City Commission contest in Pierre. Why are there so few challenges in the most political town in the state?
Tony Mangan over at KCCR News is reporting today that a challenger has arisen in the Pierre City Commission race. The bad thing is that it's one of the few serious challenges that has arisen in years.
I think I'm disappointed because in a town driven by politics and it's effects on the state of South Dakota, so few people are willing to stick their necks out and actually take the plunge by running for office.
Now, don't take that as me having a problem with Deanne or Norm, both of who are good people and they'd likely have my vote (if I was still registered here, instead of Brookings). But it's symptomatic of what happens every year in Pierre. People express concerns about this or that in government, and then when it comes down to brass tacks, elections go uncontested. Last election, we had Bob Hockett (who was barely a candidate) run against the incumbent city commissioner. And that was it. The mayor went unchallenged before that, and I think another city commission race was unchallenged before that as well.
School elections are generally uncontested in Pierre. In fact, if you look at it, I believe all but one of our school board members were originally appointed to fill a vacancy, with most having uncontested elections in the intervening years.
Maybe it's just me, but I think self-examination is crucial for government. If we aren't making occasional course corrections, or at least examining whether we should or not, how do we ever find a better way?
So, Jesse - Give them heck this election, and point out how you'd do things differently, or what we might try to make the city a better place. You might win, and you might not.
But at the very least, we'll all be better for the debate.
A young member of the Pierre community wants to help move the city forward and that is why he is running for city commission.Read that all here.
Jesse Naze has filed petitions to run for the lone open seat on the commission. He will face three-term incumbent Stan Schwellenbach in the June 5th election.
The 26 year old Naze, a North Dakota native has lived in Pierre for almost 2 years and works as a policy analyst at the Department of Social Services. He wants to be part of the city’s future.
and...
Tuesday was the final day to file nominating petitions for either Pierre city commission or school board. No one but the two school board incumbents, Deanne Booth and Norm Lingle, filed petitions for the two open school board seats.
I think I'm disappointed because in a town driven by politics and it's effects on the state of South Dakota, so few people are willing to stick their necks out and actually take the plunge by running for office.
Now, don't take that as me having a problem with Deanne or Norm, both of who are good people and they'd likely have my vote (if I was still registered here, instead of Brookings). But it's symptomatic of what happens every year in Pierre. People express concerns about this or that in government, and then when it comes down to brass tacks, elections go uncontested. Last election, we had Bob Hockett (who was barely a candidate) run against the incumbent city commissioner. And that was it. The mayor went unchallenged before that, and I think another city commission race was unchallenged before that as well.
School elections are generally uncontested in Pierre. In fact, if you look at it, I believe all but one of our school board members were originally appointed to fill a vacancy, with most having uncontested elections in the intervening years.
Maybe it's just me, but I think self-examination is crucial for government. If we aren't making occasional course corrections, or at least examining whether we should or not, how do we ever find a better way?
So, Jesse - Give them heck this election, and point out how you'd do things differently, or what we might try to make the city a better place. You might win, and you might not.
But at the very least, we'll all be better for the debate.
Comments
Why would any Republican, at any level of government, want to run or get elected and then have to put up with all that crap from the liberals!
Thank God we have some strong Republicans that are willing to stand up and be leaders. It's just a darn shame the abuse they have to suffer in order to serve our State and Country!
This is a blog and if you don't like how PP or "others" post feel free to post or join another blog.
By the way no this is NOT PP.
Anyway, When I read blogs I really don't look for correctness of spellings and etc. I just read the post and maybe respond.
I read emough emails and letters that it doesn't matter. If they are business then it matters.
I read enough older peoples emails with mis-spellings and run together words that I figure out what they mean and if in doubt I ask.
What I have a problem with is the mis-spellings in school books!!! That is plain WRONG!
I am not saying that I always agree with PP but I just don't care about spellings and some grammar. Heck I make mistakes all the time and I also admit I am not good at proofing my own writings. I can look right over them...I knew what I was trying to say. Now you know my field is not writing.
Would be nice but it isn't.
Maybe we need to take a poll and see who really cares about spelling on blogs?????
when do I get my check?
His own nanny behavior (ie. “I’ve heard something but I'm not going to tell you yet.” Either post or don't but stop the teases. Also his (and Epp's) stupid attack on the Mitchell paper is a prime example) is annoying as his inability to properly use "it's" and "its". And his fear of a nanny state is morphing into anarchy (ie. Crash a fire tuck and do tens of thousands of dollars in damage because you didn't bother to follow the law or drive safely? No problem!).
But it is what it is. To suggest no one should take issue with PP’s posts (7:58) or that PP not link to “icky” blogs (11:52) is stupid. You who fear opposing views should stay away from blogs altogether. You contribute nothing and will only be frightened at what you see.
I'm sure PP is terribly concerned about all anonymous commenters' pet peeves when he's building and managing his blog.