‘Citizens for Integrity’ at the City Council meeting tonight

Chairperson of this group spoke during public input tonight;

My name is Bruce Danielson, a resident of Sioux Falls.

On Thursday February 6, our new group, Citizens for Integrity, started a petition drive in the city of Sioux Falls. There seems to be a bit of official confusion as to why, we citizens of Sioux Falls are beginning this petition.

In response to the submission, an Argus Leader article quoted a city official’s “Jeffersonian” response to it. In light of the response, another Jefferson quote, from the year 1787, comes to mind: “I hold it . . . at a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical”.

This political season in Sioux Falls, we have 4 ballot issues to discuss among the voting citizens. We the people, do not need referees or appointed city educators, to frame the discussion and tell us what to think. We the people are registered adult voters, with the ability to discern the truth.

The Constitution of the State of South Dakota requires the city to step back from any advocacy positions for or against, or any electoral participation, except for the unbiased process necessary to accept petitions, print ballots and announce results. Once the issue is before the voter, no additional government participation is allowed.

We have already seen what city officials have done to limit the snowgate process. Also, we have city officials clearing schedules to advocate for a pool option NOT on the spring 2014 ballot.

And, there are rumblings of biased education for Shape Places and the Zoning issues.

It seems the city has stepped over the grey line of ‘education’ into ‘advocacy’ and the Supreme Court has clearly ruled ‘advocacy’ with the use of tax dollars is unconstitutional.

Once again, we voters should not be educated by biased city officials using their official city offices and budgets to campaign or educate against the very citizens who pay their salaries.

South Dakota has a long tradition of citizen participation in the Initiative and Referendum movement. As a person, who has participated several times in the collection of signatures, people sign petitions because they feel it is time to help elected officials move issues forward to resolution.

At the 1885 statehood constitutional convention held in Sioux Falls, attorney W.H. Lyon, formally suggested to fellow delegates “the referendum” to address “all appropriation bills for new permanent improvements to existing institutions . . . and all laws of general interest to the people.” We can conclude W.H. Lyon saw the need for the people’s direct oversight of government.

Also, from the our Secretary of State’s website:

“South Dakota has the distinction of being the first state in the Union to provide for popular initiative and referendum for enacting and rejecting legislation. This was accomplished by a constitutional amendment approved in 1898.

“These two forms of direct legislation, first used in 1908, rest on the theory . . . . since the legislature may not always adequately represent them, the people should be able to pass laws they desire and nullify laws they oppose.”

It is for these reasons, we citizens of Sioux Falls are preparing to present another ballot measure, with the goal of closing loopholes in the current local city code which are apparently not in compliance with South Dakota State Law.

The sentiments of our group ‐ Citizens for Integrity ‐ were effectively summarized, in just two strong words published recently in Jonathon Ellis’ Argus Leader coverage: where election issue advocacy by government is concerned, South Dakota law

declares, city officials should “Butt Out”. Thank you.