Kermit Staggers launched a new blog a few days ago. Looking forward to hear what a truthful patriot has to say compared to an untruthful patriot.
For more information or to get your petitions;Â https://www.facebook.com/stopthefunding
Watch this video on Stormland TV.
Towards the end of the video, the reporter says that he contacted the Mayor, and Huether told him he had never heard of the petition drive (LOL) and told the reporter to talk to Rolfing, Kiley or Erpenbach. None of them returned his call. BIG SURPRISE!!! The three ring circus clowns have their phones off as usual.
I still remember the first time I talked to Kermit. He patiently listened to my rant and a few days later he offered a solution. I’ve been hooked ever since. A man who quietly helps regular citizens with their sometimes mundane problems behind the scenes.
Over the years I have caught myself defending him to no end, not because of some of the big votes on policy on the council but because of his quiet stands behind the scenes.
We have disagreed on many issues. We were on completely on opposite ends of the page when it came to funding Lewis and Clark and the Safe Home. Kermit also defended the Jesus snowplows contending that separation of church and state is up for interpretation and not really constitutional. (Kermit is a devout Christian).
While being on the council, the media coined him as ‘Dr. No’ something I am sure until this day was concocted during an editorial board meeting at the Argus Leader between Patrick Lalley and Randell Beck, though I don’t have proof 🙂
The fact is, Kermit has proposed many progressive ideas as city councilor in the 12 years he was there. Many he never got credit for, which I’m sure doesn’t bother him one bit. His modesty is one of his best virtues. Besides pointing out the benefits of snowgates over the years, it was the mayor who scooped the idea up during his mayoral campaign got the ball rolling, then realizing the council didn’t want to play ball (mostly because of their disdain for Kermit) Stehly grabbed it and slam dunked it.
Another brilliant idea by Kermit that was mocked? Build an Events Center without raising taxes. Which was later proved by Mike Huether, except Mike never followed through with Kermit ‘entire’ proposal, funding the center with mostly private investment. While our taxes did not initially go up, our user fees have due to the enormous debt service of our 2nd penny.
Kermit was also a fighter for history and our museums in the Siouxland area. He has been committed from the beginning to get the museums an archive building to preserve our history, something that is still floating out there, and hopefully will be achieved by this new council.
Say what you will about the little guy, he has perservered, one of the main reasons and why Kermit has been so important for serving our city is his big heart for the little man. A guy who has probably knocked on and talked to over 40,000 constituents since his time on the legislature. The Argus has often never understood why Kermit would keep getting re-elected. I believe it is because he is and was well liked and spoke up for Joe Six-Pack.
But don’t be discouraged by his retirement. Several councilors elected in this past election, not just Ms. Stehly will continue to fight for that guy. While I will admit getting to know both Stehly and Staggers over the years, they do not have the same leadership style, but they do have one thing in common, service to you. While Kermit will be missed, his legacy will continue well into the future.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C19cZ77w9k[/youtube]
A City Council candidate is getting campaign support from the official she hopes to succeed.
City Councilman Kermit Staggers opted not to seek re-election for the at-large seat he’s held since 2012 due to a series of health issues that have plagued him of late. But the veteran policymaker isn’t done trying to influence city politics.
Community activist Theresa Stehly, one of three vying for Staggers’ open seat, this week sent out mailers to 10,000 households showcasing the endorsement her candidacy has received from Staggers, a veteran policymaker who’s spent decades in public office, including 12 years on the Sioux Falls City Council.
“I know (Stehly) is a person of real integrity, hard-working and wants to do the best thing she can for the citizens of Sioux Falls,†Staggers said Tuesday.
Staggers worked with Stehly in the lead up to the 2014 vote when residents mandated the use of snow gates. Stehly said she and Staggers have been allies for more than 10 years.
“Kermit has been one of the few elected officials I’ve ever known who’s been able to keep the hooks of special interest out of his skin,” she said.
Theresa was also the exclusive speaker today at a meeting of the Sioux Falls Retired Teachers Association, about 40 teachers were in attendance.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1wt3r8nzc8[/youtube]
Kermit told me this afternoon that he will not be seeking a second term. His health and well being is taking precedent. I wish him the best in his (brief?) retirement from SD politics, he will truly be missed.