Rapid City mayor defends stationery costs

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RAPID CITY (AP) — Rapid City Mayor Sam Kooiker is defending his spending on stationery, saying the personal note cards are a good way to send official responses to constituents.

The media reports that the mayor's spending on stationery led to a tense discussion during Monday's city council meeting. The council later voted to acknowledge the discussion, but took no action.

Some city council members have questioned the amount of money Kooiker spends on the note cards, asking whether it amounts to using taxpayer money to campaign for re-election. Since he took office last year, Kooiker has spent $3,729 on stationery. Former Mayor Alan Hanks spent just under $300 on stationery in his last year in office.

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