During PTH’s Sunday Night FB rant his authoritarian stripes started to show;

He reminded folks if you are having landlord issues you should NOT call the media you should call the city. This of course is true, but when tenants are getting no resolution from the city on cockroach issues and other problems this is when citizens SHOULD call the media. The 4th estate’s job is to uncover problems when government is ineffective.

He also voiced his opposition to allowing motorized foot scooters, one wheels, skateboards and E2’s on the recreational (bike) trail. He seems to have a misunderstanding of this technology. Most E bikes I see on the trail are E2s. It makes absolutely NO sense to buy an E1 bike that you cannot ride off the trail over 15 MPH and has NO throttle for effective street navigation. I have also argued that E2’s are actually safer than non e-bikes because you can control (limit) the speed, they have a better braking system, better tire traction, better shock absorption and are usually more durable. Depending on the setting you can actually force the bike to go a certain speed. I have offered many solutions to the council including just enforcing a 15 MPH speed limit and painting a stripe down the middle of the trail. These vehicles are NOT dangerous and in most cases when an accident occurs it is due to operator error or a pedestrian or unleashed dog stepping in front of the bike.

I also look at this as holding back our local bike dealerships. Right now it is virtually impossible to buy any E products in Sioux Falls unless they meet the E1 criteria. Most of these units I see on the trail are purchased online. The E2 and other electric transportation is the biggest growing industry in the nation and we are missing out because our lackluster city council doesn’t want to proceed on realistic regulations.

He also makes the inference that E transportation is not ‘recreational’ saying that the trail is for walking, jogging and regular biking. I would argue that especially with E2 bikes you can get a better workout depending on your setting and it assists people who may have physical limitations. Who do I see riding E-bikes the most on the trail? Retired and elderly folks and very few are overweight.

Speaking of bikes, PTH also reminds us that roads for cars are more important because we can only ride bikes 6 months out of the year and only ‘hardcore’ people ride all year long. Maybe the reason is because the city doesn’t provide enough options for bicyclists to commute all year long?

He also says the Bunker Ramp is self-sustaining through rentals and leases. While it is true the ramp’s bond must be paid for through parking funds I highly doubt the bond payments are being covered directly from the Bunker Ramp which is mostly empty and has a top floor that is closed. The entire parking enterprise fund is likely propping up the bunker ramp.

10 Thoughts on “Mayor TenHaken (Paul) reminds us the importance of the 4th Estate

  1. D@ily Spin on August 18, 2022 at 11:03 am said:

    There’s a movie named “Paul” about an alien who escapes from federal agents trying to blend in. He’s looking to get back to his planet. He befriends 2 fat guys who obviously don’t ride bikes.

    It’s not this Paul but there are similarities.

  2. "Woodstock" on August 18, 2022 at 11:29 am said:

    “They got two what?”….. 🙁

  3. "Woodstock" on August 18, 2022 at 11:37 am said:

    “What about potholes?”…. “Who was I suppose to call again?”….

  4. Fear & Loathing in Sioux Falls on August 18, 2022 at 12:54 pm said:

    Welcome to another day in magical Taupeville, where you can afford two dogs and private schooling for the kids. Now, that’s the Shih Tzu, if you ask me.

  5. Further Fear & Loathing on August 18, 2022 at 1:01 pm said:

    Why the hat? That should only be worn when filming from his garage. In doors, he should go hat less to make the Lululemon Mammas more pleased.

    #TheRealLululemonMammasOfTaupeville

  6. media morons on August 18, 2022 at 1:04 pm said:

    i’m not sure why he’d be concerned about the media. unfortunately the most of media in this city are generally either too young, too lazy, or too stupid to ask really hard questions or press for clear answers, and paul…er i mean mayor… knows it.

  7. Fearing the Fuhrer & More on August 18, 2022 at 1:06 pm said:

    He dismisses his daughter like someone giving public input. When is the daughter going to start taking over this show? She’s far more credible. She understands that it is just all one big joke. Trust me, we all understand her overall subliminal message here.

  8. "Woodstock" on August 18, 2022 at 1:13 pm said:

    “Say, did you see where they now have Lululemon for men, too?”…. “Yep, it’s only a matter of time, right Paul?”….

  9. Sick of Fearing on August 18, 2022 at 4:25 pm said:

    He has two lap dogs…. That tells the whole story, if you ask me.

  10. Fear Not! on August 21, 2022 at 8:25 pm said:

    But if you live in Taupeville, isn’t the “fourth estate” just another home under construction there?… And, if you ask me, many of them could use a fifth column in a land of “Four Pillars”, if you know what I mean.

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