbent Sam Kooiker winning the election by a margin of about 1,200 votes. Allender supporters cast 54 percent of the vote, 8,538 votes; to Kooiker's 46 percent, 7,312 votes. Of the 62,562 registered voters in Rapid City, 17,439 approximately 28 percent, came out to cast their vote in this year’s mayoral election. “I am honored to have gained the confidence of the people of Rapid City. Tonight’s results assure me that the community is ready to come together to solve the issues facing us all. As Mayor, I will serve all residents and visitors of Rapid City, regardless of voting status. I look forward to the future of Rapid City,” Allender told Native Sun News.
Steve Allender votes on election day in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo from Facebook
Allender will serve a two-year term as Rapid City’s mayor and he along with the city council members who won elections Tuesday night will be sworn into office at the first July meeting of the Rapid City council. “It has been an absolute privilege to serve this city,” Kooiker said and thanked his family who stood beside him throughout his political career which he said began in 2001. “We left no stone unturned in this race and we worked very hard and I accept the results and now we move forward.” Kooiker said he looks forward to going fishing on a Monday night. Voters also defeated the opt-out, which would have allowed the Rapid City Area Schools to tax residents $6 million more a year in each of the next five years to pay for school needs that may have included higher teacher salaries. The vote was 9,833 against, and 7,391 in favor. Copyright permission Native Sun News Related Stories:
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