Can I get that list too? (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme)
I'm jealous. Bruce Halverson seems to have something I'd love to get a copy of.I had a reader who happens to be a recent Augustana graduate send me a copy of the above letter and asked "Are all the Augie Grads getting these?"
Just on it's surface, when he's writing "Dear Augie Alumni" it sure seems like he's got a copy of the alumni list and he's writing to all the grads (at least SF grads) looking for moral support and a vote.
Like I said, I'm jealous. Why? Have you ever tired to get a University list for political purposes? Do you know how tough it is to get your hands on an electronic SD University alumni list with addresses? I've tried for years - it isn't easy.
In fact, I had bought the SDSU alumni directory one year with that purpose in mind (and asked the telemarketer if it was ok). When i got it, the disclaimers said that it couldn't be used for political mailings - and I was steamed.
I ended up getting my money back, but was no closer to my goal of getting the alumni list.
Why do I consider it a hot commodity? That list is potential gold. Fundraising, delivering a political message, and asking for your vote. As Bruce demonstrates above in his campaign for mayor, he knows what he has on hand.
It's one aspect of targeting your message. You try to make a connection with your electorate. As the former University President, he's speaking to people who will recognize his name as he promotes his leadership skills. He's got electoral gold here, and I can only assume he knows it.
If only he'd share it with the rest of us.
Comments
I will be voting for Mayor Munson on April 25.
Is there any truth about Halvorson being forced out at Augustana College and the fact that Halvorson also applied for the president position at Black Hills State University after he "retired" at Augustana College? Has anyone else heard this?
I am hearing the same thing around Sioux Falls, regarding Halvorson's exit at Augustana College and his application at Black Hills State University. I have also heard that Halvorson has been extremely complimentary of Mayor Munson in the past. Is there any truth to this? I think it's time we find more about the real Bruce Halvorson.
In addition, I didn't know Bruce Halvorson just returned in 2000 to Sioux Falls after leaving here for over 30 years to become Augustana College's president. Now he wants to run for mayor? It seems like to me that Halvorson is just desperate for a job.
Todd Epp
Sioux Empire Editor
S.D. Watch
Anonymous'behavior is no more slimey than than the one he's accusing.
Not to nitpick, but whoever has trouble getting their hands on alumni lists, is either new to the game, or not really trying.
I didn't say a person couldn't get one, but sometimes the quest can prove tricky. My experience with the SDSU list is that they are pretty tight with it. And doubly so for political purposes.
Why is it post-worthy? If you're going to use an alumni list, your source of it had better be squeaky clean.
Because if you go undercover to get it, someone could make a campaign issue about your source, as it appears the anon commenters are doing here.
And in the end, Halverson might be the perfect example of why it might not be worth the tail-biting to use the list.
Is it just me, or does Anon 1,2, and 3 sound exactly the same? If you're gonna do an e-slime, at least make it sound hafway legit.
I might actually cause me to have to donate to SDSU. I'd been holding off since they'd promoted my advisor whom I didn't care for.
(And I don't think he liked me much either).
Aside from the fact that you can't spell, I don't think your ranting is very persausive. Vote how you like, I'm voting for Bruce.
Halverson tonight on KSOO with Rick Knobe directly addressed this question and said that he had 30 some people use the Augie public alumni directory and cross referenced it with the phone book for addresses.
The real issue is not that Halverson sent out a letter to alumni. The real question is whether the Augie foundation gave him the expedited excel spreadsheet with the names and labels. At this point it doesn't matter.
Besides, if your biggest complaint is an unverified one against your opponent you must really think the electorate is stupid.
I'm voting for Halverson because I don't want an mumblling puppet for the Munson/Daschle people to have control over the state's biggest city.
Remember the Phillips to the Falls opener when Munson was on stage with Daschle and Thune was left out in the crowd.
I say down with the Daschle/Janklow/Munson ticket and up with the Augie dude!
I'm not anonymous; i'm just political
I liked Daschle.
I wanted Smith.
I don't like Munson.
I might grow to like Halverson.
Politics is sure complicated.
It's a good think the Sioux Falls mayoral race is "non-partisan."
Sure makes it all better and easier to understand.
Todd Epp
Irony Editor
S.D. Watch http://thunewatch.squarespace.com
Come on, wake up Sioux Falls, the choice for mayor is easy. You can criticize Munson for the overspending and campaign reports, but you cannot take away his record and accomplishments during the last four years:
I. Phillips to the Falls finally completed.
II. Cleaned up the loop. No other mayor of councilman has been able to accomplish this.
III. Added to the police force and fire department.
IV. Helped get new fire stations planned and completed.
V. Revitalized the downtown area.
VI. Oversaw city government during the largest economic growth period in the history of Sioux Falls. Commerical and residential growth set record numbers.
These just name a few. The accomplishments speak for themselves. Vote for Dave Munson.