The Board Of Ethics Needs Ethics
I’m learning more and more all the time that our city’s Home Rule form of government is a fraud. Or at least how our city’s leaders have elected to enact it isn’t kosher with our state constitution.
Few people with knowledge of the process were really surprised with last month’s court decision that determined that the red light cameras on 10th and Minnesota were illegal. I predict that sometime in the near future we’re also going to see that the city’s code enforcement procedures are also devoid of adequate due process.
Even the work of the City Commission is nothing more than a dog and pony show. For example, sometime later this summer they’ll be voting on Mayor Huether’s city budget. It’s a meaningless task, as the Mayor is not bound to their decision. Questions have already been raised about how he has moved around some funds to pay for summer road repair.
Why hasn’t this issue been raised before? It’s simple really. Former Mayor Munson had the majority of the Commission in his back pocket. Whatever he wanted, De Knudson and her pals delivered. Actually, I should say whatever Munson’s developer buddies wanted, they received.
Not only are the members of the City Commission completely powerless, it has come out that they may be powerless against witch hunts that can be initiated by a small group of people that are not answerable to the public. This issue was brought to light in the days following Huether’s election, as it was discovered that a couple of his supporters in the police department had filed a complaint with the Board of Ethics regarding employee address lists that Staggers had compiled from public records. The police officers erroneously claimed that Staggers had illegally obtained confidential city employee addresses.
While the Board ultimately cleared Staggers of the charges, for the first time the public (and members of the City Commission discovered how this process works. The Board of Ethics is a five-member citizens committee that is appointed by the Mayor, and they have the authority to impose reprimands, suspensions, and even removal from office.
Those charged with violations cannot speak publicly to clear their own name. They’re basically expected to bend over and take whatever the committee decides. Even after the committee has made their decision, the accused is required to remain quiet about the issue. This makes the accused appear guilty, even when the complaint is unfounded.
Clearly, this is not only wrong but idiotic, and Council Kenny Anderson Jr. summed it up best when he recently stated “they serve as the prosecutor and judge at the same time”. Councilors, who privately will admit that they’re afraid of the cost of defending against frivolous charges, want to change the law so that the Board will make recommendations but not have the ultimate say.
Doesn’t this seem reasonable? Everybody needs checks and balances. Then again, our city leaders thrive on not having to answer to the public…or even their city government brethren.
Few people with knowledge of the process were really surprised with last month’s court decision that determined that the red light cameras on 10th and Minnesota were illegal. I predict that sometime in the near future we’re also going to see that the city’s code enforcement procedures are also devoid of adequate due process.
Even the work of the City Commission is nothing more than a dog and pony show. For example, sometime later this summer they’ll be voting on Mayor Huether’s city budget. It’s a meaningless task, as the Mayor is not bound to their decision. Questions have already been raised about how he has moved around some funds to pay for summer road repair.
Why hasn’t this issue been raised before? It’s simple really. Former Mayor Munson had the majority of the Commission in his back pocket. Whatever he wanted, De Knudson and her pals delivered. Actually, I should say whatever Munson’s developer buddies wanted, they received.
Not only are the members of the City Commission completely powerless, it has come out that they may be powerless against witch hunts that can be initiated by a small group of people that are not answerable to the public. This issue was brought to light in the days following Huether’s election, as it was discovered that a couple of his supporters in the police department had filed a complaint with the Board of Ethics regarding employee address lists that Staggers had compiled from public records. The police officers erroneously claimed that Staggers had illegally obtained confidential city employee addresses.
While the Board ultimately cleared Staggers of the charges, for the first time the public (and members of the City Commission discovered how this process works. The Board of Ethics is a five-member citizens committee that is appointed by the Mayor, and they have the authority to impose reprimands, suspensions, and even removal from office.
Those charged with violations cannot speak publicly to clear their own name. They’re basically expected to bend over and take whatever the committee decides. Even after the committee has made their decision, the accused is required to remain quiet about the issue. This makes the accused appear guilty, even when the complaint is unfounded.
Clearly, this is not only wrong but idiotic, and Council Kenny Anderson Jr. summed it up best when he recently stated “they serve as the prosecutor and judge at the same time”. Councilors, who privately will admit that they’re afraid of the cost of defending against frivolous charges, want to change the law so that the Board will make recommendations but not have the ultimate say.
Doesn’t this seem reasonable? Everybody needs checks and balances. Then again, our city leaders thrive on not having to answer to the public…or even their city government brethren.
Comments
You don’t have a City Commission because the Commission System of government was voted out in favor of a [strong Mayoral/Weak Council system] of government. They’re called Council members.
“I’m learning more and more all the time that our city’s Home Rule form of government is a fraud.”
Thank you for that divine revelation, now go back to recommending bad music for tin ear listeners.
” I predict that sometime in the near future we’re also going to see that the city’s code enforcement procedures are also devoid of adequate due process.”
I predict that someday you’ll have a reading comprehension breakthrough. City governments across the country fight tooth and nail against due process for their sheep. It's called a library, Scott. Try it.
”It’s a meaningless task, as the Mayor is not bound to their decision. Questions have already been raised about how he has moved around some funds to pay for summer road repair.”
Do you even remember why I typed a short essay explaining the need to change the Charter to a strong Council/weak Mayoral system?
”…in the days following Huether’s election, as it was discovered that a couple of his supporters in the police department had filed a complaint with the Board of Ethics regarding employee address lists that Staggers had compiled from public records. The police officers erroneously claimed that Staggers had illegally obtained confidential city employee addresses.”
I wrote to you about this issue before the election, and now you decided to address the issue???!! WTF?
”Clearly, this is not only wrong but idiotic, and Council Kenny Anderson Jr. summed it up best when he recently stated “they serve as the prosecutor and judge at the same time”. Councilors, who privately will admit that they’re afraid of the cost of defending against frivolous charges, want to change the law so that the Board will make recommendations but not have the ultimate say.”
And this is why I wrote to you that Anderson would make a better mayor. Read your own blogs and the responses they bring in.
And stay off the radio.
Go Kristi – kick a little Stephie azz.
Kurt the Troll
“Some associates of mine and I listened to Sioux Falls Council Member Kenny Anderson Friday for about 2 hours. Kenny spoke extensively about city owned entertainment facilities, current budget problems, a front end loaded budget for fiscal '09 before the Mayor and four members depart, and the new arena controversy. It was basically like listening to 2 hours of Scott Hudson. He said Staggers and Brown are running in the next mayoral race. Maybe you should chat with Anderson and advise him to run. He went into detail about how Mayor Dave picked yes men for his Arena Task Farce Committee, and the special interests behind the plan.”
Kurt –
June 24, 2008
“The answer to your local government concerns has to do with the city charter being changed in the '90's. Sioux Falls use to have a Commission form of municipal government, and the voters changed it to a 'strong Mayoral system' of government. The Council has limited powers, and the Mayor has a cartel of control in Sioux Falls.”
Kurt
Should I continue citing my previous comments you didn’t read, or claimed I didn’t type?