(Editor's note: This is just one part of a series of stories about local candidates in the upcoming June 2 primary, municipal and school board election. Find more coverage here.)
Simplified: At one point in 2021, Mayor Paul TenHaken announced plans for Sioux Falls to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Ultimately the city's sustainability plan was pared down in response to pushback from stakeholders. Sioux Falls Simplified asked all City Council candidates about their plans to balance the city's limited natural resources with continued growth and development in the city.
Here's what we asked:
What would be your approach to protecting natural resources? And how does that factor in to any future decisions about development or zoning?
Here's how candidates responded (in alphabetical order):
At-Large A
Vince Danh said he wants to see the city's sustainability plan being used rather than sitting on a shelf.
"So often, we’ll say we’re focused on this, and we’ll create this plan and then what happens to the plan?" Danh said. "In regards to sustainability, that's only gonna became more and more important in the future. You see it already – some of the developments have been built more green-friendly using more renewable resources. I’m into that because we have to preserve what resources we have."
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James Oppenheimer said he's seen sustainability come to the forefront more through conversations about data centers and Smithfield's relocation. He wants to see the city funding more sustainable ventures.
"When (the council) sees new projects coming, ask how is this going to be sustainable?" he said. "How is this going to help the environment? And having that in mind when you approve different things like that on the council is vital."
Juliann Perrigo Talkington was unable to meet in-person or respond to questions sent virtually in time for publication. This will be updated if/when those responses are received or a meeting is set.
At-Large B
Rich Merkouris said when it comes to sustainability his main focus areas are increasing density to ensure efficient use of the city's existing infrastructure, cleaning up the river (using buffer strips, better education, etc.) and improving recycling rates.
"When people talk about recycling rates, I don't think more regulation is needed for single family homeowners," Merkouris said. "Because at the end of the day, if we want to move the needle, it really comes down to commercial and multifamily."
Samantha Scarlata:
"I know, like, concern in the Big Sioux River. There’s different volunteer groups that go around and clean those up and the parks.What I would like to see happen is, if there’s people in homeless shelters that they stayed for a certain amount of time, get them out and doing stuff. Put them to work. If they can work, they should be able to when the city’s helping them."
See all Simplified election coverage here:
