LEAD Candidate Endorsement: Janet Brekke

LEAD will release several candidate endorsements between now and November. These endorsements are chosen via votes within our leadership team and are prioritized for candidates who are running for the first time, identify as women (with an emphasis on women of color), and whose platforms appear to support our values of Inclusion, Civility, Action, Social Justice, and Empowerment.

We’re really excited about these motivated, passionate candidates. We’re especially excited to see all of the work LEAD has done to recruit and train candidates for office come to fruition. Let’s change South Dakota.

We’re thrilled to endorse Janet Brekke for Sioux Falls City Council. We’ve asked Janet a few questions below. Make sure to vote for her on April 10. Or vote early!

How do you represent LEAD’s core values?

I have been advocating for women’s rights my entire career beginning with my years as a criminal prosecutor trying numerous rape and sexual abuse cases.  I was active in NOW (National Organization for Women) and NWPC (National Women’s Political Caucus) both of which shared some of the same goals as LEAD: To get more women into political offices. We did some good things but there is still much to do. I am so glad LEAD was formed to help move us forward.

What will you do differently than your predecessors?

My institutional knowledge and legal, government, and business background will allow me to propose changes that will help the council more effectively use its powers. I will work hard for an open and transparent government. My knowledge of the city charter will allow me to propose changes to our government structure that will fix what is broken. I have specific programs in mind that will address our growth issues: diversity, maintenance of core neighborhoods, and public safety.

What do you want LEAD’s membership to know about you?

I want LEAD to know that what you see is what you get. At the end of the day, I value integrity more than anything else. I will stand up for the right things and make the hard decisions. I am a qualified, determined, hardworking women. I am a creative thinker, collaborator, problem solver. I will do my best to live up to your expectations for me. I hope to add credibility to your endorsement and your organization.

ABOUT LEAD SOUTH DAKOTA

LEAD South Dakota is a registered 501c(4) nonprofit.  LEAD (Leaders Engaged And Determined) is a grassroots organization aimed at bringing awareness to issues facing South Dakota, the United States, and abroad. LEAD exists to foster a community of individuals who empower and encourage women to be actively involved in all stages of the political process in order to effect positive change for women and families in South Dakota.

LEAD is not affiliated with any political party or organization. We are welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of race, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or citizenship.