On April 9, the citizens of Garretson's Ward 2 will head to the voting booth to choose their candidate for city council. Incumbent Dave Bonte has been challenged by newcomer Leslie Black, and we wanted to let voters know a bit more about each candidate. In that vein, we asked what their vision and ideas were for the community.
On April 9, all registered voters in Ward 2 will be able to vote between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion dugout located at 504 N Main Avenue. To see if you are registered, visit https://vip.sdsos.gov/VIPLogin.aspx.
Ward 2 is comprised of those residents on the eastern end of town, and has approximately 412 people. (See the Ward map.)
- First, tell us a bit about yourself.
DB: I have been a resident of Garretson for 53 of my 63 years. My wife Deb and I have 3 adult sons with seven grandchildren. Two of our sons make their home in Garretson with their wives and have two more children on the way in April. We spend as much free time as possible on our acreage within the city limits of Garretson. We enjoy wood working projects and camping when we have the opportunity.
LB: Hello! My name is Leslie Black and I've been living in Garretson, SD now for 3 years. A long time SD resident I grew up on a farm and in and around Sioux Falls SD. Over the years, I've lived in both West River and East River with my family - serving in 6 communities. I have 3 children - all grown and on their own - which leaves me time to serve here in our community. Kris Frerk was kind enough to let me help represent the food bank in town and I've also been on the Commercial Club Board for 2 years.
- What are your qualifications? Why do you think you’ll be an asset to the council? Do you have any experience with the town council or City government?
DB: I have been a Bank Officer for most of my 42 years in the lending business. Working with Cash Flows, Budgets, financial statements, and real estate transactions, almost on a daily basis. I have served the community with involvement in several different organizations, including, but not limited to The Garretson Economic Development, Blue Dragon Foundation and am currently completing my 8th year of service as a member of the Garretson City Council.
LB: I have over 20 years experience in growing communities, businesses and branding individuals and entities. My first real job after college was working for the County Assayers Office (Equalization). After that I immersed myself with Community Development with Sprint Communications for the SD Association of the Deaf. Grant writing and Public Relations, Finding funding for community projects as always been a passion. Currently I serve a PR company nationwide establishing market share and researching ROI for new startups and expansion.
- What are your goals for the council and/or the City? Is there a direction you’d like to see them take or not take?
DB: In a smaller city like ours, you need to be very careful to prioritize the needs of the community. Our budget is limited with few dollars to spare and wedo the best that we can with what we have to work with Currently we are in the middle of what we call the 4th and 5th street projects. These antiquated sewer and water systems need to be taken care of without crippling the budget. My goals are in hoping to be involved long enough to see these projects completed. With the infrastructure being repaired, I would like to see residential growth on both the South and North ends of our city.
LB: As a member of the community - I see key Economic Development needs in the areas of Courting new business's to town, Providing opportunities for expansion for current businesses, Expanding Job opportunities in the community, and Marketing current needs for employers.
The ability to provide a rich environment for multifamily and single family housing is also a need and a must if we are to reduce the tax burden for the general citizenry. I'd also like to see a dog park and park expansion into the South side of town.
- What are the strengths of this community?
DB: The strength of this community is in its people, our favorable location, and potential for residential and industrial growth.
LB: I believe Garretson's strength are their people. This town is one of the most generous in supporting their youth, those in need and their veterans.
It truly is a slice of Americana - out of reach from the "big City: but near enough to visit if you need to. There is nothing like hearing the roar of the crowd from a football game on a crisp fall night or watching the town gather for a pancake breakfast, Jesse James Day parade or a trip down Main Street on a Saturday afternoon-dropping in for lunch at the Cabin or Gulch, picking up a few things at GFC or the Treasure Chest to name a few.
- What are this community's potential weaknesses? What steps would you take in order to reduce or eliminate those weaknesses?
DB: The main weakness in our community is having the funds necessary to meet the budget and yet complete the projects that are necessary. Additional growth in our tax base is needed to improve upon the cash flow and then use those funds to continue to improve our community. Taxes have always been an issue at every level of government. We would all like to see those taxes reduced, but if they were, we would not be able to meet budget obligations.
LB: Potential weaknesses are: wanting to keep the aforementioned intact - and becoming paralyzed by the prospect of change. If we are truly to serve the community change needs to occur for the benefit and safety of all - while staying withing our means. (a balanced budget)
Our tax base needs to grow as I mentioned earlier. That requires a mindset that embraces both the new and old ways of doing business. Providing an atmosphere where both businesses and families can prosper.
- What is your vision for this community?
DB: As previously mentioned, my vision for our community is growth, both on the South and North ends of the city of Garretson. We need to work to improve our Main Street by adding additional business's and extend those improvements to the Industrial area in the Northwest corner of the city. We also need to continue to work on our parks, as they are one of our biggest drawing cards for people visiting our community. All these things take time, and we need a long term committed group to succeed.
LB: My vision for this community is to ensure the safety and welfare of the community. Key programs are in need of expansion and some on the chopping block of merging with Minnehaha County. While a short term monetary gain it does not particularly add to qualitative service. I'd like to see housing and job opportunities grow and entice people to Garretson in the next two years to offset the School Levy.
I believe you could serve the community on city council. My experience in public relations, grant writing and business development would allow me to network with state and county representatives while listening to the citizenries needs and questions in Ward 2. How can I lower my communications bill? Who pays for a new sidewalk the city or the homeowner? Is my property grandfathered in on zoning issues? How do I call animal control? Why do my taxes keep going up and up?
- Any other comments you’d like to make?
DB: I am very proud of the city of Garretson and hope to be part of continued improvements for both my family and yours.
LB: I believe all those questions need to be addressed and answered. If not by city council or the staff at the City office - surely by their Ward Council men and women. I'd very much like to be a part of bringing the average citizen in communication with the city in and out of formal settings.
