Decision 2024 Sommer Running On Past Experience In City Government And Business

• NAME: Craig Sommer

• FAMILY: Daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Derek Thompson, grandson Kohen Ft. Leavenworth, Ks.

• EDUCATION/OCCUPATION: Yankton High School and Northern State University, B.S. Health and Rec Admin.

• IF INCUMBENT, YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 2011-2017

• ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL/ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE: Parks Advisory Board member and then Chairman

• FACEBOOK/SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook https://www.Facebook.com/craig.sommer.756

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 • Why are you running:

It’s time. I have watched the citizens of Yankton do amazing things the last three years. I’ve watched the city make questionable decisions. I sat in the work sessions and watched the commission’s reaction to public scrutiny on the Summit Center and Paradigm decisions. I watched the commissions lack of respect to another commissioner during the Native American Day discussion. As the only candidate running who has spent thirty years building or forming successful teams across the region, I feel I can represent the citizens at the level they deserve.

• Should the initiated measure on the food tax repeal succeed, that will most likely mean a loss of revenue for the city. What would your priorities be when looking at city revenue shortfalls when it comes to programs, services and events the city currently offers?

Many city revenue streams are dedicated to only one use such as water,  waste water, recycling, second penny tax, limiting what can be adjusted. Public safety (police and fire) would be my first to to keep funded at the highest level. After that it will become a staff and commissioner give and take on who perceives what to be most important. My bigger concern is what is the cities plan for next year’s budget. I will not want to be the commissioner who has to re-instate those cuts for a second year! Anyone who runs a business or organization knows there is always some outside influences trying to stop your success, how you react to that determines your outcome.

• As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Meridian Bridge, we know its lifespan is nearing an end. How much of a priority will it be for you, as a commissioner, to make sure the necessary funding and future planning is put in place to make the necessary repairs and improvements on this iconic landmark?

The city taking possession of the bridge was the actual reason I became involved in city politics. Once again, the city was GIFTED an amazing opportunity and to this point nothing has been done to preserve this gift. The 25-year life expectancy of the bridge is over half gone and there is no funding source to preserve it. There is no fee on anything to go towards preservation. I’m not aware of any grants being applied for. Dreams, goal, plan, time, talent, win. Where is the plan? The city has to find a way to pay for the inspection necessary to determine the needs, yet I as a private citizen have $500,000 committed to the restoration already? Do you want a dream or a goal?

• The Yankton Community Library is working on a feasibility study to look at the possibility of building a new library. Is this something you would support as a city commissioner?

I would! I’m anxious to read the conclusions drawn from the USD survey being conducted. This is another Yankton project that has gone on far to long and needs to be finished. I am well aware of a current facility that could suit this purpose if that is the direction the committee goes. I have not been involved in this process as of yet, but I would be in full support of it moving forward.

• Additional thoughts?

As you consider your choices there are two distinct differences between me and the other three candidates.

1. I have led successfully, community projects as a citizen, board member, city commissioner, and over thirty years in business management.

2. The City of Yankton is a $70M, 130 employee business! I am the only candidate who has managed a business, all aspects of it, and understands how decisions affect other processes. A dream rarely becomes reality without a goal, planning, time and talent given to it.

I’ve demonstrated at every level my commitment to making Yankton the best community for our citizens. I would greatly appreciate your vote on April 9th.

Vote Sommer for City Commissioner