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Jul 20

West River much?

Category: Misc

By Denise Ross

An astute observer asks via back-channel communication:  Does the board make-up of the new Ellsworth Development Authority make sense, geographically speaking?

Here’s the list:

  • Jeffory Erickson, Sioux Falls
  • Gary Grittner, Fort Pierre
  • Mark Johnston, Sioux Falls
  • Glen Kane, Rapid City
  • Stanley Porch, Wanblee
  • Bruce Rampelberg, Rapid City (Chairman)
  • Mark Roby, Watertown 

Johnston, an Iowa native, did live in Rapid City, working for the National Guard, before Gov. Rounds tapped him to be his press secretary back in 2003.  

Still, the list does seem a bit non-Black Hills-centric. And while Fort Pierre is technically West River, it’s not exactly Belle Fourche. And why only Rapid City represented from the Black Hills. No Box Elder? Hows about a former legislator or two?

I’m sure these are all fine folks, and it does make sense to get a statewide stamp on anything in advance of the next BRAC round. But it still seems like it’s lacking for Black Hills representation. Tell me if you agree or disagree.

2 Comments so far

  1. yo July 20th, 2009 1:23 pm

    Roger Porch is a former legislator. Grittner is retired military.

    -Thanks. Yes, Roger Porch was a lawmaker; I’ve found nothing on Stanley other than campaign contributions. -Denise

  2. Jon July 21st, 2009 10:28 am

    This is goofy. First, there is no need. Second, what a slap in the face, stab in the back of region hosting the base. Token membership only from Rapid City. The base is located in Meade County - yet it has no one on the board? The base has a regional economic impact - though that impact has more effect in Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Hot Springs, Sundance and Gillette than it does in Watertown or Sioux Falls.

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