 "Photo: JOHN LARSON, THE VOLANTE, 2010")
Despite being arrested early last Wednesday morning for possession of marijuana, senior Nick Severson’s mayoral bid has not gone up in smoke.
Severson, who will be on the Vermillion ballot June 8, said he will use this opportunity to further his cause to legalize marijuana in Vermillion.
“My campaign is stronger than ever. I’m actually appreciative of the new opportunities that have arisen. I’m simply a victim of an outdated policy,” Severson said.
Although he is taking the arrest as an opportunity to promote his views, Severson said he was targeted for being a political candidate.
“Earlier in the day, I announced that part of my grand campaign plan would be to regulate Vermillion’s marijuana market,” Severson said.
“Additionally, at the time of my arrest, I was wearing a Zig Zag shirt. I don’t want to speculate much further, but I am taking the opportunity to improve my community, even if I need to occasionally play the role of the victim.”
Chad Passick, Vermillion Police Department captain, could not comment on the case as it is currently pending.
Clay County State’s Attorney Teddi Gertsma said Severson was arrested for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana and ingestion, which are both class one misdemeanors and carry a maximum penalty of one year in the county jail and or a $2,000 fine.
Severson was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a class two misdemeanor which is punishable with 30 days in the county jail and or a $500 fine.
Gertsma could not comment further as the case is pending but said Severson has a magistrate court date for an initial appearance May 11.
Severson, a Vermillion native, said he has used marijuana for medicinal purposes over the course of the past 12 years and decided to run for mayor to help promote some progressive ideas for the city’s future, which included a change in Vermillion’s marijuana policy.
On his public Facebook page before his arrest, Severson wrote “I want to legalize marijuana for those over the age of 18 in the city of Vermillion under a highly-regulated program that not only would collect sales tax, but also licensing fees from vendors and wholesale growers.”
But Severson said his primary objective as mayor would be community building by “making a better community for everyone, with the involvement of everyone.”
“I feel that some people in the town are underrepresented as far as some issues are concerned. I just want to be a voice for everyone,” Severson said.
Severson says only those that come to the meetings and are involved are the ones who have a say in what goes on in the town.
“I want to represent everyone I can,” Severson said.
There are a few key aspects of Vermillion’s politics Severson said he wants to change.
“As a community, we can join together in efforts such as a better watch with the litter clean up. I feel litter is a big problem,” Severson said.
He also plans to change Vermillion’s bus system by creating an established bus route.
As the mayoral election is non-partisan, Severson said he will not be running as a party member.
“That being said, I could be described as a progressive candidate who goes beyond the bickering of party politics to find effective and efficient solutions to problems that are beneficial to the greatest number of people, regardless of their party affiliation,” Severson said.
This is the first time Severson has been on the ballot, although it isn’t the first time he tried to run for mayor.
“I was going to run about eight years ago but I was still in high school and I was sort of dissuaded from running,” Severson said.
Severson said he first considered the office when he turned 18.
“I registered to vote and then I was like ‘Well, I should run for mayor,’” Severson said.
But, Severson said that time his petition for candidacy was stolen out of his backpack and he never found out who stole it.
“I’ve moved beyond it. It was eight years ago, no big deal. This time I got my petition turned in and I’m officially on the ballot,” Severson said.
Severson said he is planning on attending law school in the fall, but his studies will not impair his ability to lead the city.
“I don’t see the commitment being too big of a problem. (City council) meets two times a month and it wouldn’t be anything more than a part time job,” Severson said.
Mayor of Vermillion Dan Christopherson said it would take a certain type of person to balance being both a student and a mayor.
“With a high level of mature organized commitment it could be possible for a qualified individual,” Christopherson said.
Severson isn’t the first USD student to balance academics with public office. District 17 State Sen. Ben Nesselhuf was a junior at USD when he ran and won for State House of Representatives in 2000.
“I had to learn some serious time-management skills very quickly,” Nesselhuf said.
Nesselhuf said his studies did suffer somewhat and he wasn’t able to complete his degree until 2007.
“Public service is very rewarding but it is not without sacrifice,” he added.
Severson said what qualifies him for the position is his community spirit and his vision for the progress of Vermillion.
“As Division One has greater effect on our community, I think Vermillion will grow and I have the business background to foster economic development in the town and help everyone,” Severson said.
During the first half of his eight years as an undergraduate student, Severson pursued a degree in the business school before moving to contemporary media and journalism.
28 comments
washed-up or up-and-coming?
Tick is the latter.
washed-up or up-and-coming?
Tick is the latter.
What has Jack done to deserve attention from the media? He hasn't presented a proposal to boost Vermillion's economy and community spirit. Please let us all know when he does...ha ha. Considering the doubt presented in quotes from other individuals, I believe that you missed the balance in this story. Read it again. Concerning constitutional law, I'm sure that Mr. Severson realizes that Washington cannot fix all of our nation's problems. You attend a liberal university - act like it. A note to all commenters: Meet Mr. Severson before judging him.
Hey Volante, where's Jack Powell's article?
Do you remember when you ran for SGA president and dropped out of the race because of your DUI? Maybe lay off Nick for his alcoholism. We all remember how difficult it was for you to get yours under control. Besides, if Dan Christopherson can do this job, I'm pretty sure any stoner college student can handle it too.
Medical Marijuana - are you for real, Nick? What ailment do you have that would allow you to even use it medicinally? I don’t think being an alcoholic qualifies you for using and abusing another illegal drug. Furthermore, it is illegal in the state of South Dakota (even for medicinal use). Vermillion is trying to do some GREAT things within the community and it is trying to lure in business and more economic development. The Mayor of Vermillion will play a huge role in bringing in those businesses. Mr. Severson would only hinder the great opportunity that Vermillion has to offer. Mr. Severson needs to concentrate on getting done with his almost decade long undergraduate career and move onto law school. He needs to stop using excuses and carry on with his life. I’m hoping for his sake that this will be a wake-up call to grow up and move out of the “never-land” stage in his life.
I’m a person that believes the position should go to the VERY BEST candidate and I am worried that college students will see this article and vote for Mr. Severson. Nick isn’t the best candidate and I believe that he can do more harm for Vermillion than good. Vermillion has the opportunity to do some really awesome things in the next few years and we must have a candidate that is exceptional. While Nick might be a good friend/person to many throughout Vermillion, he is not mayor material.
Nick has multiple DUI’s and drug infractions on his record—now I understand that a person can make mistakes in their life, but one person should learn from having it happen the first time and make better decisions in the future.
As a concerned former USD/Vermillion resident….please spend your energy on improving the wonderfulness of Vermillion and not focusing on the silliness of “legalizing marijuana.” It can’t be done at a city level and it has to be done at the state level. I agree that it should be legalized, but if that is your cause, move to DC or join an organization that specializes in that field—afterall, Vermillion should be the first concern for the Mayor of VERMILLION.