Finally, we have Mike Huether’s answers in writing! I will commend the Argus Leader for doing this (even you Pat). When you read Mike’s answers, it puts them in perspective, and how he dodges the questions by repeating the questions, here is a little sample;
Q: What are the key differences between you and Dr. Staggers?
A: Mr. Staggers is a nice man and he is passionate about his beliefs. I commend him for his sacrifices. However, we are different.
He is extremely focused on the expense side only of the equation. I too am focused on Fiscal responsibilty in Govt, but you also need to pay as much if not more attention on the investment side as well. For example, you don’t create new good jobs in Sioux Falls by just focusing on cutting taxes.
Really Mike? His only focus is cutting taxes? How about de-regulation and encouraging international business? The secret to beating your opponent, is knowing your opponent. You don’t know Jack about Kermit.
His experience is not relavent to the Executive Branch of Government. This job is basically the CEO of City Government. He has no experience in executing the functions of a job like this.
What is your ‘Executive Branch of Government’ experience? Kinda sounds like you are both in the same boat on that one, except for the fact that Kermit has been a public servant for 21 years.
Finally, I have a strong, strong record of producing results in business, in non profits, and in other stewardship roles. Mr. Staggers is well known for his ability to be the voice of dissent in city council meetings. There is so much more that SF needs right now, and the ability to vote no is not the key to our cities future success.
Here you go again with the ‘Dissenter’ line. Kermit’s dissent has equaled the citizens dissent. His dissent was in direct agreement with the public, and he has proved that time and time again. Heck, Mike, you even followed Kermit’s suit when you found out that the public doesn’t support a sales tax increase to build an Events Center. Who is the ‘dissenter’ now?
Then, someone finally asks the question, and Mike, as usual, doesn’t even touch it with a ten-foot-pole. This is hilarious;
Q: Is it true that someday you hope to be governor of South Dakota?
A: Jean, you are very flattering but hey, all I did was get in a runoff to represent the great people of Sioux Falls. I will be so incredibly honored to earn this right to represent all of you as your next Mayor. I will work harder than you can imagine. I will bring a spirit and a vision to this city that you will want to rally behind. I will make you even more proud to call SF home. But Jean, I am focused on Sioux Falls. We have a ton of work to do and I am up to the challenge. When Sioux Falls moves forward, South Dakota moves forward. That is my goal and I won’t let you down!!!!
Thanks everyone, I have truly enjoyed the day and this has been a ton of fun. Even better things to come!
Make it a great day and enjoy your families.
Make it a great day, and never give a straight answer to a straight question.
Well, it’s strike 3 for hisman for me, what the hell is up with this gibberish?
On EC location:
“We can build a new events center but it will ultimately need to meet the mustard of the good folks of Sioux Falls. One place that will never be acceptable to the majority of voters in town for the new Center is downtown. We will get it done though and the majority of folks in SF want it done.”
A few questions later on Down/Uptown:
“Wouldn’t it be great if we had more cafes, more pubs, more hotels, more entertainment hubs in Downtown or UPtown. We will get this one back on track and the investment will be worth it.”
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20100415/NEWS/100415016
Hey mikey, you claim to have investment savvy, why rule out a location that will yield a better payback on a $100 million investment because of what? An AL poll?
Is downtown a good investment or not?
Nice Obamaesque doublespeak.
And what is Kermit’s view on this? How does he plan to promote Downtown business, and why has he not spoken out on the Downtown location? I don’t exactly see why the bashing of Mike’s views on this are brought up, yet Kermit hasn’t said crap about him supporting a Downtown location either.
Actually, Kermit has said whatever location has the best economic impact would be the place he chooses. That could mean anywhere, that could mean your backyard. Kermit is realistic about an Events Center, we must first figure out how to pay for it, then we can draw up plans. It’s kind like buying a new car, you figure out how much you can spend then you pick a car.
As for promoting downtown, Kermit has suggested many things, TIF’s, deregulation for fixing up old properties, removing the parking meters, etc.
Sy, you didn’t understand what Mike was saying?
http://rlv.zcache.com/i_like_mustard_on_my_hot_dog_tshirt-p235648424621184382qw9y_400.jpg
seems clear to me.
Anyone who would trust a bankster in this economic environment needs their head examined.
I see photos of Huether and see smiling Jamie Diamond and Lloyd Blankfein.
It takes a DISSENTER for refined results. The rest of the council followed one leader into foolish projects, outbound jobs, major corruption, and citizens rights abuse.
Candidates should address ‘Home Rule’ government and pending lawsuits.
There’s a sign on 26th street to call a number if you’d been harrassed by the city. Here, there, and otherwise ‘Home Rule’ resistance is becoming a major issue.
Here’s the issue, Mike’s plan is to spend $100 million on a new EC at the same location and without tearing down Howard Wood and without any added “frills” to the Convention Center.
So in reality, he’s saying he wants to tear down the Arena and simply rebuild it with more seats. Look at the current footprint and show me how that’s done without stacking people to the rafters?
Moreover, once that’s done what are we left with? A more crowded place for all our sporting and entertainment events with little or no new developement to help pay the place down.
This plan is actually worse than the Task Force’s idea.
Hisman claims there’s no way voters will ever approve an EC downtown, I guess other than an old Argus poll I’d like to know how he can draw this conclusion. Shouldn’t voters at least have a comparision done that shows the payback analysis of both options and go with where we get the most bang for our $100 million?
Kermit’s solution: what do you with Sioux Fall’s homeless/orphan population.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQsOcYF69AY
Hilarious
That’s what I can’t figure out, they want to make DT like San Antonio but they don’t have any kind of anchor to do that.
Scott watch the video
Hey Mikey also says we should do like Sioux City & Omaha on Air service, yet we shouldn’t follow their lead on an EC downtown, despite how successful both places have been. Is it just me or does this reek like the Task Force stench of seeking expert advice on what’s working and then ignoring it altogether?
Like I said before, a visionary candidate would see how those two problems (facilities & transportation) are related and how solving one will help solve the other.
There is bigger issues in this city then just the homeless. Besides, Kermit proposed amendments a week ago to give tax breaks to non-profits that help the homeless and the council voted it down. He actually is a big supporter of helping the homeless, he just thinks there is a better way of doing then just handing over tax dollars.
BUT WHERE exactly has Kermit stated he wants an Events Center Downtown? You say he wants an events center at the most economic place, but why did he not stand up during the time of the Task Force and say “Downtown is the right location?”. Where EXACTLY does Kermit say he would like to build an Events Center Downtown? That is what you are asking Mike, but your not asking the same question to Kermit.
Granted Mike and Kermit are in campaign mode, no matter what, once they get to office, if a crap load of people come up and say “hey, build this thing downtown and without a sales tax” their view on it could easily change, its just pre-election right now.
And what other city our size and bigger does NOT have parking meters in their Downtown? If you can give me a list, then you can prove me wrong on that, but with all these tax cuts, where does Kermit plan on getting that money back?
CC-
There is one place I agree with Kermit on, and it is something I have said on this site, time and time again. Stop putting the cart in front of the horse. Determine the funding source and how much we will spend, then talk about the facility and location. This isn’t freaking rocket science.