February 26, 2024
For Immediate Release
Sheldon Osborn, Region 3 Representative to the Executive Board of the South Dakota Democratic Party (SDDP), recently recalled, appealed his recall on February 3rd to Shane Merrill, new Chair of the SDDP following Chair Jennifer Slaight-Hansen’s September recall and unsuccessful appeal. Osborn’s appeal was originally set for a closed Hearing on February 22nd but his Appeal Committee changed its rules slightly, allowing Osborn to be represented by counsel at its still closed Hearing, reset to
February 29th.
In an email to Shane Merrill this morning, Mr.Osborn stated , “I am still mulling the proposed Appeal Hearing and assessing its fairness. I will make a decision as to my participation by Wednesday, 4:30 PM and let you know then.”
Osborn continued, “I write to you as I am proscribed from communicating directly with the Appeals Committee, although, as I understand it, others can, including those who pushed my recall. Could you please ask the Committee if they would be willing to provide me with any information they will use at the hearing that I haven’t provided them and a list of whom they have talked to outside of myself to gain perspective. I would appreciate having the opportunity to respond to whatever input they have or will acquire, for, without knowing, I will not have sufficient time within the 15 minutes they allotted me
to properly defend myself. I would also like the opportunity to rebut any information they may collect after the hearing which they will use in making their decision.”
“I wish the Committee and you could spend time in more productive pursuits given theamount of work the SDDP has to right its ship and make itself more relevant in SouthDakota, namely, recruit competitive candidates, rejuvenate local Democratic Parties especially in rural South Dakota, and construct an overriding message that stops the continuing decline in voters willing to register as Democrats.”
“Tolerance and informal communication provide a much better way to grow the Democratic Party than formal hearings such as this. Recalls and Appeal Hearings quickly become counterproductive and make Enemies out of Friends.”
“As for myself, I stand ready to help you as you work to rebuild the SDDP.”
“Sincerely, Sheldon Osborn