March 2012

SF City Council Sh*tstorm!

“Not sure I did anything wrong or not. I’m too busy building sandcastles in Mexico for a month.”

I highly suggest you watch the discussion at the Informational meeting, which takes some very strange twists and turns, to say the least. My favorite part is when councilor Anderson chews Fiddle-Faddle’s ass, and tells him he is ‘out of order’ himself, after threatening Brown with a defamation suit;

The City Attorney stood by the advice given to the council and said the council was right to fire Owen.

“We certainly have more than sufficient grounds to not only justify the termination, but also it has been bolstered since she was gone,” Pfeifle said.

Pfeifle fired back at Brown, saying the councilman opened himself up for a defamation lawsuit by calling out Pfeifle, Human Resources Director Bill O’Toole and Assistant City Attorney Gail Eiesland by recommending they be fired.  Another council member came to Brown’s defense.

“Why are you stating that when that should be part of executive session?” Kenny Anderson, Jr. asked.

Pfeifle argued he did not release details about why Owen was fired; he just stated there was sufficient evidence to support that action.

“But you’re close to doing the same thing.  I think you’re very out of order with that comment!” Anderson, Jr. said.

Other parts of the informational that stand out is the apparent state of denial that councilors Erpenbach and Entenman showed during their comments. In fact, Entenman went so far to say that he didn’t think they did anything wrong. Uh, Okay. I suppose I could rant for awhile about how 4 out of 5 highly revered state’s attorneys think you were very wrong. But I won’t.

The worst part about this matter is that one of the city’s most valuable employees, Debra Owen, is still terminated (and according to Fiddle-Faddle is collecting unemployment – which I found interesting because I thought it was hard to collect unemployment when you are fired). Some may ask why Debra Owen was fired, as explained in the informational, it had to do with an employee dispute. I have always felt, that was the ‘excuse’.

Shortly after Huether took office, Owen and I had a discussion one night, the topic was about how she was researching contract approval by home rule councils. She knew at the time that the mayor was not to keen about her doing this research, and I still believe, wild speculation and all, that her termination was punishment for side stepping the mayor and giving the council that power. And how does the council show their gratitude (especially leadership, Erpenbach and Aguliar)? By participating in the mayor’s witch hunt.

What do I think the just punishment should be for the councilors? I think they should all be fined one year’s pay. If they are truly doing the ‘citizens work’ let them do it for FREE for a year.

Walfart ‘AlWAYS’ Wins

While I sympathize with these kin folk, I hate to break them the news, you can’t beat Walfart;

Once again, hundreds of people come to sign a petition against the proposed Walmart on the corner of 69th Street and Cliff Avenue. Sam Khoroosi is among them at the Spirit of Peace Church.

Walfart may back down, but not because of neighborhood concerns. I still think they are going to build there.

Dr. Staggers Resume

Biography
South Dakota State Senator, 1995-2002
Sioux Falls City Council Member, 2002-2010
Professor of History & Political Science, University of Sioux Falls, 1982 to present
Awards
Who’s Who in America
Fulbright Lecturer, Kiev, Ukraine
Favorite Books
The True Believer by Eric Hofer
Ecclesiastes
Relationship Status
Married to
June
Religious Views
First Christian Church, Sioux Falls, SD
Activities
Traveled to over 40 countries.
Lived in 4 foreign countries.
Interests
Reading and ballet.
Favorite Music
Handel’s Messiah, Hallelujah Chorus
Favorite Movies
Taken
Godspell
Education Info

 

A must see; The SF city council meetings on Monday

Since the Open Meetings Commission meeting on Thursday, things have been heating up. Between what councilors may or may not present and what the city attorney may or may not do or say, the only thing I can speculate right now, is get ready for some fireworks, debate and surprises on Monday.

You can access the meetings online HERE. I would make sure to tune into the informational meeting at 4 PM.