MDR Questionnaire Responses by Gary Coleman

Note: The Mitchell Daily Republic Saturday October 27,2012 issue printed Questionnaire responses of Legislative District 21 house candidates including Gary Coleman, Julie Bartling, Dave Scott, and Lee Qualm. Below are copied the MDR questions and the responses of Gary Coleman.

The election is Nov. 6. What personal qualities and/or experiences make you a good choice for election to the Legislature?

COLEMAN: I value honesty and dedication to whatever endeavor I undertake. I am a retired teacher. I have held leadership positions in my profession, church, community and the southeast South Dakota region. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Yankton Concert Association and the Sioux Falls Regional VA Tele-health Committee.

Please explain your stances on a few issues that you believe are most important to your race.

COLEMAN: Education and Economic Development. We have already created some .incentives for business and services to come to our state: business friendly taxes and a population of employees with a great work ethic. What's missing is a quality 21st century educational system. State government has systematically disassembled our educational structure. By cutting funding to draconian levels, we have created abnormally large class sizes, reduced necessary curriculum, and now have a severely underpaid and overworked teaching core who will likely "walk out" of their jobs en masse if things don't change for the better. As a result of this lack of support, our K-12 and college students will be getting a second-class education. Also, college level research, which is vital to our agriculture and other business economy, is being defunded. In addition to threatening our students' future, good business people will not likely look favorably to a state that doesn't have a skilled workforce or a business climate that is technologically forward looking. The fact is, education drives an economy.

What is your vision for the future of your legislative district?

COLEMAN: I would like to see the people of the 21st District well educated with the opportunity to live their lives economically secure and happy with the lives they live.

Responses of other candidates can be seen at the Daily Republic of Mitchell, or request copies if you desire them for comparison or other reason.

Campaign Notes October 14-22, 2012

This week was mostly West River which concluded Thursday evening with a Meet the Candidates event in Winner. It was a Q & A between the candidates and the audience. Topics included education funding, economic development incentives, property taxes, and tax fairness. Friday, I spent the entire morning checking signage condition, after 70+ mph winds swept our area. All but one sign escaped without harm. One sign at Burke went down. NO damage really, except broken wire. I will re-erect Monday AM with stronger wire.

Friday evening, I attended a Democratic meeting in Sioux Falls with Sen. Tim Johnson. We discussed final strategy for the last weeks. He wished us well, and offered some helpful advice. Saturday, I knocked on doors in Wagner. A beautiful, sunny, warm day. Most of the people were home, so it made for an even better day.

Nest week, I will again go door to door in Gregory, Colome, Burke, Dallas, and Lake Andes. I hope to be able to visit with some of you in those towns. I will also have a day of meetings in Sioux Falls, attending The South Dakota Veterans Council in the morning and the Sioux Falls Regional Telehealth Committee meeting in the afternoon. In the evening, I will be in Yankton for a Board of Directors meeting for the Yankton Concert Assn. We will be choosing the concert entertainment for the 2013-2014 season. I especially enjoy this particular meeting each year.

Well, I have got to get on to other work! So, I'll bid you farewell for now. Veterans, I will talk with you next time about a great program that is free called MOVE. If you need to lose weight, improve a diabetic condition, lower your blood pressure, or reduce cholesterol, this could really be of help. If you're interested now, check with your local VA Clinic or nearest VA Hospital.

Gary

Campaign Update-- October 3, 2012

This week I have canvassed Springfield and Avon on my 2nd journey through the District. Again, its been a pleasure to meet and converse with delightful, intelligent, and engaging voters. This campaign has been about meeting the voters and discovering the vast natural resources of the 21st District. It's been both an enlightening and educational experience. My thanks to the numerous voters who have given me their time and input on our state's pressing business at hand.

Next week, I plan to be canvassing Platte, SD and possibly Geddes, SD. I hope to be conversing with many of you in that area.

The past few weeks, I have placed 4'X4' road signs near Springfield, Avon, Dante, Wagner (also within), Lake Andes, Burke, and within Winner, SD on Hwy 18-east and west ends. My Thanks go out to Doug Koupal, Ron Hornstra, Bob Humphrey, Ray Soukup, Leo Soukup, Chuck and Dorothy Kemery, Lawrence Oliver, Lester and Joan Potocka, Louise Flisram, and one resident who desires remaining anonymous at this time. You have all graciously provided prominent space for these signs to be easily noticed by those passing.

While serving on the Sioux Falls Regional VA (Veterans Affairs) Telehealth Committee, I have been learning about some remarkable breakthroughs in health care for Veterans. One new medical field showing particular promise is Genomic Medicine. Genomic Medicine research seeks to analyze the composition of genes and DNA to determine a person's resistance or susceptibility to specific diseases. It also seeks to analyze a person's DNA to determine which medicines are compatible for treatment of specific ailments and also avoid damaging side effects. These are merely a few applications of this fascinating and promising study in modern medical science.

THIS IS JUST ONE OF HUNDREDS OF REASONS WHY INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION IS NOT ONLY A GOOD IDEA, IT IS A NECESSARY OBJECTIVE WE MUST PURSUE WITH A REAL SENSE OF URGENCY AND COMMITMENT.

And Thanks Again for taking time to read this and meet with me. You are (or can be) a part of the campaign for better tomorrows in South Dakota.