Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce legislative forums need to allow citizens to make their case in a respectful manner

Feb. 1 marked one year since I came back to my hometown of Aberdeen to gratefully care for one elderly parent and be able to easily visit another. Being a political junkie who is passionate about people and public policy, I attended the Aberdeen legislative forums last year and the first one of 2024 on Jan. 27.

At each one I have been appalled by the format chosen and treatment of constituents. During this time, I have witnessed farmers and other South Dakotans who are rightly concerned about getting steamrolled by big-moneyed interests pushing the high-pressure Summit Carbon Pipeline boondoggle (an initiative supported by ethanol producers like those who own the plant pictured above in a public domain image posted on wikimedia commons).  Constituents also included elderly and others concerned about the most vulnerable members of our communities.

With many of these constituents they made the time and effort to attend and it took some courage to speak in a public forum. Some either do not have the experience or are out of practice trying to voice concerns and ask a question.  What are they met with by the moderators?

They are constantly being interrupted and asked, “Do you have a question? Do you have a question? Make it quick and don’t argue!”

When those interruptions occur, it often trips up their train of thought and then they get frustrated that they were unable to get their point or question across.  It is not uncommon for the questions to not be answered, which is a failure of the moderator’s responsibility not only to the constituent but to the legislator too.

Let me make this perfectly clear. This is an Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce event. If you are a chamber member, you should be very concerned that this could negatively reflect on your business or organization. I also believe in the mission of the Aberdeen Area Chamber!

The vast majority of my experience is sales and customer service. If I treated my customers this way I would quickly run a business into the ground and kill it. I have also volunteered for both Democrat and Republican candidates and legislators during their campaigns in Minnesota. Those legislators, regardless of party, would never like to see their constituents treated this way!  

I am offering to help improve the legislative forum and would suggest the Chamber check with our local non-partisan League of Women Voters of the Aberdeen Area, which is a growing, excellent organization that normally hosts these forums nationwide.

Rather than stifle engagement, encourage it! Let's collectively work to make this forum better for everyone!

Miranda Gohn of Aberdeen is a former member of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee who served as co-chair of the annual Agricultural Appreciation Banquet. Gov. Bill Janklow was the guest speaker. She is a Leadership Aberdeen graduate and her father Jim Gohn served as president of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce.