While reading one of Lalley’s meandering columns about Skunk Creek/Big Sioux pollution I found this little tidbit about Shantel interesting;

The rather difficult bit to stomach is the reaction from the lawmakers whose job it is to guard our natural resources, in this case Sens. Shantel Krebs of Renner and Jason Frerichs of Wilmot. They represent their parties as the top managers of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

And their message, as relayed by Harriman’s reporting, was clear: “Everything is fine.”

Both said they see no need for further regulation.

Both also pointed to urban run-off and lawn chemicals as a contributor to pollution. It’s true, that’s a point of discussion, but it ignores the larger issue.

While Frerichs just kind of throws his hands in the air and blames farmers who probably won’t work with government, Krebs IS a small farmer who probably is polluting the Big Sioux herself. It seems Krebs is happy with the status quo (unless she is working hard to make the referendum and initiative process harder so she can keep good standing with her favorite organization ALEC). This is the kind of person we want for our next SOS? Krebs doesn’t want to improve the lives of South Dakotans, which includes cleaning up the pollution in the Secretary of State’s office. Maybe Krebs as SOS will just continue the blatant prejudice against the Native Americans, continue screwing up the voter lists, continue to let Republican candidates to break the rules while turning in the Dems for breaking the same rules. Maybe she thinks ‘Everything is fine’ in the office, just like she thinks nothing should be done to fix the polluted Big Sioux. I have a feeling that if Krebs wins in November we will just have ourselves a skinnier blonde as SOS, not much else will change, it may even get worse.

angela

As for Krebs’ challenger, Angela Schultz, I have only heard good things. A stellar resume (I didn’t see shoe salesperson in there though).