By: Bob Mundt, President & CEO
By the time you read this, we will be in the run-off phase of the recent elections to determine a new mayor and governor. Our statewide elected leaders may have changes as well; and our city council, county commission, and school board will have some new faces. New faces mean potential change to the dynamics of the local and state elected bodies that can affect the direction of projects, programs, funding, and the general willingness to begin or complete projects and strategies.
Sioux Falls has faced some critical challenges including carbon pipelines, data centers, the relocation of Smithfield, and a host of other economic and social challenges. Mayor TenHaken and the current City Council have listened to and done a good job of balancing the needs of our citizens and the needs of our community. Public service takes a strong heart and a strong mind to deal with tough issues and sometimes undeserved criticism.
The governor’s race and the various house and senate races across the state will most likely change the makeup of the legislature and potentially the direction of the state. New priorities may emerge over the next year, which will potentially change the way local governments, school districts, and economic development organizations react.
As we’ve heard many times, elections have consequences and we must be able to deal with the changes – positive or negative. Our state is at a crossroads with these changes, and it is critical that citizens vote, both in the runoffs and in the general election this fall. If you don’t exercise your right to vote, you give up your right to complain. We have an opportunity to vote our thoughts, beliefs, and convictions. I hope you take that opportunity seriously and encourage your family, friends, and employees to vote as well.
Make it an amazing summer and good luck to all our candidates. Thank you for stepping up to serve.