Introductions: AAUW Candidates Forum

Russ Olson:

• points out his strength against the incumbents in the 2006 election.
  
• Energy economic development, and energy are the issues we'll face as priorities.
  
• Feels more confident this time around, as he has spent his last two years working with school administrators.

Scott Parsley:

• Economic development: SD economy in relatively good shape compared to rest of country, though we've seen an increase in unemployment
• Energy is biggest issue in our future: all other issues will benefit from what we can do in energy
• Neighboring states have done a lot in energy; SD lags in wind development because those states offer incentives we don't
• Education will be major issue, too

Mitch Fargen:

• Same big 3 E's for major issues
• Education: must fully fund K-12
• Need new gov't system for tech schools to retrain working class
• Need to focus on research and development in higher ed to help with energy
• Energy independence: focus on wind, biodiesel, ethanol

Patricia Stricherz:

• Grew up in Iowa, met husband Jay in Army; "it's his fault I ended up in South Dakota" ;-)
• Running because she saw things as a "family readiness leader": veterans' families losing homes and businesses

Jerry Johnson:

• Graduate of Madison HS and DSU
• Agree on big issues previously mentioned
• "Why do I want to run?" passion and desire to serve District 8 and state; no hidden agenda, no chip on my shoulder, not using this as "stepping stone"
• Want to discuss the issues
• South Dakota in good shape, just need to fine tune a few things
• Six years as Madison City Commissioner, cooperation with DSU and many other organizations

Gerry Lange:

• Thanks other candidates for running; no democracy without the contest
• Came to DSU in 1964 after teaching English in Spain (and running with the bulls!)
• "Money is like manure; it does no good unless it's spread around."
• Recalls 1984 mission change at DSU, which eliminated history, government, etc.; Mundt Foundation and others helped fight to maintain those programs
• "involuntarily retired" two years ago
• Education being neglected: "most important thing we can do as a people is educate our children" said Lincoln
• Also notes that Lincoln wouldn't find Civil War on credit, unlike today's administration.