l have known Steve Allender for 30 years both as a fellow law enforcement officer and a friend. L watched Steve grow as a professional, moving through the ranks of the Rapid City Police Department from patrol officer to chief of police. He progressed because he showed courage, maturity, integrity and judgment. Not bad qualities in a leader.

Steve has worked with every segment of the population of our city, under a wide variety of circumstances through good times, bad times and very trying and challenging times. He has tackled difficult, complex and controversial issues with deliberation, compassion, empathy, humor and honesty. You may not always agree with Steve, but you always know where he stands. While he understands politics, he is not a politician. Though he is no longer a cop, he learned much about people, this community and city government because of his experience.

Those painful days following Aug. 2, 2011, did not define Steve Allender. They did, however, show the people of Rapid City the kind of man he is; a man that helped lead us all to become a better and stronger community. Now is the time. We need leaders, not politicians.

— Bill Armstrong, Rapid City

Kooiker the kind of leader Rapid City needs

 President Harry Truman said: “Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Mayor Sam Kooiker has proven his courage to stand up and be the leader that Rapid City needs, even if it may not seem to be the popular public opinion. Rapid City is in need of a leader who will continue to stand up for what is right. Sam has proven he will do just that. I have the awesome opportunity to work with our Rapid City youth every day; our youth deserve a leader who will unite this community for generations to come.

Pursuing and implementing change can seem hard, but brighter days are ahead for this community with a leader who carries himself in a good way like Sam does. Integrity, respect, honor, honesty and love for his community are the attributes Sam carries himself with and are attributes this city needs in our leader. On June 2, I urge you to vote for Sam. Rapid City needs him.

— Zach Zephier, Rapid City

Thanks to those who donated to school fund

Kudos to Jim Scull and the 21 organizations and individuals that contributed $500 each to fund the banquet honoring the Shannon County school system’s top students. This is a big motivator for students who work hard to achieve success. Thank you to these folks who made this event happen and provide for a scholarship as well. 

 — Julie Lantis, Rapid City