Letter to the Editor - Burkhart & EricksonL SB 201
My husband, Arny Erickson, and I spent Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb 20 and 21, at the capital in Pierre. We farm in eastern South Dakota. As landowners, we were interested in Senate Bill 201. We just wanted to share a few of our comments about SB 201 with you:
Arny Erickson: We have been called a vocal minority, but as more South Dakota residents realize the dire consequences these bills have on our state and our rights – the group is growing larger and louder. Some straight-shooting lawmakers are learning more and seeing what’s really going on here.
The arrival of Summit to South Dakota has had dire consequences and has caused a rift between farmers. Advocacy groups do not speak for all producers. Many legislators have lost credibility with their constituents with the antics that have gone on to prioritize the radical requests for one company over the rights and at the risk of the people of South Dakota.
It’s time for the unsuspecting citizens of South Dakota to tune into what’s going on in Pierre and the laws, powers and rights that are being sacrificed to give a false ‘certainty’ to a company that simply does not want to work within our current rules and regulations. What happened to South Dakota values where people have rights, local government has the power to plan and protect, and the people have a voice?
Kay Burkhart: On Tuesday the Senate tried to pass a bill that would shut-out the voice of the people and their right to vote on it by using the emergency clause. While the emergency clause did not have the 2/3 vote to pass, as required, it’s important for the voters in South Dakota to know the lengths and inappropriate uses of laws – just like that of eminent domain – that are being used to prioritize a company at the expense of the people.
This bill is the first step in losing our rights to govern ourselves locally. Senate Bill 201 takes away all the authority of the county and townships in regards to all pipelines. There is even some talk about dissolving townships. Our local government is being threatened. What will they try to take away next?
Thank you,
Arny Erickson and Kay Burkhart
Valley Springs
