Fred McPherson
Experience Money Can't Buy
Fred is a lifelong resident of District 29 and a 4th generation rancher within this district as well. His family has an unbroken chain in agriculture since the 1700s in North America and far longer in Scotland.
Another part of his family legacy includes ancestors that were active in the Iowa State Legislature in the late 19th century.
Fred, and his wife Rhonda, have been married for 33 years.
Together they have raised 4 children, all of whom attended public schools.
Proud grandparents of 8, all of who attend public schools.
In 1981, Fred took a job with a livestock feed manufacturer and worked at that career full-time while still ranching full-time. Following a 20-year career and having worked his way from laborer to second level management. This served to educate Fred about the issues facing folks living from paycheck to paycheck every two weeks and his ranching background certainly illustrated what it is like to receive one paycheck per year.
The residents in District 29 deserve a representative that is sensitive to the issues that directly impact their lives. District 29 is very diverse with voters in urban, rural and suburban settings. Having lived on the family ranch within 3 miles of Sturgis, he can full relate to and understand this diversity.
“I have watched as Pierre stumbled around trying to solve the ongoing problems for years. I understand that things must change and how that change needs to be accomplished.
Taxation is one of the very important issues that are of concern to all South Dakotans and the $25.7 million shortfall seems to indicate that the current system is not working. As a conservative Democrat, it is my firm belief that increased taxes is not the answer to the problem. It is imperative that we find ways to balance the budget without harming essential services.
Education is another important issue facing our state and it must be addressed without further delay. We need to look where the money is being spent. Education spending has increased with little or none of it going to teacher pay. Our test scores indicate that our teachers are highly qualified, experienced and dedicated. With a large number of impending teacher retirements and higher teacher pay in several neighboring states; will our state be able to attract and retain a new generation of highly qualified teachers? The current legislature feels that education is being funded properly, but there is a lawsuit that would indicate this belief is dead wrong. I also believe that a blank check is not the answer.
By promoting alternative energy, we can release the strangle-hold that coal power, DM&E and other special interests have had on our property rights and economy for too long. We also need to develop more industries with sturdy jobs for our citizens, both young and old. Fred believes these new economic opportunities should lead the way for responsible manufacturing and renewable resources because it will treat our landscape, ecosystem and workforce with the respect it truly deserves.
With the growth of people in South Dakota that are either uninsured or underinsured it is far past time for our state to address these issues. There has been talk at the federal level about this issue, but so far it has only been talk. Our state has the opportunity to be the leader in implementing a program at the state level.
And finally, the citizens deserve to know what stance their elected officials are taking on issues. By promoting open government we can better hold our government and legislators accountable for their actions.
I am committed to working for the citizens in District 29 and would appreciate your support and your vote on November 4th.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY FRED MCPHERSON FOR HOUSE 2008
