News Release -- Oct. 9, 2008 -- Threatened with civil rights lawsuit, Brown County backed off attempt to "gag" Measure 10 campaign
*Phone conversation between Dena Espenscheid, YES on 10, with Brown County Commission Chairman Mike Wiese. (Click here to listen to the conversation.)
Chairman Wiese:
“We decided not to entertain your request.”
“The fair board and the county retain the option to refuse anyone at our discretion and the discussion was had and the decision was made that your organization was not one that we want to have at the fair.”
“The political parties have booths.”
“It is at our discretion; we made the decision that yours will not be at our fair.”
“I’m not the only one that’s opposed to Initiated Measure 10."
*Phone conversation between Dena Espenscheid, East River Coordinator, YES on 10 campaign, with Brown County Commissioner Tom Fischbach: (Click here to listen to conversation.)
Commissioner Fischbach:
“Yeah, we’re taking (your booth) away from you.”
“Yeah, we don’t agree with anything you represent.”
"You’re not getting one, so don’t waste your time calling me.”
*Letter from South Dakotans for Open and Clean Government to Brown County, threatening federal civil rights lawsuit in response to county officials' attempt to gag the YES on 10 campaign. Click here to view the letter.
*Read the capitulation letter from Brown County Attorney Kimberly Dorsett. Click here to view the letter.