SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Voting has started for Sioux Falls residents.
Absentee voting started Monday, March 25, more than two weeks ahead of the Tuesday, April 9 Election Day for Sioux Falls City Council spots and Sioux Falls School Board spots. In-person absentee voting is allowed for registered voters in the Minnehaha County Administration building. To vote absentee by mail, registered voters need to submit a signed application to the county auditor.
What are we voting on?
All Sioux Falls registered voters will vote on one at-large city council seat.
Many Sioux Falls voters will also vote on two Sioux Falls school board positions. Some Sioux Falls residents live in city limits but not the Sioux Falls School District boundaries.
Voters in the northeast Sioux Falls district will also select a city council seat.
The northwest district (Jennifer Sigette) and southwest district (Ryan Spellerberg) did not have more than one candidate enter the race and the candidates won’t be listed on the ballot. Northwest councilor Greg Neitzert is term-limited as is Southwest councilor Marshall Selberg.
The candidates for the at-large city council spot are: Jordan Deffenbaugh, Richard Thomason and Allison Renville. At-large city councilor Alex Jensen is not seeking re-election.
The candidates for the two school board seats are: Marc Murren, Gail Swenson, Bobbie Tibbetts, Stuart Willett and Pat Starr.
The candidates for the northeast district seat are Miranda Basye, Neil Jeske and David Zokaites. Northeast councilor Pat Starr is term-limited.
How to vote absentee, Saturday voting
In-person voting started Monday at 8 a.m., the Minnehaha County Auditor’s office confirmed to KELOLAND News. To vote in-person absentee, voters need to show a valid photo ID. If a voter doesn’t have a photo ID, they can sign a personal ID affidavit.
To vote absentee by mail, registered voters need to submit a signed application to the county auditor.
The voter registration for the April 9 election is 5 p.m. Monday, March 25, 15 days ahead of the election.
People can vote absentee in-person from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 6 ahead of the Tuesday election. The final day to vote absentee in-person is Monday, April 8. Polls will be open on Election Day 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Testing of the Minnehaha County tabulation system is scheduled for Thursday, April 4.
You can check your voter registration and polling location, by viewing the Secretary of State’s voter information portal.
City clerk Jeremy Washington said “voter turnout is always going to be a challenge,” for municipal elections.
The city had 24% of its eligible voters turnout in 2022.
Learn more about candidates and issues
KELOLAND News has compiled stories with all of the candidates running. The at-large candidates are Jordan Deffenbaugh, Richard Thomason and Allison Renville.
The latest campaign finance reports show Deffenbaugh has raised $1,715 ($650 from five people contributing more than $100 and $515 from contributions of $100 or less) while Renville raised $665 from contributions of $100 or less.
Thomason has raised more than $23,323, including $21,225 from more than a dozen people who contributed $1,000 and $848 from contributions of $100 or less.
In the northeast race, the candidates are Miranda Basye, Neil Jeske and David Zokaites.
Basye has reported raising $2,342 with $1,900 from eight people contributing $100 or more and $192 coming from contributions of $100 or less. She has an ending balance of $5,661.
Zokaites reported raising $2,506 with $2,397 coming from himself and $109 coming from contributions of $100 or less.
Jeske reported raising $2,520, including $2,370 of donated goods or services from himself.
The next round of campaign finance reports is due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 4. You can find those reports on the city’s website.
KELOLAND News also reached out to each candidate with a list of questions:
- What specifically made you want to run for this position?
- What sets you apart from the others running in your district?
- What are your main priorities that you will bring to the council in the event that you win your race?
- What, in your view, are the three biggest issues that the city council must address?
Here’s the candidates’ answers as submitted to KELOLAND News:
Jordan Deffenbaugh – At-Large
1. What specifically made you want to run for this position?
“We need differing perspectives in city government, and I don’t see a difference of thought that reflects the makeup of our city. Ordinary people do not feel like they have a strong voice in city government. I will be that voice.”
2. What sets you apart from the others running in your district?
“I’m from here. I grew up here as our city grew. I understand Sioux Falls because I have seen it change firsthand. I saw our city growing when I was a child going from jobsite to jobsite with my dad. I remember where we came from, and I think that makes me the most qualified candidate to help direct where we’re going.”
3. What are your main priorities that you will bring to the council?
“Safer streets for pedestrians and drivers, smarter investments with our tax dollars, allow for traditional land development across the city, neighborhoods lead through participatory budgeting.”
4. What, in your view, are the three biggest issues that the city council must address?
“Affordable childcare as a workforce issue. Revising building codes to encourage small and medium-scale commercial and residential development across the whole of the city.
Improving transit and traffic.”
