by Carrie Moritz, Gazette
Next Tuesday, April 12, will be the Ward 3 City Council election. Two candidates, incumbent Karen Stainbrook and new petitioner Jackie Rotert, are vying for a two-year term to represent their ward. The election will be held at the American Legion building from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, though only Ward 3 registered voters will be eligible to cast a ballot.
While all wards have nearly the same number of potential voters, Ward 3 represents the southern end of Garretson, which is growing. Borders for Ward 3 are south of Dows Street, and also includes the area east of Railroad, west of Center Avenue, and south of Essex Street.
The Gazette wanted to ensure voters can get to know their candidates, and have asked both the same questions. Below are their answers to those questions.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Jackie Rotert: I have lived in Garretson 6 years. I have been married for 16 years to Joey Rotert and we have 2 girls and a dog. Maci is a freshman, Haylee is in 5th grade, and Bruce is our 3 year old cockapoo. I enjoy playing golf, hunting, playing volleyball, spending time with family and friends, and going out to the Black Hills for side by side four wheeling.
Karen Stainbrook: I moved to Garretson in 2014 when I relocated back to this side of the state after spending some time in Rapid City. I’m glad I landed here as there are several things I appreciate about Garretson than I even knew to look for. I was looking for a church with a choir and look forward to rejoining them next fall. Although the children that were a part of my plan when I moved here never materialized, I like that the school was not combined with another town. I think it helps with community pride. And our internet and cable provider is top-notch. I never thought that I would be lucky enough to have a position that would allow me to work from home, but my dream came true and I will be starting such a position at the end of April. I am looking forward to stepping out to get lunch at the great restaurants in town and experiencing daytime town life.
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?
JR: I bring 17 years of management, communication, and strategy experience to the City from my time spent in the medical field at two of the largest medical facilities in the Midwest in Sanford Health and Avera Health. My ability to bring people together and achieve strategic initiatives has long been an asset to others in my career and I hope for the opportunity to work with other City Council members moving Garretson forward.
KS: I have had the honor to serve the past year on the Council after being appointed last year. Anyone you ask will tell you it takes about 6 months to ‘find your footing’ in a city organization. As the Health and Safety representative, I was able to use my pharmacy knowledge when helping to draft our marijuana ordinance. Additionally, I served on the Annexation committee. While we were not initially as successful as we had hoped, we came up with a plan and have started on the first portion. I feel know what to expect now, and how to take part in constructive discussions. Many issues develop over numerous years. It’s helpful to have someone in your ward that has a bit of knowledge of the history.
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?
JR: I would like to see us act on our strategic plan to grow Garretson and continue to identify areas of economic development that will assist in drawing more residents to our great town through additional housing, daycare, and recreational services.
KS: I am still hopeful for the bike path that was under consideration between the town proper and the state park. As the weather continues to get warmer, and I look for places nearby to spend time outside, it would be amazing to have a path that wouldn’t have you competing with vehicles or driving alongside them breathing their exhaust. I also hope the city can have a different location for city hall. But I am not willing to do either at the expense of the city’s growth. My mom lives outside of Canton, where they are having an issue with expansion as they spent money on a new pool without setting enough aside to be able to put in sewer and other utilities in areas of town with growth potential – and a water tower to ensure adequate water supply and pressure. Garretson has so far done a good job balancing growth and increasing amenities and I would like to see it continue.
What are the strengths of this community?
JR: Leadership, economic focus, parks and recreational resources.
KS: While we may not always see the same path to get to a goal, the community has the same goal – to make life as good as possible for its residents. My experience on the City Council has reinforced this in the way that we can have discussions in which councilpersons are listening to understand, not listening to respond. It’s not about ‘winning’ the discussion, but instead having a discussion in which all parties have a chance to be heard and understood before action is taken.
Its potential weaknesses? What steps would you take in order to reduce or eliminate those weaknesses?
JR: I believe we all have weaknesses, but in order to build unity and move forward together, I would like to focus on our strengths and what makes us a destination of choice. As our county continues to grow in population, I believe it will be imperative to work with other organizations in Minnehaha County that can help us highlight our attributes and continue to draw people here to live, work, and play.
KS: The city, like any organization or family, could always use more money to spend. I think there is great potential to continue to lay the groundwork that will serve us in the future. If we don’t take the time to do things right – like timing sewer pipe replacement with road replacement – we will end up spending more in the long run and having less to show for it. I hope the city can continue to expand its borders and increase affordable housing that will be filled with people that are looking for a community to be a part of – not just a place to live.
What is your vision for this community?
JR: To unite, utilize our resources, and implement infrastructure that supports community and economic growth.
KS: I see a Garretson that continues to grow while retaining all the great things that make it unique. I look forward to Main Street continuing on its path to vibrancy and am excited to see what additional shops and restaurants fill in the current vacancies.
Any other comments?
JR: I would like to thank my family and all of those that have supported me in my bid for a City Council seat.
KS: I encourage everyone to vote in every election they are able to. It’s important for each resident to have a voice in selecting their representatives at every level of government. If you’re not registered to vote or are registered under an old address, I encourage you to take steps to rectify that before the next election.
