As soon as South Dakota gives him his law license back, Bill Janklow goes to
work for Minnesota and against South Dakota, putting the new railroad project at
risk. The head of the railroad calls it a "most extraordinary sellout and
betrayal of South Dakota interests" (and Prof. Blanchard gets quoted):
Former South Dakota Gov. BIll Janklow has been retained as counsel by the Mayo Clinic and other Rochester, Minn. organizations who say they’re concerned about safety if the Sioux Falls-based Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad cuts through the area.
Some see the battle as Minnesota vs. South Dakota. And the move by Janklow is being questioned today by his critics. They say he is betraying South Dakota interests by lining up on the other side of economic development.
Several consultants are being hired by the Rochester groups because of concerns about the health and safety of Rochester residents if the railroad goes as planned through the city and near Mayo’s facilities, said Chris Gade, a clinic spokesman.
“There are several things we are pursuing and mediation is one of them,” says Gade. “We made a good faith commitment to pursue mediation and expressed our willingness to come to the table as early as Monday.”
Rochester City Attorney Terry Adkins says Janklow is one of a group of consultants who will help on several fronts, including the mediation process and dealing with a possible appeal of the federal ruling, opening the doors to the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad expansion through the city and a Federal Railroad Administration application process.
Bringing Janklow aboard was an important step, says John Wood, president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce.
“His presence is significant because Bill Janklow’s knowledge of the railroad and his passions, not only for the people of South Dakota, but also for the Mayo Clinic, are dear,” he said.
Janklow has jumped into what is believed to be his first case since having his law license returned. He relinquished the license after being convicted of manslaughter in 2003 after a fatal accident that killed Minnesota motorcyclist Randy Scott.
...
Janklow’s involvement here again puts two adversaries on opposite sides. The former governor and Schieffer have clashed from time to time when Schieffer worked for then-Sen. Larry Pressler.
Schieffer was surprised by the retaining of Janklow, saying it would go against what is best for South Dakota, agriculture and economic development in the state.
“I can’t believe it. It is incredible. I guess if it is true, and I have a hard time believing it, it is the most extraordinary sellout and betrayal of South Dakota interests,” Schieffer said.
Kenneth Blanchard, a political science professor at Northern State University, says it looks like a case of “not in my back yard” from the Rochester community.
“There is nothing wrong with that, but on the other hand South Dakota looks at it in terms of economic interest,” he said. “Given that, what is Janklow’s responsibility as former governor and congressman in what looks to be lobbying for the other side. It is a matter of perception. There is no reason why he cannot accept this job, and I can understand why they want him. But it will irritate some of his allies, seeing it as a betrayal.”
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