Open Primary Election
South Dakota has a closed primary election system which discourages competition, encourages hyper partisanship and excludes hundreds of thousands of voters from a meaningful role in our elections. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Luckily, there is an alternative...
Relocating the Penitentiary
South Dakota is finally moving forward on the long overdue replacement of its men’s penitentiary near downtown Sioux Falls. It announced a new site and a timeline for the move. However, the process for selecting a replacement site has raised questions and concerns...
Downtown History
Downtowns serve as the lifeblood of communities, embodying vibrant businesses, engaged citizens, cultural events and employment opportunities. Downtown Sioux Falls thrives today thanks to the tireless efforts of past generations in both city government and the...
Prioritize Pedestrians Downtown
Downtown Sioux Falls is increasingly known as a center of fun, festivals, activity and excitement. As the centerpiece of our community, it is the place to go to enjoy outdoor dining, arts, culture and major performances. It is a "must see" destination for many...
Building Community Through Music at Levitt
The Levitt Shell in downtown Sioux Falls has experienced tremendous success as a center for community engagement. Each summer it hosts 50 free concerts attracting diverse crowds that often number in the thousands. It has become one of the most popular attractions in...
Does Rapid City’s New Mayor Have a Mandate?
Rapid City elected a new mayor this week from a field of five candidates. I wish incoming Mayor Jason Salamun the best. However, it is important to note that he enters office with only 32% of the vote; two thirds of voters picked someone else. This outcome exposes the...
It’s Not Too Early to Be Thinking of 2026
Sioux Falls and South Dakota have a big election coming up, and I don’t mean the 2024 presidential election. In 2026 we will elect new city and state leaders. While that will undoubtedly be entertaining, it may not actually change much. But before then we have...
Downtown’s Popularity Creates Challenges
Downtown Sioux Falls has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once struggling to attract shoppers and visitors, it is now bustling with activity and has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. However, as more and more people...
The Legislature vs. The People
For several years, the South Dakota legislature has been trying to curtail an important constitutional right. But courts and the voters have repeatedly struck down their restrictions. Sadly, our legislature is still not getting the message. South Dakota has a proud...
Should Sioux Falls Have a City Manager?
For nearly 30 years Sioux Falls has had a mayor-council form of city government. It has generally worked well. But someday community leaders may want to consider switching to the more popular council-manager system. City Commission Had to Go In the 1980s and early...