Allison Renville – At-Large
1. What specifically made you want to run for this position?
“Seeing the lack of native representation at the city level but I see it in multiple demographics
that I fall under being a woman of color.”
2. What sets you apart from the others running in your district?
“As an At-Large candidate, I believe my voice and influence transcends expectations and
reaches into the decency of South Dakota, I’m a reminder we’re still part of a culturally rich
community filled with empathy for our neighbors.”
3. What are your main priorities that you will bring to the council in the event that you win
your race?
“I hope to redirect focus on other ways to sustain the personality of Sioux Falls through
community building and uplifting culture in whatever that may be. With the city rapidly expanding we still have the control over the narrative promoting classic South Dakota values and
expectations.”
4. What, in your view, are the three biggest issues that the city council must address?
“Cultural and Rural Sustainability. We are so new to the idea of becoming a metro area but so far
from it becoming reality, by re-centering back to where we regain control of the reigns moving
forward setting more achievable standards.
Housing Insecurity.
We need to increase the opportunity for jobs and incentives toward self
sustaining programs helping impacted workers. Addressing the needs of single families and
parents like child care and public transit etc. by securing affordable public services our residents
can have the room to thrive, rather than looking too far into the future we can assess these
issues now before it becomes overwhelming.
Public Input and Accountability.
By becoming even more inclusive and connected we can lessen the margin between the
contrasting groups by electing a ground-level organizer like me to council. It’s my hope we open
up that line of communication to gain a more well-rounded perspective of the city. This can only
lead to more realistic and responsible solutions.”
Richard Thomason – At-Large
1. What specifically made you want to run for this position?
“I have a passion to serve my community and be part of the team that helps Sioux Falls keep moving in the right direction. As someone who grew up in Sioux Falls, I’ve seen the transformation of the city for better and worse, and I’m running to make sure we can address our issues and ensure a brighter future.”
2. What sets you apart from the others running in your district?
“Sioux Falls is growing fast and the challenges of today need to be addressed now with thoughtful and decisive leadership. My experience as a legislator and in the business community makes me uniquely qualified to represent all of Sioux Falls and advocate for what is best for the city.”
3. What are your main priorities that you will bring to the council in the event that you win your race?
“My focus is on fostering responsible economic development, reducing crime, fiscal discipline while also providing a transparent and limited government. The decisions the council makes in the next four years will have ripple effects for generations, and that requires someone like me with previous experience.”
4. What, in your view, are the three biggest issues that the city council must address?
“Addressing our growth while maintaining our existing neighborhoods. Equipping our first responders with the tools to keep our citizens safe as the city grows. Making sound financial decisions for today and for the future.”
The northeast district candidates are Miranda Basye, Neil Jeske and David Zokaites.
Miranda Basye – Northeast District
1. What specifically made you want to run for this position?
“Sioux Falls is my home. Sioux Falls has supported my family through the recession in the 80s, the 2000s housing and financial scares, and the pandemic. Along the way, this city and the people in it have molded and made me into the woman I am today and created the opportunities that my husband and I have to live our best lives here. Running for City Council is one way I desire to pay it forward so that the next generation of community members and leaders will continue to make our community their home.”
2. What sets you apart from the others running in your district?
“To me, public service means being a vessel for the people and community I serve. To advocate for the good of the collective, I must understand the collective. I’m curious about most things, and want to hear from as many perspectives as possible when forming ideas, initiatives, and policy through discernment-lead problem-solving. My life here in Sioux Falls has afforded me diverse experiences and each time I learn something new and meet incredible people in the process.”
3. What are your main priorities that you will bring to the council in the event that you win your race?
“We’ve been fortunate to have strong leadership in Sioux Falls to allow many of us to enjoy life here. We have exciting opportunities for growth and enhancing the quality of life while also experiencing some complex concerns that many others across the country are also feeling. Staying grounded in public safety, emotional and psychological safety, thoughtfully planned infrastructure, and responsible economic development will help us keep Sioux Falls and the surrounding area an enjoyable place to call home.”
4. What, in your view, are the three biggest issues that the city council must address?
“Beyond smooth roads, plowed streets, feeling safe, and continued opportunities, some of the biggest concerns I’m hearing from our community members are centered around complex issues like child care, affordable housing, transportation, and workforce development. That’s more than three issues, but the City Council has a tall order on discerning what the appropriate role is for local government in that these are issues that so many other communities across the region and the country are also experiencing.”
Neil Jeske – Northeast District
1. What specifically made you want to run for this position?
“Some specific reasons I am running to help and serve the community with are
A.)Bad Landlords being allowed–(CITY NOT ENFORCING CODE, Crime, Homeless, Soft on crime — it’s all a mixture. Cut government waste, decriminalize cannabis so police can focus on crime. Cannabis industry provides jobs, the people voted on this and now they feel under attack.
