Knobe: Both Sioux Falls mayoral candidates would serve city well
Here is the good news: Unlike the Republican runoff election in late July, which forces us to choose between the lesser of two bad choices, the runoff election for mayor of Sioux Falls on Tuesday, June 23, features two solid candidates.
It’s a nonpartisan election. EVERYBODY registered to vote in Sioux Falls, can cast a ballot.
No matter which Sioux Falls mayoral candidate wins on June 23 we will be OK. Both Jamie Smith and Christine Erickson are intelligent. Both speak well. Neither is a “fringe” candidate. They have good people around them.
Their priorities are not radically different. Both have experienced success and failure in life.
Both have endorsements from knowledgeable people and groups. Both have connections beyond the city limits because of their service in the Legislature. Knowing how to work in that swamp is important.
Both have strong support. I haven’t seen any attack ads or heard any disparaging words directed towards either one.
Local elections are nonpartisan. We need to keep them that way.
As a local elected official said years ago, “There is no Republican or Democrat way to fill a pothole. You just fill the pothole.”
We know that one candidate is a Democrat. The other a Republican. I don’t see either emphasizing that difference. It doesn’t matter. Go back to the above quote.
I have not worked with either of them. I have spent time one on one with both. They are easy to be with. Good eye contact. Warm smiles.
As one of my more insightful friends described them, one comes across as caring, the other competent. It’s a matter of style.
Each of us has a caring trait and a competent trait. The job requires huge amounts of both.
Jamie and Christine clearly have both.
Which style/trait dominates in Christine and Jamie? Which is most important to you?
Your decision. Your vote.
The independent Rick Knobe is a former Sioux Falls mayor and a regular contributor to The South Dakota Standard.
Photo: public domain
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