There has always been a long standing tradition of our local media throwing the good professor under the bus, even after he died, there is still an effort to paint Kermit as too fiscally conservative, yet over 20 years ago when he served in the legislature, he tried to cut the food tax by 50%;
2001
Senator Kermit Staggers, a Sioux Falls Republican, proposed reducing the state sales tax on food to 2% from the then-4% rate. The Senate Taxation Committee killed it 5-4. SB 171
2002
Senator Staggers again proposed reducing the state sales tax on food to 2% from the then-4% rate. The Senate State Affairs Committee killed it 6-2. SB 67
Staggers also led a small bipartisan group of lawmakers who wanted to exempt food from the state sales tax in North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes. The Senate Taxation Committee killed it 7-1. SB 116
Even when Kermit served on the city council he fought against tax and fee increases. Kermit had a big heart, and he always looked after the working class of this state and city. Funny how twenty years ago Staggers had the vision that the food tax was regressive. This coming from a supposed extreme conservative.
I was surprised the media didn’t use this information to further criticize him, maybe 20 years is too soon?
I had the pleasure yesterday of attending Kermit’s Interment at the Veterans Cemetery outside of Sioux Falls. (He was an intelligence officer with the Air Force) So many wonderful things were said about this brilliant man and friend.
Kermit’s son, Kyle, said it best when he talked about Kermit’s integrity, kindness and work ethic.
While Kermit and I disagreed on many things, he always respected my opinion and would have an honest discussion about it. They don’t make many politicians like Kermit, it’s unfortunate. I look at our current city council and mayor and sometimes wonder what Kermit would say about it. I probably know the answer.
Rest in Peace my friend, you are missed everyday. (we did record some phone video, and hope to have it up soon).
Kermit died one year ago today. He was my mentor and a tireless champion for the people. Kermit always listened to the citizens and respected the input from everyone. He was a staunch defender of transparent and accountable City Government. We need more elected officials with his integrity, compassion and responsiveness…..now more than ever.
I just want to say a few words first. Bruce got permission from the family to film Kermit’s funeral and post to YouTube. I am sad I could not make the funeral, he was a good friend, but am happy that the moment was captured. I also want to say that former Governor Janklow’s funeral was live streamed, so this is NOT a rare event. For those who could not make it, I hope this comforts you. I will miss you friend, you were always a light in the darkness, and your light shines bright and always will.
You probably read the news reports I’m sure by now that Kermit passed peacefully in the night. I’m not going to rewrite all the things the news has said about him, but I did want to touch on our friendship and somethings I learned from him. I first met Kermit when I had an issue with the SFPD. I was told to call him, so I did. It was probably a 45 minute conversation where I did most of the talking, he listened (something he was very good at) and a couple of days later I got a letter in the mail from the city attorney telling me the issue was resolved.
Kermit did this for people all the time, listened to their concerns, took note, and tried to help. He was always very humble and modest about helping others.
I could never figure out when people would say to me, “I don’t like Kermit, he seems grumpy.” I would always ask them if they ever have met him, and I would introduce them if they wanted me to. There was a lot of people who didn’t know the truth about Kermit because the Argus Leader, headed by Randell Beck launched a smear campaign against him for years, and years. I was surprised he never sued for libel on some of the things Beck concocted.
Here some things I always took away from knowing Kermit;
• Always steadfast in his beliefs. Sometimes this can get criticism, but it is a sign of a true leader. Figure out what you are going to do, and do it.
• Never swore or said bad things about anyone.
• Honest.
• Very funny. This is something that a lot people didn’t know about Kermit. But he had an incredible sense of humor when it came to politics.
• Kept his faith private. Kermit told me once, “Never trust a politician that wears their religion on their sleeve.” AND “My faith in God is between me and God.”
• Always encouraging. Kermit always commended me for blogging, even when we disagreed on issues.
There will be many more stories in the coming days honoring him. Please feel free to leave your memories of Kermit.
The South Dakota Mines men's basketball team held a 12-point lead over Chadron State with eight minutes left in the first half Saturday at the King Center.
