You didn’t pay for it, so call a Whambulance

I found this comment about the new PUBLIC art piece at the Steel District interesting, especially the last sentence.

I don’t care who paid for it, it is sitting in the public square, which would make it PUBLIC art. It actually did cost us. We provided a $21.5 million TIF package*, which included $9.4 million in Site Improvements.  

My recollection is that either included in that amount for Site Improvements (or designated elsewhere in the City budget?) was earmarked for art in public places at The Steel District.

This is why public art must go thru a vetting process NO MATTER who is paying for it. What if Denny Sanford wanted to construct a massive pumpkin sculpture and put it in the Federal Courthouse plaza? He’s paying for it? So what’s wrong with that? Having the donors pick the art is a bad idea. I like the piece though, it should just be painted white.

Also, I know in the past if you were a business owner and you wanted to paint a mural on your business you had to present the concept drawings and idea to the Visual Arts Commission for approval before proceeding with a building permit and sign permit. So how is this any different? Special people get Special treatment in Sioux Falls. I hope the next mayor tells this ilk to go to Heck and find some other trough to feed at.

* also included as extra is Permanent Finance Cost of up to 5% of total eligible TIF expenses (up to $1.075 million, which likely went right to the pocket of Craig Lloyd’s SIL, who is likely providing / arranging financing for the project).

Parades, Clowns and Clems

The city claims they are canceling the 4th of July parade due to lack of interest. That’s not what I heard. Anytime an officer works a parade, especially on a national holiday, they have to ‘volunteer’ to work overtime (they don’t pull officers from their regular shifts). I guess the volunteers came up short.

What the Heck is Huether up to?

I was talking to some city employees (management) and they said Mike has been busy ‘reaching out’ to them. He has also assembled a team for his next run. So Governor or Mayor? I’m switching my prediction to mayor. Why on earth would you be contacting city employees if you are running for governor? I also heard Merkouris is out, but no prediction on Beck.

LinClem County Commission

Some seemed surprised a Lincoln County Commissioner made anti-semitic statements then blamed the Queers for his racist remarks. No surprise to me, the LCC is made up of the biggest bunch of Clems I have seen in a long time. It amazes me that the wealthiest county in the state is ran by hillbillies.