Lincoln County Commissioner Faces Backlash Over Antisemitic Comments
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Lincoln County Commissioner Doug Putnam is under fire after comments made during a recent Commission meeting on May 27 sparked widespread outrage. While discussing a lease agreement between the Lincoln County Sheriff and Harrisburg School District, Putnam used the phrase “I thought you’d Jew them down,” inciting accusations of antisemitism from constituents.
Commission Chairwoman Tiffani Landeen expressed surprise at Putnam’s remarks, indicating she regretted not addressing them more forcefully at the time. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to address it,” she stated. Chad Skiles, a former state senate candidate, publicly criticized Putnam, calling the comments “uncalled for” and demanding an apology, emphasizing the weight of words in today’s context of rising antisemitism.
Putnam did not provide a formal interview but acknowledged the controversy, stating he has communicated with a Jewish individual post-meeting and does not harbor hate. He plans to address the issue in the next commission meeting, where Landeen hopes to close the chapter on this incident, reinforcing that his views do not represent the entire Commission. The community awaits further updates.
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