Letters to the Editor - Gronli: ‘The power doesn’t belong to them’

Over the last month, I’ve held town halls in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, and Aberdeen, welcoming in more than 1,000 people who are frustrated with their members of Congress. Some of the first people to speak were Republicans. I heard urgency and fierce determination. But more than anything, I heard a call for action.

Citizens, ag producers, manufacturers, and small business owners alike are frustrated and scared of what tariffs will do to South Dakota. 

At every town hall, South Dakotans expressed their concern about the staffing cuts and reductions in services at the VA. Veterans served this country–we should do everything we can to protect their healthcare.

The elimination of the Department of Education and cuts to Head Start would severely harm working families, especially students with special needs.  

I’m now reading through over seven hours of transcripts filled with concerns, questions, and powerful stories. What’s clear is that South Dakotans are not giving up. They are looking for solutions in a moment when they feel abandoned by their Members of Congress.

“The power doesn’t belong to them. The power belongs to you.” 

Those powerful words were spoken by my friend and community leader Julian Beaudion. From the beginning, Julian believed so deeply in this effort that he joined me at every event. I’m grateful for his leadership and for the reminder that democracy is strongest when power is claimed by the people.

I’ll soon complete the report summarizing the town halls and deliver it to the offices of our Members of Congress. I’ll also share it with the local press.

But let me be clear: I’m not done. A team of leaders is coming together to plan our next steps. We will continue to listen, show up, and transform the ideas of South Dakotans into meaningful action.

Nikki Gronli

Dell Rapids