SOUTH DAKOTA STRAIGHT TALK

Tomorrow begins Sioux Falls Mayor Dave Munson’s last week in office.

His term in office is one of accomplishment even though the going has been rocky at times. Dave’s stick to it tiveness  has far more often than not prevailed.  

Last Friday Mayor Munson’s record of accomplishment was highlighted by the ribbon cutting and re opening of the Main Library in Downtown Sioux Falls. At the ribbon cutting Dave Munson spoke from his heart. It was the best address I ever heard him make. He spoke of the importance of libraries to communities, to our children, to the quality of life, and especially in helping to make the City’s downtown a welcoming place. He injected humor into his remarks (something he rarely does) saying that Library staff might expect to see more of him often after May 17, his last day in office.

Sidebar – It is not well known (because he refused to publicize it) that Dave Munson was extremely active each year in the Leaders are Readers program. Each year Mayor Munson went to each of the City’s elementary schools and read to classes. His presence giving emphasis to the children of the importance of Reading.

Among the Mayor’s other grander accomplishments are straightening out the loop situation, revitalizing Downtown and the Pettigrew Heights neighborhood, cleaning up the physical and financial mess at the Orpheum Theatre, pushing to completion the languishing Falls Park and Phillips to the Falls project, and the opening up of thousands of acres to development on the east side of the City.

Without question I am a Dave Munson fan, though from time to time was frustrated with his communication and strategic skills. And I am still upset of his endorsement of Tim Johnson in 2004. As I told the Mayor at the time, it was not necessary and affected his support from many Republican activists.

Dave Munson leaves big shoes to fill. Sioux Falls is a better place today than eight years ago. The City has grown and prospered.

A little more on the Main Library expansion – The downtown Library was first constructed in 1970 when the City had a population of about 70,000 (less than one half the City’s current population.). Since then 3 branch libraries have been built in the City. A fourth is in the planning stage for the West side.  Additionally in 1995 the City and Minnehaha Counties merged their library systems creating Siouxland Libraries. There are eight additional library locations in Minnehaha County outside the City of Sioux Falls. There also is Bookmobile service and Outreach services to participating nursing homes and day cares. The administrative function for all locations is headquartered at the downtown Sioux Falls site.

The Downtown Library expansion and renovation is highlighted with a more inviting appearance. There is more natural lighting though the ceiling and windows, and enhanced by the use of lower bookshelves. There is increased space and emphasis given to non book media, children, and space for teens. Importantly there are now 50 computers available with connections to the Internet. Of course the entire Library is wireless. Many of the new chairs even have small desks for using laptops.

Many deserve kudos for this spectacular addition to our City. The most important group responsible is the Sioux Falls Taxpayer, without whose money, it would not have been built. It surely could not have been built with library fines or user fees. Some quality of life facilities require community investment.

Sidebar – Remember in the last election all the nonsense about if you don’t use it you should not have to pay for it? 

Mayor Munson’s commitment and vision saw this project through.  There were many staffers at the City Hall and Library who deserve credit for the wonderful new  library (finance, city services, engineering and the like), but the two most influential persons were the Director of Libraries, Sally Felix and her Assistant, Joan Reddy. Sally Felix deserves a large amount of credit. Ever the diplomat, Sally is focused and has the firm yet soft touch to keep things moving the right direction. Joan Reddy day to day lived the Library expansion and made sure that all the project’s players stayed on plan, and jobs were finished, and finished on time.

The Library is utilitarian, is beautiful, and came in considerably under budget.