Dear friends and valued supporters:
I am grateful for your show of support in last June’s Primary culminating in my first-place finish in the District 34 House race. With your votes, encouragement and financial backing, we prevailed! I thank you for making that possible and invite you to join me again this Fall.
The general election season is already here. Absentee and mail-in voting begins September 18, and runs up to Election Day, November 3rd. If you decide on early voting, please be careful in following all the instructions to the letter, to assure your vote counts. Whether you cast your ballot early or go the polls, I ask for your vote and continued support.
Our primary campaign last Spring was, in a word, invigorating! The Covid-19 pandemic changed the entire landscape of politics, but we did not let it deter our determination to engage the voters of our District. For 47 days in a row – in sunshine, rain and snow – I waved at passers-by at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Sheridan Lake Road. I participated in Elevate Rapid City’s State Legislature Candidate Virtual Town Hall. I earned the endorsement of our friend and former Governor, Dennis Daugaard. Combined with your support, we garnered 2,194 votes to finish on top of a three-way primary race.
Rapid City and the Black Hills have struggled to thrive due to the severe setbacks caused by Covid-19. It hasn’t been easy. I want to continue to contribute to the economic growth and dynamic opportunities of our region. It would be an honor and privilege to represent District 34 again. I’m excited by the potential to make a brighter future for this wonderful place we call home.
As owner of the Canyon Lake Resort in west Rapid City and Past Chair of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, I will champion legislation to help the small business owner to be successful and grow. Serving as a Board Member of Visit Rapid City, I want to keep tourism’s top-of-mind awareness high in Pierre. And as a past Chair of the Ellsworth Task Force and Military Affairs Committee, I seek to introduce and support enabling legislation that protects and allows Ellsworth AFB to sustain and grow its vital missions.
Civic leadership, public service and volunteering are in my DNA. Solid ideas and my knack for consensus building will lead us in the right direction in Pierre. As you know, I served three terms in the House during the Janklow administration and was Vice Chair of Appropriations. I also served as Vice Chair of the South Dakota Legislative Executive Committee and Chair of the National Council of State Legislators Economic and Cultural Development Committee.
My roots are deep in District 34, having grown up and attended Meadowbrook Grade School, West Junior High and Stevens High School. I graduated from the University of South Dakota with a BS in Business Administration. Carmen and I have two daughters, Danielle (Bryent) and Alyssa (Lee) and two granddaughters, Brianna and Aubree.
I will face two Democrat opponents in the November general election, and I ask for your help. Kindly consider supporting me with donations, spreading the word about my candidacy and asking your friends, neighbors and associates for their help, too.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 605-381-0992 (voice/text) or michaelpderby@gmail.com.
Thanks again for your continued support!