Walt Swan runs for Ward 4

Walt Swan, owner of HeSapa Enterprises and Rapid City Common Council Ward 4 candidate

RAPID CITY – Walt Swan Jr., an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and self-described “old school Rapid Citian,” is running for Rapid City Common Council in Ward 4.
Swan grew up in Rapid City and graduated from Central High School where he played basketball for Dave Strain. He reminisces on the times of his childhood when the native populations of Rapid had influence with their vote and had elected a Native American Mayor in 1975, Arthur P. LaCroix.
But since the 70’s and 80’s, there has been a decline in Native representation and Swan believes city government should be more inclusive of Native Americans.
“We need to count on our own people here,” said Swan “we shouldn’t be asking other people to stand up for us, we should be standing up for ourselves.”
Another local politician told Swan that relying on the native vote of Rapid City would be a waste of time, but Swan wants to refute that claim.
Swan has been organizing socially distanced drive through meet and greets with Amy Sazue, who is running for Rapid City School Board. The meet and greets are not only designed to familiarize people with the two politicians, but to also urge eligible voters to register.
Swan received a B.S. in education from BHSU, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Penn State. He has worked locally as a teacher, dean of students, and superintendent. Furthermore, he has worked for the BIA as a line officer being fiscally and educationally responsible for 16 schools on the Eastern seaboard.
HeSapa Enterprises, a local screen printing and embroidery business on Farlow Ave, is the creation of Swan’s. HeSapa has been in business for more than five years.
As a business owner, Swan recognizes how difficult some decisions will be on City Council. When asked about the recent closure of Rapid City, he said “I am a business owner and educator, and the business part of this has been terrible. Did it help? Well, we didn’t see positive cases of Covid-19 here like they did in Sioux Falls but I am glad to see that we are taking steps to reopen.”
Swan worries about the fiscal downfall of COVID-19 on a city level. He cites his experience with budgets in education and business to fight for jobs and essential services.
A biography on Swan’s political Facebook page states “I am running for Ward 4 Alderman to help our city, provide a voice not only for Lakota people but for all citizens of Ward 4, to keep citizens safe, to adapt to the upcoming financial times while exercising fiscal responsibility, and to ensure we remain a great city to visit for many years to come.”
Alderman John Roberts, a 9 year veteran of Ward 4, is running for reelection against Swan. In a Facebook post from early February, Roberts announced he was not going to run for reelection by stating “I have to do what is best for myself, my family and my business and I no longer feel like I have the time, energy or desire to represent you all as I effectively could.” He went on to be vocal about his intentions in city council meetings, but changed his mind a few weeks later in March.
Swan claims that Roberts had originally planned to endorse him, and donate to his campaign. “His decision to run again is on him and his integrity” said Swan, “I still look for a check from John Roberts in my mailbox.”
In closing Swan said “I want to change the mindset of not counting on the native vote. There’s nobody here to create that fire, but I will.”
Yard signs are available for Swan’s campaign, as well as shirts with a $20 donation. Swan posts updates and goes live on his Facebook page Walt Swan ForWard4 daily, and can be reached at swanforward4@gmail.com.
Registration for voting needs to be completed by May 18, and a ballot must be completed by June 2. Walk in voting is available but an appointment must be made by calling the auditor’s office at 605-394-2153. An absentee ballot can be requested by filling out a form via the PC Auditors Office. On that website go to Public Information and then Elections and Request a Ballot. The absentee ballot either needs to be notarized or returned with a photocopy of a driver’s license.

(Contact Travis at travisldewes@gmail.com)

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