Sioux Falls Charter Revision Commission

Let’s Fix the Home Rule, Charter Revision Commission, 9/9/15

l3wis September 10, 2015 4Comments

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBfstRjA-nU[/youtube]

Do we fix or replace? The Home Rule Charter has been so abused by out of control administrations we must consider its future.

In 12 years the city has dropped down into the sink hole of debt we may never be able to climb out. We are being taxed and levied fees at greater rates than ever before with little to show but larger egos. We have an administration abusing citizen’s rights in an attempt to mold the town into some kind of image we are not part of but have to pay for.

The Charter Revision Commission is appointed to look at the needs and make suggested corrections for voters to approve in 2016. We all know the Charter needs help, so let’s get involved to fix it.

There will be at least 4 more monthly meetings to present ideas. Here are the Charter Revision Commission Members:
– Robert Thimjon – Term Expires – March 2020 – Chair
– Susan Aguilar – Term Expires – March 2019 – Vice Chair
– Jill Entenman – Term Expires – March 2019
– Justin Smith – Term Expires – March 2019
– Pauline Poletes – Term Expires – March 2020

The first meeting was organizational. Each of the next 3 meetings will cover 3 sections of the Charter in order with Public Input allowed on each. It appears there will also be general Public Input at the end of each meeting.

As active participants in the 2014 city election, Greg Neitzert and Bruce Danielson spoke up during Public Input with ideas for the Commission to consider. They have promised to return with more ideas on the Initiative and Referendum process, direct election of City Attorney, appointment process to boards and commissions, Chair of City Council actually runs the meetings with mayor in attendance, clarification of the rule of law, and legal due process must be properly served by city agencies including Code Enforcement (no more drop and run process service or we think we mailed it stuff).

As it is, the Charter is so full of holes from top to bottom we are running out of fingers to plug it. With our “strong” mayor form the leader claims there is no way to stop him or the administration from taking away our rights. We need you to be involved to plug the leaky Charter.

If you have ideas, bring them to the Commission. Two people showing up at a meeting is not going to fix the Charter. Call AND write the members then show up to press your point of view. From all we can tell, there has not been public showing up to these meetings in the past. They need to see people!