Steps into Stupidity
l3wis 
June 2012
The city fails to thank TAX PAYERS for funding 95% of the River Greenway project
Huether channels Patrick Lalley (Argus Leader) but doesn’t credit him, “This may not be San Antonio, but it is the best little city in America.”
I attended the ribbon cutting of the River Greenway project this afternoon. The one thing that stuck out was all the back patting of local business people who helped contribute to this project, but not once were the citizens of Sioux Falls thanked for funding this project, a project that benefits DT business owners especially the owner of Cherapa Place, Jeff S. Oh, he was thanked for his $100,000 contribution (that he milked out of his buddies).
But what a kickass deal for him? He throws in $100,000 and in return he gets this awesome facade valued at over $12 million paid for by me and you.
This is always something that has stuck in my craw. We love to thank local businessmen for their two-bit contributions (even though Jeff had a backroom contract deal with Munson that if the bridge and facade was not built, he would sue), yet when it comes to our contributions as tax payers we are the gum under the table. If anything, this ribbon cutting should have been about us as citizens, not DT businesses getting a sweet-ass deal.
City moves forward on monkey hot tubs and texting ban
The new photo of our current city council
You sometimes wonder if anyone at city hall is in touch with the local-yokals. This was pretty evident at the ribbon cutting today of the River ‘Millions over budget’ Greenway project. But I am going to give that it’s own post.
Second reading of spending the 4 million dollar surplus is on Tuesday’s agenda;
This of course includes the expenditure for the monkey hot tubs (that should be privately funded);
Apparently we have so much money sitting around in Sioux Falls, this seems like a great way to spend it. Here’s the deal. Nothing against zoos or young families, but when I see lines of people outside of food banks and food giveaways at churches I think using taxpayer money to build spas for monkeys is ludicrous and ridiculous. Like I said, I think the snow monkey exhibit will be awesome, but it should be privately sponsored. If you disagree with me, I ask you, how much have you donated privately to the zoo? I wonder if Darrin Smith also screwed up this naming rights deal?
I also see the Public Services Committee is exploring the texting ban, even though several educated law enforcement officials have told them this is a state law issue;
(a) No person shall use or have in their immediate physical possession a handheld electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle on a street or highway within the city limits of Sioux Falls.
Like I have said in the past, I dislike people who do this kind of stuff, but this is a state law issue, not a local issue.
A ‘Very’ Interesting Tuesday
I’m glad I finally found my hoagie recipe book.
Before I get into the actual results I wanted to point out something that a South DaCola foot soldier observed at the Minnehaha County’s auditor’s office last night. The first thing was they commented to me that Roust left Litz with a well trained staff.
Secondly, they observed two candidates at the offices during the tabulating. I believe it was Dick Kelly and Pat Kirschman, but it doesn’t really matter who the candidates were, it is a BIG NO-NO to be within a 100 feet of the auditor’s office during tabulation and voting. Staggers was reminded of that in the last municipal election.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Begalka beating Rausch proved that the governor isn’t the big wheel he thinks he is. I have often felt that Rounds was a very weak governor and Denny is even weaker.
Abdallah finally sent packing. The rumors are that Otten’s co-horts ran a dirty campaign. I actually enjoy Republicans beating each other up. Gene was from the old Janklow guard and it was time for his retirement.
Dave Munson sent back into retirement doesn’t surprise me. I will give Jenna Haggar credit, she is a door-to-door campaigner. The only campaigning I saw Dave do was hanging out with his normal bullshitting crowd at Kahladi’s coffee downtown.
I want to congratulate Hajek for sending the constitutional scholar, Tornow packing.
In district 15, things are going to be heating up in November. I have known Karen Soli for a number of years, if elected to represent us in Pierre, we will truly be getting a gifted individual. Karen is a retired Lutheran pastor and a compassionate liberal, and as smart as a whip.
Also in November is the prime-time battle between Johnny come lately Kyle Schoenfish (used to be a Democrat, and is the son of Mayor Huether’s first cousin) and Stace Nelson. This will probably be the most enjoyable race to watch. Please, Mike, no more voicemail’s about Kyle. Thank You.
PRIMARY SHOWDOWN
I am sexier then Dave Munson! And don’t you forget it.
I really haven’t paid much attention to primaries in recent years, I’m an Indy and can only vote for Dems, but this year was very interesting.
I was sorry to see Barth lose against Varilek, but hey, people like clean cut ‘safe’ candidates who won’t let the ‘gays’ get married. That and I think Barth’s pot belly worried people. Heck, my pot belly worries me, I am wondering when that baby is going to pop?
Mitt kicked butt and took names. No surprise, his go-to man Ironic Johnny will soon be campaigning for the Mormon in a few months.
Looks like Governor endorsements don’t matter, Tim Begalka in District 4 wiped Rausch’s butt with Denny’s endorsement.
The man with the scariest face in the legislature, Gene Abdallah is finally toast. It seems Mr. Otten’s crazy mailings worked, ultra pink cardstock and all.
Looks like Deb Peters bitch slapped gay basher Hubbel to the curb. Maybe now Lora can concentrate on doing more crazy research on Obamacare. I also suggest she reads the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, especially the part about equal rights.
Looks like Jenna Haggar handed not only her dad, but our former mayor their butts, and why not? A gloved glamour shot of a Republican princess beats out an ineffective, tea-toddler mayor everytime!
Looks like Anne Hajek may finally send Shawn ‘The Constitutional ignorer’ Tornow packing. I’m sure not without a beer cooler full of cold cuts, lies and farts.
I was pleased to see Karen L. Soli dismantling district 15 (Democrat). Karen is the former pastor of Augustana Luthern church. A wonderful person and a true liberal. I hope she turns Pierre upside down!
Looks like Mayor Huether’s relative and Stace Nelson are battling it out in district 19. I heard there is a boil warning in that district right now . . .
I have also enjoyed the random reporting on the SOS’s website, if you refresh every few minutes you get all kinds of check marks, false reportings, etc. It’s like they are doing Jello-shots and smoking spice in the war room right now. And hey, why not? It’s our dime buying those flame-broiled slime sliders, not theirs. Let the recounts begin!