"It's unfortunate that the political drama now playing in Shannon County is creating a pile of unnecessary expense for taxpayers at a time when all concerned can least afford it.

The drama started in July when three county commissioners suspended Sheriff Jim Daggett for alleged problems that never were substantiated. They then appointed Stanley Star Comes Out as interim sheriff.

On August 4, the same three commissioners voted to fire Daggett, who sought help from Shannon County State's Attorney Jim Sword.

Sword said the firing was illegal and enlisted the help of 7th Circuit Judge Thomas Trimble to reinstate Daggett. One might think that move would discourage commissioners from further adverse actions. It didn't.

Because the three commissioners authorizing the ill-advised moves are Native Americans, the drama is fueling a racial divide.

All of Shannon County lies on reservation land. The three Native American commissioners who ousted Daggett apparently want a Native American sheriff.

Daggett, Sword and one of two dissenting commissioners are Caucasian. Not that all Native Americans agree with the errant commissioners, including the other dissenting commissioner who is a tribal member.

Another tribal member familiar with the conflict told the Rapid City Journal that some Native Americans feel the commissioners have been guilty of reverse discrimination, though they would never say so publicly.

If that's the case, the three commissioners who ousted Daggett owe him an apology."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Shannon County running amok (The Rapid City Journal 9/10)

Also Today:
Limbo continues for Shannon County (The Rapid City Journal 9/10)

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