The Ed Board’s endorsement was actually entertaining to read, because they have proven that Kermit is a man of action while Mike is a man of only words;
Consider the qualifications and skills that the city’s next mayor needs: a clear vision for job creation, commitment to quality-of-life improvements, the ability to balance competing interests throughout Sioux Falls, an understanding of fiscal responsibility and a passion to doggedly promote Sioux Falls.
Does Mike have a clear vision for job creation? Kermit has at least one solution; tax cuts and deregulation for local business, which helps create jobs. “commitment to quality-of-life improvements” Are the voters asking for that? Or is the Argus Leader Ed Board asking for that? Quality of life means different things to different people. Some people think Rec centers and indoor pools are quality of life. Some people think good roads, parks, and top notch infrastructure and customer service to citizens is quality of life. This is simply a difference of opinion, Mike’s (The Argus Ed board) and Kermit’s. As for balancing competing interests, Kermit has done that his whole political life. He has voted ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ depending on the issue, and wasn’t a rubberstamper. That is a good thing. ‘an understanding of fiscal responsibility’ Well, Kermit blows Mike out of the water on this issue.
Staggers’ consistent resistance to developing an ambitious agenda for Sioux Falls doesn’t match what most residents repeatedly indicate they want or what the city needs. No one doubts that Staggers legitimately desires what’s best for Sioux Falls, but his plan represents a step backward for this growing, vibrant city.
Kermit has a very clear agenda; give the city back to the citizens. Better customer service, better roads and infrastructure and less subsidies to special interests. Sounds like moving forward to me.
Huether will face a steep learning curve in mastering city governmental affairs, but his previous accomplishments indicate he’s well able to meet the challenge.
And this what ultimately scares me about Mike, his lack of government experience.