NOT the official flag of Sioux Falls
The city council, all 8 of them approved the city flag tonight, but some worried (Rick Kiley) that they would be stepping on the toes of the Chamber and their rebranding efforts.
As I reported back in May, the city, and now it seems that Chamber have been leading an effort to brand the city. Kiley brought it up in the discussion tonight. While this isn’t a bad idea, I wondered when the Chamber was going to bring the public into this discussion, you know, the people who fund this government and live here. Once again, the business elite in town want to decide what is best for us, without including us in the discussion.
Personally, I am offended that these back room discussions have been going on. I guess Sioux Falls is only your city if your Chamber membership is up to date and paid for.
I am not aware of anyone in the Chamber that opposes the flag.
This is a conflation of two unrelated issues.
The city flag is a common symbol of identity for people in our city.
The branding project is a collaborative effort from the Chamber, CVB, etc. to use consistent messaging and talking points when promoting Sioux Falls to outside businesses, events, etc. that we want to draw to Sioux Falls.
They do not conflict or overlap in any meaningful way.
The city flag is more of an advertising banner than representation for government. When it flies at city hall one could wonder why there are no used cars or appliances for sale. I don’t like the design but it’s just me.
Th. Jefferson said, “that there should be a wall between church and state.”
I can only wonder what he would have thought of the concept of a corporate citizen, but my guess is that he would have wanted an other wall for that one, too.
The Chamber and other private organizations want to sell Sioux Falls, thats fine; but what the Council wants to do should be a reflection of what the citizens (living and breathing ones) want and not a rubber stamp reaction to some type of Chamber hegemony.
A few months ago, Councilwoman Stehly was told by then fellow Councilors that when on the Council you represent the City and not your constituents, which is a very sad attitude by some of Stehlys colleagues. But in retrospect, perhaps those Councilors meant the Chamber and not even the City….(?)