They just posted this job on Indeed on Friday. Now if the Supreme Court can verify that Recreational is also legal we can change our economy in South Dakota. Besides the millions in tax revenue and the millions we will save on justice costs related to decriminalization, much, much more will be created in job and business growth. As I have told people, South Dakota would be getting a whole new tourism industry. Recreational is NOT legal in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana or Wyoming. You get the picture.
I’m actually pretty excited about Dr. Chima coming to our city, especially his views on preventative care. This podcast gives us a hint of his thought process.
I also believe that he will be welcomed by our immigrant community and the healthcare community.
I do have concerns though, some are obvious, some are not.
First, it is safe to assume Dr. Chima was selected through a national search conducted by the city’s health board. It is probably safe to say that the mayor’s office and HR department had little to do with the selection, but I’m sure they had to put their stamps on it. I’m sure we will hear more about that in the coming weeks.
My biggest concerns are how he will be accepted by our Healthcare industrial complex in the city that thrives on keeping people just sick enough so they make money which goes against his philosophy of wholistic care and preventative medicine. This of course is not just a problem in our community but across America and why healthcare in this nation is so expensive and really not that good.
I also am concerned how he will operate openly in a very closed city government. Science and medicine performs the best under trust and honesty.
Lastly, I am concerned about the bigots in our city that won’t give him a chance. I think HE can handle it, but I am not naive, he will have some enormous obstacles to overcome when it comes to racism.
I wish him luck, I think he will be transformative, if we will let him.
In full disclosure, I don’t personally know anybody running for school board except the incumbent and I have not communicated by phone or email with any of the candidates.
I like the fact that Murren is a retired educator and coach. He also understands the importance of facing our biggest problems head on with input from our community;
What are the biggest issues you see facing the Sioux Falls School District today? Murren: Poverty. Poverty creates great inequities for young people.
Nothing against the other people running, I’m sure they are fine folks but I like the life experiences of Murren and think that it is what makes him the most qualified for one of the two seats.
I may change my mind after watching the forum(s) but I think the first choice for school board is pretty cut and dry. Murren seems to realize our challenges, want to fix them, and knows the best way to do that is thru open and transparent governing.
I’m still mulling over who my second vote will go to.