February 2021 Fort Pierre Mayor's Report
Being mayor isn’t all meetings and phone calls and correspondence, most but not all. There are fun assignments -- like judging pies or soups, classic cars and student interviews, riding in parades, and meeting VIP’s. But one of my favorite parts of the job is making appointments. I find it tremendously rewarding to get individuals involved in the community and watching them succeed in their new role.
Just recently, State Representative Mike Weisgram wrote to thank me for appointing him to a vacancy on the City Council five years ago. He said the experience opened his eyes to the challenges faced by small cities. Mike was a great council member, interested and involved in all the issues, and asked really good questions.
For many of the same reasons, it was a pleasure to recommend Randy Seiler to the Council to replace Mike Weisgram. Randy served on the Council (coincidentally replaced by Mike Weisgram when Randy was appointed US Attorney), he has been a member of the BID Board, chaired the Verendrye Museum Board and Board of Adjustments and Appeals, and contracted with the City last year for ordinance enforcement.
In addition to filling Council vacancies, there are a number of other boards and commissions that require the mayor’s recommendation for Council appointment. All Council members serve on 2-5 other committees or boards; some are internal working committees and some are liaisons to various boards in the community. The Pierre/Fort Pierre Historic Preservation Board members are appointed jointly by the Cities of Pierre and Fort Pierre.
I look for diversity and commitment in all appointees, and I make it a point where possible to have representation from all three wards. There will be expired terms on the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, the BID Board (aka Fort Pierre Tourism & Promotion Council), and the Arbor Board this spring.
If you think you may be interested in serving with any of these groups, please contact me for more information.
