Before we get in the weeds on this, for full disclosure I support ANYTHING that helps veterans.
So a veterans group has been trying to get a STATE veterans cemetery on the East side of the state for awhile. I think it is a great idea;
First, land needs to be bought or donated for the project. Council leaders said they’re confident the city of Sioux Falls will be willing to work with them.
While the Feds would possibly cover or reimburse the state up to $6 million dollars, there are a couple of sticking points. The state could possibly be on the hook to maintain the cemetery and the city could donate the land.
I’ll just say it. While I understand Federally funding war memorials and cemeteries, I have often argued for every dollar spent on war memorials we should spend the same amount on peace memorials.
I also think if we are going to spend money on veterans it should be on living ones for healthcare. Our country spends almost 3x more than our closest competitor in military spending, yet we have to have bake sales when it comes to healthcare for veterans or burial. It’s sad. I actually think veterans healthcare could be improved if we implemented a nation wide single payer system for ALL citizens, but that’s an argument for another day.
While I don’t take issue with a ‘partial’ donation of the city owned property or a reduced price, I don’t think we should give a 100% donation on such valuable property (Slip Up Creek area). I look at the Glory House land deal and how we had them pay a reduced price. While I disagreed with making them pay, since their services save taxpayers oodles of money, I also see the argument that ‘nothing is really free’.
I also see this with the city owned property. We have choices in the matter, we could certainly donate 100%, but we could also seek payment from the Feds or the State (which is really our money anyway) or we could say NO all together and sell it at a premium.
I think we should appraise the land, and sell it at a discount for the cemetery, but we shouldn’t just hand it over.
As we often like to say, ‘Freedom isn’t Free’ and neither is land.
Please don’t overthink this. It is the right thing to do and it is time.
Via court cases, Strong Mayor Charter is unconstitutional. As a veteran I disagree with the cemetery. Bury me at Sturgis National Cemetary with patriots who defended democracy. Huether’s Sioux Falls is not where veterans can Rest In Peace. He’s already forcefully taken federal land (Aquatics). A veterans cemetary is solemn ground. Anywhere inside Sioux Falls city limits Kleptocracy is not. City donate land? Bahaha…Bahaha. Then give back purchase price for Bishop Dudley?
Kleptocracy (def.) is a government with corrupt leaders that use their power to exploit the people and natural resources to extend their wealth and political power. Typically, this involves embezzlement of public funds.
Never believe the d c three if they wanted vets to have health care they could introduce a bill that gets rid of all income testing, and put a mandatory bill for health care for all veterans.
I agree with the above post, don’t F this up by bitching about a deal with 0 details formulated.
What part of Slip Up Creek? The city just purchased a big chunk of flood plain from the Sweetmans North of the Airport.
You start out your post saying you support anything which helps vets, and end it by saying you want the city to get top dollar for this land. I think the end of your post more accurately represents what you really think than what what you start off saying.