Tenants rights advocate, landlord-tenant law issues at certain buildings.
This is unacceptable in our community. People should be given proper living conditions, it’s in landlord-tenant law and is in a proper lease contract. Tenants need to learn and know their rights and help each other. I have rented and own a business and know how to help everyone that needs help with their tenant’s rights. Almost a decade of landlord-tenant business. – Pat Starr said — I can show you on the city council session – Nov 21-23 –minutes section 24 — not exactly quoted here but look for yourself.. he says we- the city – is lax with code and landlords take advantage of the city. so I want to fix this whole problem .. this is also intertwined with crime and homelessness because the main doors to the common areas being unlocked and propped open leads to a opportunity or area for these type of activities to take place.
B.) This leads to the rental permit repeal and enforce code.. it’s the same the city made a law all they had to do was enforce code make sure everyone was enforcing contract law.. -landlord-tenant law.. I will help everyone who needs help with this and get the attorney general involved if necessary. It was so sad to see someone doing a interview with cockroaches and termites crawling around here apartment. This hurts lower income people to pay the $50 and take the time of their day to do the class. This is a violation of our Fourth Amendment.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
and 5th Amendment rights
C.) Cut government waste. I can look at the city of Sioux Falls wages for 2024 and see some possible cuts. It will be all based on union negotiation and what is possible. and review all the business permits, dealings, I have heard so many complaints. process taking too long. going back for plans 5 times.”
2. What sets you apart from the others running in your district?
“What sets me about from my competition is this I am the most qualified candidate.
Back story of my public service.
I was a temporary city worker for the City Of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin for my first real look at a career type job at the time I was twenty years old. I was a garbage man for over 3 years and also worked at the recycle center. I loved the job and saw the others earning a very nice income serving the public in this capacity. After a trip to the DMV to get the CMV study book, I asked a veteran city worker for some time to explain the engine parts and learn a pre-trip inspection. We used the City of Wauwatosa semi truck to drive to Milwaukee and take my test to get my CDL. Not only was I able to serve the community, I was able to gain a life long skill getting a commercial drivers license. This should BE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED. I still have that commercial drivers license to this day, over a decade later.
I would like to thank the citizens of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and the Public Works Department because they gave me the opportunity and I took it. It changed my life for the better dramatically with having a career skill as a young adult starting out in life and the work force.
I’ve owned my own small business for almost a decade. I was a truck driver and–related industry for going on around 15 years now. I’ve worked a real private sector job for almost 2 decades, when I was the city worker I still had a private sector job and small business.”
3. What are your main priorities that you will bring to the council in the event that you win your race?
4. What, in your view, are the three biggest issues that the city council must address?
“I think 3 and 4 are some what of the same type of question I hope it’s not disrespectful to try to answer them together.
The priorities would be I think the crime(stolen car issue)(soft on crime), homeless, lack of lower price point housing along with the livability of the current housing issue all sorts of commingles together.
Limited low cost effective government, 100% transparent, accountable. Cut mayor’s office appointees, only elected office, find cuts and review all business relationships to simply cut fees, regulation, speed up, streamline, etc.
Big issue instead of the 2050 stadium we should build only duplex, triplex, fourplex units under 4000sq with some homes with built in daycare so entrepreneurs, small business can have childcare onsite in this community. Also ties in to cut childcare providers property taxes for a certain time, cover their permits ect to help them expand small businesses to market demand.
Cannabis industry community, small business communities and regular citizens are feeling ostracized on the east side.
Northeast Unite.
Build community and better opportunities for events and cook outs at east side parks ect.
Obviously, there is always good ideas just have to get out and put them into action, asking to earn everyone’s vote April 9th.”
David Zokaites – Northeast District
1. What specifically made you want to run for this position?
“I am relentlessly driven to promote better government and being a city councilor will help me do that. When a documentary about me almost magically appeared, I knew it was time to start my campaign for city council.”
2. What sets you apart from the others running in your district?
“My tremendous amount of research sets me apart from practically any candidate anywhere. I’ve spent the last six years of my life studying government, especially local government, to determine what’s really going on and how things can be improved. I have written almost 200 PowerPoints on a wide range of topics such as drug policy, planting trees, homelessness, crime, corruption, and the bike trail. With that background, I am more than ready for the job.”
3. What are your main priorities that you will bring to the council in the event that you win your race?
“My main priority is actually caring about people. Policy wise, my priorities are affordable housing, sane drug policy, ending homelessness, reducing crime and addiction, walkable neighborhoods, and honest local government.”
