There has been plenty of public and private conversation about Mike’s retirement;
After a 32-year career with the city of Sioux Falls, Director of Planning and Development Services Mike Cooper Monday announced plans to retire from municipal government next spring.
Before the TenHaken was even elected, there were plenty of people saying Mike would retire in 2019. You can’t blame him, he put in his time. I also don’t think he was forced out. I think this was a planned process that Mike had full control of.
His retirement isn’t the grand mystery surrounding the announcement, this is;
The city will conduct a national talent search to fill the Cooper’s position as director of Planning and Development Services. The director is appointed by the mayor with advice and consent of the City Council.
Why waste the taxpayer’s money? I have said all along that former city planner and now COS, Beck, was going to replace Cooper. Maybe I am wrong, maybe she likes signing Paul’s executive documents and baby sitting TJ NelsOver, but I’m guessing someone who has spent a lifetime in planning and development and went to the same school Cooper did (Metli-Lloyds Planning Academy) is gearing up to take the job. The planning/community development re-org, the rah-rah sessions about TIFs and various other policy decisions Beck has been behind make it pretty clear who is ‘seeking’ that position.
Of course, the administration will put on a big show, but seriously, just spare us the smoke and mirrors, appoint Beck in April when Cooper leaves, and save us the drama.
I agree. Shouldn’t have to spend money advertising this position on a national level if there is a person duly qualified that is already on staff. It pays to hire from within. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months.
Cooper has never impressed me. His ego is just plain obvious. Give him his gold watch and confine him to the lake far away with retired fire chiefs.
Won’t it be interesting to have a conversation with former Building and Planning Services employee, Jeffrey Schmitt?
As I understand it, Jeff is still with the city. Let’s just say he got a new ‘title’ and a new ‘office’.