Did we just land in opposite land!?! The quote in today’s Argus Leader from Democratic Mayor Mike Huether just floored me, as he came up with the flimsiest of excuses for his backhanded swat at the City Council’s approval of free bus rides to kids in the summer:
Mayor Mike Huether won’t sign off on a new city busing program offering free rides to Sioux Falls youth this summer.
A resolution passed by the Sioux Falls City Council last week to waive rider fees for people 18 and under through summer break sat at City Hall for seven days before Mayor Huether returned it to the city clerk Wednesday evening without his signature.
and..
” I do believe the resolution has some merit. It was the process, the rush and the lack of prudent due diligence that I could not defend nor support,” he said.
“It was the process, the rush, and the lack of prudent due diligence?” Is he kidding? Is he freaking kidding? I ask, because process didn’t seem to be so concerning to him over when he was plastering his face all over billboards in the See my face?- I’m running for Governor in 2018 “Sioux Falls Has Jobs” web site debacle:
Mayor Mike Huether unveiled an ad campaign and website Thursday aimed at helping employers fill more than 2,000 job vacancies that exist in the city.
The effort includes billboards and kiosk ads that prominently feature the mayor and the address for a new website…
and…
“I’m OK with it happening, but I am just surprised that we didn’t ever talk about it as a council,” she said. “I don’t want to be negative, because it has the potential to be a great thing, but I wish I had known more ahead of time.”
Council chairman Dean Karsky agreed.
“I think it’s a fantastic way to go out and market Sioux Falls. We’re not advocating for any one particular industry, employer or sector,” he said. “But I think it would have been nice for the administration to advise the council or at least an informational meeting. We’re the ones that put together the budget. We shouldn’t be surprised by stuff that’s coming down the pipe like this.”
And how much did each cost? According to the above article, the city of Sioux Falls as directed by Huether “entered two separate contracts worth about $8,000 and $3,500 for kiosk and billboard advertising” which prominently featured the mayor. According to this article, “A student rider pass during the summer months, offered since 2010, has yielded modest interest – 185 kids took advantage of the $25 seasonal passes last summer.” That’s $4625.
So, according to the mayor, spending $11,500 to plaster the mayor’s glamor shot photos all over Sioux Falls is ok to secretly do on a discretionary basis. But when in public session the City Council decides to spend $4600 to let kids ride public transit to the pool…? “It was…. the rush and the lack of prudent due diligence that (he) could not defend nor support.” And we have Huether’s backhanded treatment of the measure to accompany his passive-aggressive comment.
Sorry. But I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Hypocrisy, thy name is Mike Huether. And try explaining this one on the campaign trail.
Heard this on the radio this morning, I also found it odd… Why doesn’t he just sign the dang thing, he is only delaying it for 1 week. I agree with you that it seems he is being a little bit hypocritical. Of course Jamison also took his chance to make a jab at the mayor, expected nothing less, those two have an obvious hate for each other.
From what I’m hearing this was Greg Jamison’s idea.
I completely understand why Jamison would speak out against Huether on this issue. Looking back I really haven’t heard or seen these two go at it since Election Day last year.
“Free bus services are vital to youth protest gatherings this summer.” student organizers proclaim.
What is your point, Porter? Do you think that free bus services are good or bad?
I have seen the Democratic party lack of ability to organize. I say we give the kids bus passes. They need all the help they can get.
Mike just acting like Thune got to be their for that photo op.
Stop commenting on here until you can use proper grammar and complete sentences.
That may involve walking and chewing gum at the same time
Hey, are you trying to silence all the Democrats!?!
WU, did you go to high school with Thune and he once threw you into the girls’ bathroom or something? Your incessant “Photo Op, Photo Op” smacks of under underlying hatred of the Senator based upon some inadequacy you feel.
Oh my goodness. It’s terrible what Mayor Huether did. This will bring about the end of the world.
No, but you have to start somewhere with liberals or they will bleed you dry.
Photo op here we come.
Why didn’t he put his face on the buses?
He will now. If it’s not his idea, or he doesn’t benefit, he will not support it and will do everything he can to stop it. His immaturity at handling people who disagree is on full display with this and other issues.
Derp
Brilliant reply I say, brilliant. Such depth.