4. What, in your view, are the three biggest issues that the city council must address?
“The biggest issue in government is greed and greed in expensive elections. When elections are expensive, politicians sell out to finance their campaigns. Then they lie to themselves and the voters and help their donors with overpriced scams and bad policies that hurt the rest of us. Expensive elections make practical, caring, honest government basically unachievable. A contributing problem in Sioux Falls is a city council that basically approves everything a mayor wants, regardless of how good or bad it is for the city. An example here is city council approving an overpriced parking garage even though many people pointed out the high cost. That boondoggle is still incomplete! Changing the job from part-time to full-time would give councilors more time to educate themselves and better balance the city’s legislative and executive branches. An increasing homeless population always asking for money (probably for alcohol) is a tremendous problem. These people need to be accepted as they are, encouraged to heal, and helped back into mainstream society.”
The five school board candidates are incumbent Mark Murren and candidates Pat Starr, Gail Swenson, Bobbie Tibbetts and Stuart Willett.
According to a campaign finance form, Swenson is a retired school superintendent, Tibbets is a commercial real estate professional. Willett is a retired school teacher, and Starr works in business development. Murren is a retired teacher and coach.
KELOLAND News asked the candidates several questions about their skills, experience and interest in the school board.
Swenson said she was prompted to run for election after being encouraged to do so by family and friends. She retired as a school superintendent in 2021 but wanted to continue to use her passion for education and knowledge of district leadership.
Tibbetts has two children enrolled in the district. “I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how critically important strong leadership is at the board level,” Tibbetts said. “I want to actively contribute to our education system and advocate for better outcomes for all students in the district,” Tibbetts said of what prompted her to run.
Willett said the No Child Left Behind federal education program is a motivation to run. Since that program “it seems we spend all our money on schools and the “experts” and yet we are nothing better and rather things have gotten worse,” Willett said. “Rather than complain about it, I felt I should do something.”
Starr has been a Sioux Falls City Council member for several years. Starr said the principles we grew up with prompted his overall involvement in community service. He’s applied the philosophy of civic duty taught to him by his parents and teachers to his own community service. “It’s now time to serve our schools,” Starr said of running for school board.
Murren is seeking another term on the board. The students “are the reason I ran for the school board and why I am asking for another term,” Murren said.
Skills and strengths that would apply
Candidates were asked about the strengths and skills they’d bring to the school board.
“My extensive time in the classroom as a teacher and coach gives me a perspective that is not normally seen on school boards. I have held many leadership positions in my career. I am not afraid to ask questions, and make tough decisions,” Murren said. “One of my strengths is the ability to communicate with people from both sides of an issue. Another strength is my compassion for students.”
Willett said his background and experience as a teacher in New York City and an ELS teacher in Taiwan and his special education master’s degree and experience are among the strengths and skills he’d bring to the board. Willett would apply his knowledge of statistical analysis to help teachers and principals evaluate test results. As an ELS teacher in Taiwan, he learned Krashen’s input hypothesis. The Krashen input hypothesis can be used to improve reading scores in the district.
The special education techniques he developed for his own son could be used in the Sioux Falls district. “I would be interested in creating a couple of programs that could do the same for other kids and I believe this could be done without adding anything to the school budget.”
Willett said teachers have expressed to him concern over classroom management. He has tools and techniques he used in the Brooklyn (NYC) school district which can be applied in Sioux Falls.
Starr said he applied his business management degree to his time on city council and would also do so on the school board. He’s proud of never voting for a tax increase while on the council.
“I believe the voters and students of Sioux Falls expect me to be their watchdog and advocate by using my business, council, and parental experiences,” Starr said. At the same time he will be a strong advocate for students and teachers, Starr said.
His experience as a sports official has taught him patience and humility which applies to the school board but also means he has connections with coaches, players and parents across the state.
Tibbetts described some of her strengths and skills as “I am driven with a solution-oriented mindset to allow for engaged, productive conversations and discussion. I’m passionate, and caring, and will come prepared to each meeting and discussion. I’m hard working and will put forth the time and effort to best navigate each challenge and issue.”
Swenson said her experience as a superintendent brings a unique set of skills.
“First, I am familiar with the elements of leading a district. I won’t need to play “catch up” in the areas of budget, policy, management, facilities, curriculum and student achievement, or school operations,” Swenson said. The skill, strengths and experience that apply include creating a vision for a school district and then effectively communicating that vision, building and understanding school budgets and the handling of student discipline, personnel decisions and legal issues. Her strengths and skills also include managing a fleet of buses and school vehicles as well as the creation and carrying out of capital improvement plans.
