First of all, facts is facts. There’s about a 99.6% chance that our trim-and-fit incumbent, Paul TenHaken, is going to sail through to another term in office. And why not? Things are good in Sioux Falls, overall. Unemployment is crazy low. Construction continues apace. New folks of all stripes are taking a gamble on building a future here. While you may grumble about the Republican choke-hold on South Dakota politics, the old-boys network, and the over-all lack of transparency from the mayor’s office, TenHaken’s arguably more straight-shootin’ than the Sanford-backed Democrat he replaced.
So why David Z? Because we like this guy! He’s as honest as they come. He puts his heart into what he does. And he’s not wrong! Take a look at his website. Everything he addresses – crime, drugs, greed, environmental issues, racism, you name it – is a concern. In other words, this guy cares. He’s smart, spiritual, and he’s always out-and-about, meeting folks and picking up on what’s right and what’s wrong around town.
How, exactly, might he be-the-change-he-wants-to-see? We must admit that remains an open question. Like or not, politics is the sport of twisting relationships into action. Mr. Z would benefit from a stint on city counsel, or the school board, or maybe a role at a non-profit or two.
It’s a long way from A to Z, but bless the guy for dreaming.
Or to quote La La Land, “So bring on the rebels, the ripples from pebbles, the painters, and poets, and plays. Here’s to the fools who dream, crazy as they may seem.”