“I think it’s important to know that this change is inevitable … and that the commission considered its work without regard to cultural, social or economic considerations,” committee member Joel Rosenthal said.
A blogger sitting on the commission? Hmmmmm . . .
Okay, I have followed government in Sioux Falls long enough to tell you it doesn’t really matter what district you live in, because as individuals our councilors are powerless under home rule. Besides okaying the occassional beer license or rubberstamping the planning commission’s recommendations they really don’t make any tough decisions, or should I say ‘well-informed’ decisions.
I think why this matters is that it will affect legislative re-districting after the current census. If you break up districts for city races then it is easier to make changes to legislative districts to match.
Why do you think Joel is on the committee?
That does make sense John. I guess I look at it as being inevitable, so what’s the point in fighting it. Some people have suggested that all the councilors should be ‘at large’ I am on the fence about that. The pros would be councilors would have to represent EVERYONE but the CONS would be special interest money getting the HAVE’s elected. I still think the best investment this city could make would to make the city races publicly funded, it would remove the special interests. Cap the council races at $3,000 each and the Mayor race at $6,000 each and do not allow op-outs. It would force them to knock on doors and have more public forums and debates.
I think Joel being on the committee is a big conflict considering he is a political consultant who helped Vernon out in the last race. But I guess that’s how it works in Sux Falls, it is who you know.
How did that work for downtown Vernon? Maybe Joel could get Veron elected Mayor?
It is behind the scenes “stuff” that keep groups in power.
Well he beat Stehly (of course he out spent her I think 10 to 1)
Vernon is gearing up for the Mayor run. He’s been chattering a lot at the council meetings and giving his ‘I have a dream’ speeches.