The Rapid City Chamber of Commerce says they will change the question and answer format of their Legislative Cracker Barrel sessions.
The gatherings give citizens a chance to address legislators during session.
Under the change, the audience can submit their question to the Chamber before or during the event.
Linda Rabe is president of the Chamber, which hosts the event. She says political grandstanding forced the move.
“It just got kind of messy, that’s all I can say. It just didn’t stay within the format. And there were a lot of people very disappointed in that. They want it to be ask a question, the legislators answer. It’s not geared for a back and forth back and forth. It’s geared for ask a question, get an answer. And then if you have a lot more back and forth conversation, that’s when you go down afterward and visit one on one with the legislators.”
Rabe says Cracker Barrel attendees should give the new format a chance.
There are four Cracker Barrels held in Rapid City, and several similar events across the state.
Here is a link to other Cracker Barrels across the state.