Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber has a skewed view of ‘real’ public opinion

l3wis August 20, 2016 14Comments

The Chamber is at it again, claiming that just a ‘few’ people are trying to change public perception in our community;

August 19, 2016 – Sioux Falls Chamber newsletter

The Will of the People

We consistently hear representations regarding the “will of the people” when it comes to issues before the City Council. We’re not sure it’s a very accurate depiction in many instances. The very few who regularly appear during public input are dissatisfied with aspects of our city – of that you can be sure – and often maintain they express the will of the people. We prefer more objective and measurable data, but where do we get that?

The National Community Survey seems to be one good place to look. The 2015 survey included many indicators where citizens were asked to weigh-in on the quality of our city. Were they all positive? No. Was the overall message a good result for our city? Resoundingly, yes. Further, the data in the survey is used by the administration and Council to guide decisions and budget allocations and that too can be documented. Thus, good data used by our City leaders. On August 9, the City received a national “Voices of the People” award for its community survey and recognition of the high-level satisfaction with our local economy and the opportunities it presents.

We think it is a stretch for any one person to invoke the “will of the people” without a valid measurement of that will. We prefer to listen to the people through more objective processes. We take that same approach as we study policy and legislative issues that come before the Chamber and we encourage the City to continue to do the same.