Native Sun News: Former mayor reflects on tenure in Rapid City


Former Rapid City, South Dakota, Mayor Sam Kooiker. Photo from Facebook

Sam says ‘sayonara’
Former mayor takes job in Iowa
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer

RAPID CITY –– When Mayor Sam Kooiker lost his re-election in June, the Native American community living within the city limits lost a major proponent and advocate for their needs.

And 13 years of service to the City of Rapid City, former-Mayor Sam Kooiker will be returning back to his home state of Iowa as a City Administrator in Cherokee, IA.

Among the many causes dear to Mayor Kooiker, was working on race relations within the historically divided city, which some consider to be the most racist border town in South Dakota.

Mayor Kooiker had an open-door policy for residents of Rapid City and was quick to respond to requests for information and listening to his constituents.


Visit the all new Native Sun News website for the full story: Sam says ‘sayonara’

(Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com)

Copyright permission Native Sun News

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