I am a fan of term limits, especially when elected bodies like county commissions, city councils or legislatures overlap with officials.
I like the idea of a fresh perspective melding with the current officials to bring new ideas and new eyes to government. This is why I am not a fan of holdovers in unelected positions after these officials have served their terms.
We have seen it in Sioux Falls with several city councilors sitting on public boards after they leave office. Sue Aguliar and De Knudson have both served terms on the Charter Revision Commission after their stints on the city council. Also, Darrin Smith worked for the Huether administration after QUITTING his council term.
I think these cozy appointments hurt progress and promote the status quo.
I would encourage the current Sioux Falls city council to explore an ordinance that would limit these influences.
Many have been concerned if Mayor Huether doesn’t run for higher office he may serve the next mayor in another capacity (especially if Entenman wins the mayoral race).
The ordinance could be simple and include;
No mayor or city councilor can serve on city public boards, work for the city either as a paid or volunteer employee, have a contract personally or work for a business that provides services, consulting or assisting the city in any way for a period of two years after their elected term has ended. This ordinance would NOT apply to private non-profit boards, charities or private businesses that do not do work for the city.
I think this may help the city to progress and look at new ways to move forward instead of relying on what has been done in the past.
I think some may say, “But what if certain things worked well with a past administration, shouldn’t we continue those processes?” Most definately, this ordinance in NO WAY would limit continuing policies of past, just those who implemented them. It would give newly elected councilors and the mayor to have a fresh start without the influence of the past, whether that was good or bad.