Noem, the Aunt Lydia of Governors
l3wis If you watch the Handmaid’s Tale you would get the comparison.
l3wis
Kermit Staggers Internment at Veterans Cemetery
I had the pleasure yesterday of attending Kermit’s Interment at the Veterans Cemetery outside of Sioux Falls. (He was an intelligence officer with the Air Force) So many wonderful things were said about this brilliant man and friend.
Kermit’s son, Kyle, said it best when he talked about Kermit’s integrity, kindness and work ethic.
While Kermit and I disagreed on many things, he always respected my opinion and would have an honest discussion about it. They don’t make many politicians like Kermit, it’s unfortunate. I look at our current city council and mayor and sometimes wonder what Kermit would say about it. I probably know the answer.
Rest in Peace my friend, you are missed everyday. (we did record some phone video, and hope to have it up soon).
IM 26 Task Force Meeting, Wed July 7
I guess 8:30 in the morning, on a Wednesday after a National Holiday at the Library (not recorded) seemed like the most open way to have this meeting. Oh, silly me, I forgot the current council and administration have a deep dark hate towards transparent government;
Agenda
- Introductions
- Recap of state and local actions since last meeting
- Presentation from planning teams on current joint boundaries and growth areas
- Task Force discussion regarding joint jurisdiction framework
- Input from non-Task Force municipal representatives
- Timelines to adopt a Medical Cannabis Zoning Ordinance (City, County and Joint Jurisdictional)
- Additional updates from Taskforce
- Next steps
- Public Input
I guess I am still clueless why they are meeting since they have already said they will do NOTHING until the state puts together guidelines. No worries, the tribe will hook you up while our county and city doddle.
Parks Board stays hands off with Tuthill House Reconstruction
I have to tell you that I was a little astonished with how this is being handled;
Tuthill House Gifting Agreement: Mieras shared details of the Gifting Agreement and also shared concept drawings of the exterior of the property. This Gifting Agreement will provide for exterior and interior house renovations and hardscaping to be funded and completed by the Tuthill Neighborhood Association. Upon satisfactory completion, the improvements will become City property. After some discussion, a motion to recommend approval of the Gifting Agreement was made by Weber and seconded by Nachtigal. Motion passed unanimously with all present Board members voting yes.
I say I am surprised, because normally this is NOT how things are done. Usually the city puts the bids out and pays the contractor. In this case, the neighborhood association is hiring the contractor and paying them. I applaud this. I have surmised while watching this process, this decision was made because often the city doesn’t get the best deal. Yah think? I love it how it took fixing up an old house to show how bloated the city is when it comes to their bids.
There of course was a discussion about how we need more parking for Levitt, or something;
Park Purpose Recommendation—Parking Concept at Levitt Shell East Edge located in Falls Park West, along with the west edge of Kiwanis Park: A motion that the Park Board finds the parking concept would be open and available at all times to the public was made. It further finds such parking stalls as described in the parking concept would provide a convenient supply of parking that would benefit not only access to Levitt Shell but also direct access to Kiwanis Park and the Phase III of the Big Sioux River Greenway. Motion was made by Nachtigal and seconded by Sundleaf. Motion passed unanimously with all present Board members voting yes.
The meeting ended with the City’s Chief Liar and Director of Parks piping off about robbing CARES money, lack of life guards, and the scooter ordinance;
Report of Director of Parks and Recreation: Kearney shared the status of pool openings and staffing. He also shared that City golf courses have been extremely busy with the warm weather. He touched base on some CARES ACT funding and the American Rescue Plan. He also stated there may be more projects that will be able to be completed with these funds. The ordinance change proposed for motor scooters at last month’s meeting did not pass at the City Council level. The Great Bear Recreation Park chairlift is on track with larger pieces being built off-site at this time.
Notice that Don didn’t mention that the real reason he thinks he can’t get lifeguards is because teenagers just don’t want to work because they may be missing out on something (I guess he told city officials this privately). I can tell you why you can’t get lifeguards, YOU DON’T PAY ENOUGH.
I’m opposed to Ranked Choice Voting
Recently I have been asked by some people in the community my thoughts and maybe some help in getting ranked choice voting in Sioux Falls. I am opposed to it, but would love to be a part of the conversation.
It’s not that I don’t understand how it works, it’s not as complicated as it may sound.
My opposition is that when I vote for a candidate, that is the candidate I chose. Not only do I rarely have a 2nd and 3rd choice, I sometimes don’t even have a number one choice. I have often left that portion of the ballot blank. A few years ago in a school board election as soon as the ballot was handed to me, I threw it in the box without marking any candidates.
I guess I struggle with electing people based on being ‘second best’. We should only be voting for the people we feel is most qualified, and as a community we should actively be finding ways to recruit the best candidates.
It’s not that we have a problem with the election process in Sioux Falls, we have problem with finding effective leaders to run.