2011

Sioux Falls voters in 1994 decided to change the form of government from a commission to a strong mayor, city council form. The founders of that change envisioned a part-time council, people who would work 10 to 15 hours a week, so that people of all walks of life would have time to serve on the body.

The council was envisioned as a board that would establish policy. It would then be the mayor’s job, as the city’s CEO, to implement that policy, Kirby said. But over the years, the council has asserted more power than originally envisioned, and now councilors find themselves with what’s almost a full-time job.

I did have to laugh at Quen Be’s response;

But De Knudson, who is on the charter revision commission and who also served on the council for eight years, challenged Kirby on that point. “I didn’t feel like it was ever close to a full-time job. I felt like it was just about right.”

That’s because she was watching TV during the meetings. Of course it wasn’t work. De also dropped this intelligent statement during the meeting;

“I just welcome input from the public,” Knudson said. “I’ve been trying to find some already.”

Here is some advice De. Stop rambling for about 5 minutes and listen to people.

In other city news, there was a task force meeting today about chickens and vegetable gardens and code enforcement. I guess councilors Dean Karsky and Tex Golfing think we should limit people’s gardens. Horse Shit. In this economy, people should be able to use their entire yard for growing space.