Obviously the virus and info about it is the big story.
Like after 9/11, we are entering a new normal.
As you know I’m a local government guy. That’s where the rest of this post is going.
City Council Election Day is April 14th. No provision in State Law to postpone it.
Local government has a profound impact on the quality of your life.
Streets, the quality and quantity of your drinking water, police, fire, public health(including the Covid 19 virus) are responsibilities of local government.
The people elected to the City Council need to be visionary, intelligent, articulate, independent thinkers, and when needed leaders, which may mean disagreeing with the “pack. “
I know the two incumbents and one of the challengers.
Since we are entering a new normal I want the voice of Julian Beaudion to be on the City Council. The qualities and resume of Julian Beaudion impress me. He’s in the trenches being a state law enforcement officer and also with his family running an Independent restaurant in downtown Sioux Falls. His campaign is about diversity and inclusion. We need that on the Council. He has my vote and yes, I gave him a modest donation. The incumbent is a decent man. He has a loving family. I like him. However voting isn’t about liking someone.
It’s about putting people in a responsible position who can represent ALL of us and has the ability to deal with the complex issues facing us. To me that’s Julian Beaudion.
The At Large seat has the outspoken incumbent, Theresa Stehly being challenged by an unknown challenger. I haven’t met him. His donors have given BIG money, including $10,000 from our former Governor. The list includes the moneyed folks in town.
None of that is evil, but to me it is a sign. The power people usually don’t like outspoken people. They want somebody they can manage/handle/ control.
The incumbent, Theresa Stehly, is not automatically against the moneyed people, but she is not afraid to disagree when she thinks they are wrong.
I like that quality in an elected official.
I want, and the City Council needs, alternative ideas. Ideas and suggestions different from the administration and moneyed folks.
The challenger to Theresa Stehly has chosen to go negative in his first two presentations. First, a public challenge to Stehly’s privately funded Stehly Report, and second, a negative postcard.
I want people in office with ideas to make Sioux Falls better. So far, the challenger, and his handlers, have gone negative. Not a good sign.
He might be a nice fellow. But so far his actions are those of a negative thinker. We don’t need that.
Finally, Theresa Stehly has been right on the big issues. She has fought for, and won, more transparency from the city administration.
She was right about concerns over the now defunct hotel and parking ramp project, now in litigation.
She was right in her attempt to collect law enforcement and other expenses, from the PRIVATE fundraiser held by then governor candidate Kristi Noem, which featured President Trump.
I know she has been an irritant to some. But, I think we need people to challenge our thinking and our habits.
Theresa Stehly has my vote and will get a modest check to support her campaign.
That’s it from me.
Early voting starts March 30th.
What impressed me about Stehly is practicality and honesty. She recognizes what is good for the city. We watched Neitzert and Erickson change sides to the CMAR fix. Stehly is not serving time further herself for favors or consideration. I don’t think city corruption can be corrected but Stehly has led a good fight. Ideally, I’d like to see her in state government leading a campaign to expose city anarchy.
In four years, it will be 50 years since Rick was first elected mayor of Sioux Falls at age 29. It’s hard to believe, where has the time gone? I still miss the plaid jackets with the white shoes. But that was what was in style back then. Now, unshaven and wearing tennie-runners with a jacket? I guess?
unbelievable that other council people want this other guy to win.
Moses…They don’t want the other guy to win. They know as much about the other guy as we do. Nothing. Their fear and loathing of anything Theresa is what drives them.
Were I running for council against a seated councilor, I’d withdraw. In a matter of weeks, the city has entered into difficult times due to COVID. Forthcoming, the mayor and council will not have funds to meet Huether Bonds nor will there be funds for new projects you can get kickbacks from. Indeed, you’ll be blamed for everything. The only position to take is as 6 figure do nothing post as Innovation Director. It’s a favor type job the mayor sells to an insider. There’s no innovation when the city goes bankrupt so it’s a full time coffee break with benefits.
Ignore the fact that this is an election year. Mandate that the 5 corrupt councilors cannot resign and must serve 3 terms. City leaders must now serve the public and not pad their pockets.