Not that I really care. Like most conservative editorial cartoonists, he really isn’t that funny. Just how many cartoons can you do about Stace Nelson anyway? I don’t know what their obsession with him is anyway? I have felt Stace has been irrelevant for a very long time.
So ‘HW’ who are you? Or are you afraid Stace is going to bop you over the head?
Most would think that the big news of the night was the compromise passing. Than there was the very compassionate ASS chewing by councilor Brekke about Ethics (Bruce, we need to cut that into it’s own video).
But I have to hand it to Councilor Stehly for the the motion and Councilor Starr for seconding the procedural trick of moving item #105 after item #106. See, the 5 councilors that were trying to hoodwink or threaten the other 3 were trying to defer the ordinance that would put public input to the end, but by putting that after the compromise they had no choice but to kill it. They fell for it, hook, line and sinker.
I will say this about public input, those who show up and express their opinions publicly get the first seat at the table. Mysterious Tuthill ghosts who send supposed emails or have supposed conversations at the ‘grocery store’ are at the back of the line. Things ‘happen’ for those who show up.
As for the argument about ‘rich developers’ investing in our community, all I have ever seen is low wage jobs, FREE infrastructure and tax breaks. When they want to truly ‘invest’ in our community, they also get to come to the front of the line.
WALMART at 85th ALL OVER AGAIN
As councilor Neitzert pointed out tonight, we have another planning situation where we are allowing a questionable use of land. I hope by second reading this will get truly vetted.
MIDCO POOL NEIGHBORHOOD PARKING ISSUES
As we pointed out during the indoor pool debate, the VA was expanding and parking would be an issue. It came full frontal tonight when the VA canceled their lease with LifeScape and they were looking to expand parking in an already crowded neighborhood. Props to Councilor Soehl for being the ONLY councilor to vote against this. But as we warned, build the Midco Aquatic Center in this location and the parking problems will begin. They should have built the pool at the Sanford Sports Complex where there is room for parking and expansion. But what do I know, I’m just a blogger who talks to much at public input.
SPECIAL NOTE: Due to the daytime closing of the VFW, Democratic Forum will be held June 22 and 29 at the ROYAL FORK buffet on 49th Street south of the Empire Mall. Our special rate for the full buffet, including beverage, will be $9.50. Members need not purchase the buffet to attend the meeting but that will be the only option to eat. The buffet includes a wide choice of entrees, sides, salads and desserts. Be sure to mention you are with Democratic Forum when paying. The buffet opens at 11:00 and early arrival is encouraged to avoid long lines.
PROGRAM: US Congressional Candidate Tim Bjorkman and former legislator Frank Kloucek Â
Tim will provide a short update on his campaign while Frank, an active farmer, will discuss rural issues in SD.
WHEN:Â June 22, Noon to 1:00 PM
WHERE:Â Royal Fork.
4610 W Empire Place. Opens at 11:00 AM.
LOOKING AHEAD:
June 29:Â FORUM:Â TBA
July 6:Â FORUM:Â Jana Johnson on Haiti.
July 13: FORUM:  Sheryl Johnson and Margaret Kuipers, candidates for House in District 11
July 20: FORUM:Â Â Elizabeth Skarin, ACLU
July 27: FORUM:Â Â Valerie Loudenback and Erin Healy, candidates for House in District 14
There has been some criticism from councilors and from the media about the frequency of certain commenters at public input. As I have noted, I ALWAYS talk about things concerning our city. I don’t talk about state government unless it has to do with city business and I don’t talk about Federal Government. I don’t even talk about my blog or personal things like community art shows. If I was trying to get ‘publicity’ wouldn’t I be talking about different things at public input besides city business, I don’t. I attend public input not only to address my concerns with city government, but the concerns of many citizens in this community who either don’t have the time to attend city council meetings or are to shy to comment. I read the minutes of the 26 meetings I spoke at, these are the topics I covered. I sometimes address several topics during the 5 minute period I am afforded. As you can see EVERY SINGLE TOPIC has to do with city government. No carrying on about personal government subsidies or how no one listens to me. Some say you can contact your city council outside of public input. I do, I also blog about a lot of stuff that I never address at public input. I will say this though, a majority of the council WILL not respond to emails or phone calls. Sometimes city employees/directors won’t either. That is why public input is important, it is a time to address concerns, in public and on the record. This is how you get results.
Public Input (4)
Decorum of City Council
Open Government and Open Meetings (4)
Falls Park Safety review
Affordable Housing
Alcohol Licensing
City elections (8)
Trains (6)
Construction of City buildings
City Planning (3)
Sioux Steel moving
Top Ten Wins
TIFs (3)
Decibel Noise Levels Downtown
City Lawsuits
Public Ambulance & current ambulance service (3)
City Financial Reports & Budget (3)
Sanford Sports Complex
Charter Revision Commission
Municipal League
City Bonds (2)
Event Center Siding (3)
Events Center & SMG (2)
Downtown Parking Ramp (3)
City Arts funding
RFP’s
Washington Pavilion
Great Plains Zoo
SF Fire Department
Sioux Falls Parks (2)
City Ordinances
l3wis