Mayor promotes opportunities in small town

Dan Christopherson has been the mayor of his hometown of Vermillion for almost five years and he said USD and the natural surroundings make Vermillion a unique and special community.

Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: I’m basically a life-long resident. I was born and went through public schools here and at USD. I was gone for a few years in the military and with employment but I’ve been back for 35 years now.

Q: What kinds of things have you enjoyed doing during the time you have lived in Vermillion?
A: I like outdoors activities, our parks and the river and in the winter time, sledding and snow activities and things like that. Mostly walking, golf and outdoor activities. You get a different perspective on things when you walk by it.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Vermillion?
A: It would be the people. I think you have to have the right mix of people and you have to have a friendly environment before things become important. I hope that’s what we convey.
 
Q: What made you want to return to Vermillion?
A: First and foremost it was my home. But after that you look at other quality of life issues and things that didn’t mean much to you when you were growing up, you actually appreciate those more. We’re so blessed here with the university and all the cultural things that we can be exposed to that we would never be able to have if we were in a smaller community without a university. It just makes a really nice place to live and a good place to raise a family.

Q: What do you think is a unique quality that Vermillion has?
A: We’re the smallest community in the United States that has a major state university. So, we’re small in size, but we’re big in opportunity. We’re small enough to be able to be on a first-name friendly basis, but we’re large enough in opportunity and experiences that makes it a really well-rounded living experience.

Q: What kinds of things are being done for the development of Vermillion?
A: Well we’re always looking to expand services and opportunities. From the same perspective, it’s a budgeting thing and every year you fight that battle. You try and take the resources that are available and spread those around to where they can do the most good. It’s not one single thing, but it’s a series of priorities, I think. 

Q: Do you think Vermillion’s natural aspects add to its appeal?
A: Absolutely. I think that our physical location gives us some recreational activities just because of where we’re located. If you take Spirit Mound, the rivers and the various aspects of some rolling hills, you can find a lot of different activities and terrain without having to go too far.

Reach Deanna Johnson at Deanna.Johnson@usd.edu.

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