Better Late than Never
Ramadan Kareem! May the Fire Horse year bring you courage and success! Wishing you a blessed Lent!
Welp, I’m late to the party, as always. If I was trying to look strategic, I would say this was intentional because it ties into my message of listening first then leading. But, the reality is there has just been a lot going on. Kids needing support, family members going through a challenging time, work needs with (waves hand generally at everything) happening around us. So, that’s the honest answer. Hopefully for you it’s meant one less phone call or email in the barrage this week.
What’s also true is being forced to step back some has allowed me an opportunity to pause, listen a little more closely, and hear from a few people about what matters to them right now.
I heard from community members working to support local businesses in the wake of real harm caused by immigration enforcement who are looking for ways to grow our collective impact.
I love our community and the many great things happening here, but I also heard from community members who don’t always feel their voice is heard and need more support, especially when it comes to protecting kids and families.
Did you know Mohamed Mohamed, an 11-year-old nonverbal boy with autism, drowned in a pond near his home in 2024 and there is still no fence to prevent similar incidents from happening? Also, the family was only able to raise 50% of their GoFundMe goal, if you’re looking for a cause to support.
One of the other Senate candidates, Dr. Kellie Stecher, was kind enough to join me in some door knocking and together we heard from one of our youngest delegates about an innovative idea to more equitably distribute education funding.
Kellie and I also heard from community members stepping up to support their neighbors amid the ongoing ICE impacts.
The common thread in all of these things is people who are ready and willing to step up and make a difference. So, rather than tell you all of the reasons why I’m the best candidate to represent SD49, I’m going to just keep trying to do good and use my communication with you to keep sharing ways to step up so we can do good together. If you want to learn more about my thoughts on something or see where I stand in regard to a specific policy, check my website, grab me at an event, send an email to together@forwardwithdirk.com, or text/call me at 952-392-9487.
I grew up Southern Baptist (preacher’s kid!), and although I’m not religious now, I carry a lot of those lessons with me: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” If nothing else, I hope through this campaign you will see, hear, and feel my love for this community, and if I do things right, maybe will have helped us love one another a little more.
In solidarity, in love, and with tremendous gratitude for your willingness to help us move forward, together in this moment,
Dirk
Dirk Tedmon
Candidate for State Senate, SD49
fordwardwithdirk.com
