Fargen Announces District 8 Candidacy... in District 5 Paper

Below is the text of Democrat Mitch Fargen's announcement of his candidacy for the District 8 House. He sent a copy to his SDSU pal Jeremy Fugelberg at the Watertown Public Opinion, which is where you can view the original Word document.

Fargen Announces Candidacy for State House of Representatives District 8

Flandreau ­­– Mitch Fargen, a resident of Flandreau, SD, formally announces his candidacy for the State House of Representatives in District 8. “I looked at the missed opportunities that the past couple of Legislatures have had when it comes to renewable energy, education and economic development and I believe we as South Dakotans can do better and deserve better.”

Fargen currently works as the Legislative and Membership Director for the South Dakota Farmers Union. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a double major in Business Economics and Political Science. For the past three years, Mitch has been actively involved in many pieces of legislation before the South Dakota Legislature, on issues important to South Dakota students, farmers, and small businesspeople alike. During the latest legislative session, he served as an advocate for the interests of the South Dakota Farmers Union, and the thousands of South Dakota farmers that the group represents, by providing a strong voice on the top issues affecting agriculture and rural communities throughout South Dakota. Taking this mission outside of the Statehouse, Mitch is also traveling South Dakota educating people on the homegrown benefits of ethanol blender pumps and using higher blends of ethanol in their vehicles.

Mitch proudly cites his roots as the motivation for his run. His mother has been a teacher and coach in the Flandreau School District for over 25 years and his father is a farmer, small business owner and employee of the City of Flandreau. “I have first-hand knowledge of the struggles overcome and the choices that need to be made daily by our rural teachers, small farmers and small business owners,” Fargen contends, “because I grew up in a family that had to make those choices and get through those hard times. I will never forget that.”

“The reason why I am running is I feel that my family, my neighbors, my state, and my country have done so much to enrich my life, and I need to repay that debt. I believe that with my experience and determination during these important times for South Dakota, I have an opportunity to do some good, to embrace the moment and try to make a positive difference while I have a chance to do so.”

Mitch has been in politics for over 10 years, volunteering on numerous campaigns throughout the state, and working with many local governments and policymakers to improve the lives of South Dakotans. “I have been at all levels of the political spectrum,” notes Fargen, “and this experience has given me enough of a perspective on how the system can work for the people. I have served at the national level in the offices of Representative Herseth Sandlin, Senator Johnson and the National Farmers Union. I also have local government experience, working in Brookings, SD to build bridges between the City Council and the campus of South Dakota State University.”

“I have been successful in these ventures and I will do my best to continue that trend as a District 8 State Representative.”

I imagine Fargen sent the release to the local District 8 media as well. I haven't seen it in the Madison Daily Leader yet. MDL was busy with solid coverage of Wednesday's bus crash and running school board and city commission candidate profiles... but they did find time to run Republican Russell Olson's announcement of his Senate run.