The Rapid City Council and Mayor Jason Salamun have joined together in sending letters of congratulations to South Dakota Senator John Thune on his selection as US Senate Majority Leader and Governor Kristi Noem on her nomination by President-elect Donald Trump as the nation’s Secretary of the Department of Homeland Secretary.
The officials signed the letters Monday night at the Rapid City Council meeting. Council members Bill Evans and Kevin Maher originated the ideas of congratulatory letters at last week’s meeting of the City’s Legal and Finance Committee.
“As the elected leaders for the City of Rapid City and on behalf of the citizens of South Dakota’s second-largest city, we wish to go on record to issue a collective and heartfelt congratulations on your selection as US Senate Majority Leader” reads the group’s letter to Senator Thune. Similar language is contained in a letter to Governor Noem on her nomination as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
“You have provided exemplary and commendable service to South Dakota communities and citizens for many years,” continues the Council’s letters, citing Thune’s and Noem’s “great service and your dedication, hard work and commitment to making our nation great. This selection is well-deserved and we know you will continue to represent our state and its citizens well in the national spotlight”.
The letters also recognize the long history of ‘valuable and impactful service’ to the nation of many of the state’s leaders including Karl Mundt, Francis Case, Joe Foss, Peter Norbeck, Larry Pressler, George McGovern, Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson.
The letters to Senator Thune and Governor Noem conclude, “The people of Rapid City and South Dakota are proud of your service and take great pride in this latest recognition and selection”.
