New council
April 8th, 2008 by 
Alica
What do you think of yesterday’s election results? What do you think of voter turnout? Ward I had a 10.4 percent turnout. Ward III had a 15.7 percent turnout.
In Ward 1 voters elected Blaine Jones to the council, 108-76 over incumbent John Saarloos. In Ward III, voters elected Roger Brooks, 172-62 over incumbent Steve Rubin. Thank you to Saarloos and Rubin for the time you put in serving the city. Congratulations to Jones and Brooks.
How do you think these new aldermen will change the complexion of the council? Do you see any issues on the horizon the council should study? What advice do you have for the new councilmen?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
April 9th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I’m very embarrassed for our city. We are the fastest growing city in SD, the median income is high at about 58,000, we are well educated and progressive, we are family orientated, yet we don’t vote.
It’s truly appalling. Why do people turn out to vote for the school but not for their city?? At the very least, the city council spends your money people! Don’t you want a say in how it’s spent? Is the median age af 31 the problem? If so, do the younger people really not care?
It takes FIVE minutes to vote and a couple of hours to decide who to vote for by watching a candidate forum on TV, and reading the paper.
Maybe this is something our new city council can work on…. A get out and vote campaign.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:48 am
I voted yesterday and like Jana said, 10.4% in ward I and just over 15% is not very good, but if you look at it, it is better then Sioux Falls who had 14% vote.
I congratulate our new Alderman; they have a lot of hard work ahead of them. Lots of changes and tough discussions to make and I think change is sometimes good. And for everyone who did not vote, I don’t want to see you complaining on the blogs when things don’t go your way.
Also I hope our new Alderman look forward and don’t try and relive and revive what was, but what can be in Brandon.
e
April 9th, 2008 at 7:33 am
cold hard fact that you apparently do not want to accept, with the exception of those who blog here, everyone is satisfied with the city govenment and the individuals who run it!
I voted, and still feel this way!
Our city is about 8000 strong and there are only 400 who really have a problem with the way things are run.
Live with it.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:13 am
#3 always listening:
I’m sure Hitler and Stalin told people to live with it too, it’s a good thing people decided otherwise.
I don’t think I agree with what else you typed either. You stated most people were satisfied with the city government. Yet, both wards I & II have new Alderman, doesn’t sound like people were too satisfied. As far as the low voter turnouts go, I hope it’s not because people don’t think their votes matter.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:16 am
always listening…sour grapes much????…cold hard fact…with the exception of you and your cronies and your/their obvious and blatant disregard for the truth, more DIS-SATISFIED people got out to vote than the satisfied. typical election outcome. ain’t in my backyard, i could care less, but when you step on my toes, it’s a horse of a very diff color. the current people stepped on one too many toes.
another cold hard fact…government is self correcting. it may take 1-2 elections cycles for it to sort itself out, but it always does. This was a correction phase i’m glad took only one election to come about.
so live with that.
while the numbers are disappointing, I’m still glad to see things shake out how they did.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I think the election results can be interpreted in different ways. Possible reasons: people were busy and didn’t have time to vote, forgot, not concerned and think things are fine, thought all candidates would do a good job, don’t care or are uniformed, etc. Whatever the reason is for low voter turnout, we need to stand by the new council and help them do great things for our town.
I think some of the
big issues are:
1.CONTROLLED and well MANAGED growth.
2. Facilities for our citizens (parks, larger or another pool, rec center, etc.).
3. BVFD issues.
4. Keeping our community safe (crime could invade so easily).
5. Working together with the school system (they seem to work separately.
6. Bringing in new commercial businesses.
My only advice to ALL of the council members is to WORK TOGETHER to better our community!
April 9th, 2008 at 9:58 am
You people live in your little world where 418 individuals in two wards are the heart beat of the entire city, right!
April 9th, 2008 at 10:43 am
What world do you live in? If 418 people out of an entire city are the only ones who vote, then yes, they are the heartbeat. The rest of the population is only the mouth, and will most likely be the ones who complain about the election. If there were people in Brandon who were happy with the way things were that didn’t vote, then they got what they deserved and I’m ashamed to call them my neighbors.
Welcome to Democracy, where it’s not the majority that rules, it’s the minority that yells the loudest that rules. It’s always been that way. It is unfortunate due to the fact it is our own fault as a society. The minority rules, because the majority doesn’t vote.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Buford I think you got it!
April 9th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Reminds me of an old saying I heard once: Government is run by those who show up.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I agree with Alica, the ones that show up rule. I still think a little change is good.
April 9th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Blaine Jones sounds arrogant. ““What we’ve seen over the last four years, the people are ready for a change,” he said. “In general, I think people looked at the candidates and picked who they felt would do the best job.” First of all who has been in a Ward 1 council seat for four years? He should remember only about 30 people thought he was better, he needs to convince a lot of people yet. The victory is only the beginning of the journey to proving himself. Is Jones still allowed to collect disability from the city now that he is a councilperson? I suspect John sat around one to many Saturdays watching TV, and Jones got his friends at church to vote for him. That is what wins an election with such low turnout. There is no “people” or “community” consensus with those numbers. If I were Jones I wouldn’t start patting myself on the back just yet, he won by the lowest number of votes in Ward one in years, only around 1/3rd of the last elections (Tople/Kolbeck, Tople/Karber, Ford/Serk). That tells me people didn’t care to vote for either candidate. Sad day for Brandon in Ward 1.
Brooks has experience in Ward 3, but only ran because of the ambulance thing (my opinion). Holly seems to have turned out fine, the ambulance thing is fine, and the budget is fine………….. What is all the “change” they promise? Make the response times shorter for ambulances? Raise the fireman’s budget? Hold taxes? Give the police a raise? All already done by this council.
I bet in a year Jones resigns after finding out things happen for a reason, Brooks will stick it out, but only 1 term.
This next two years will depend on how Buck Hammond, and Mostek stand up and become leaders (Mostek already is). Karber does not have the respect that those 3 have. After that Karber and Hammond are up for election, or are Buck and Mostek first? Mayor first?
Mr. Olson is getting older and I bet Wayne is going to go fast also. The hiring of those two positions will be the most important for many years to come. We have a new great police chief with people below him to take over, and a great assistant city administrator (other decisions this council made).
If you think about it the outgoing council (not so much John) handled more controversy than many before it. I think the incumbents were voted out for doing just what the new comers say they will do, “change things!”
April 9th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
According to the city’s Web site, Harry Buck’s Ward II seat comes up for election in 2009.
In 2010, the terms of Karber (Ward I) and Hammond (Ward III) are up.
In 2011, Mostek (Ward II) and Mayor Larry Beesley.
And in 2012, we start the cycle again with the terms of Jones and Brooks.
To #12: I agree that replacing City Administrator Dennis Olson when he retires in a few years probably will be the biggest decision the council at that time will have to make. The current council was wise to think ahead and hire an assistant administrator. Olson will be difficult to replace. There aren’t many city administrators in the state who have the training and longevity he has.
I wish Jones and Brooks the best on the council. I hope they and Karber, Buck, Hammond and Mostek all work together to do what’s best for the city and its citizens.
April 9th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I agree with many of your points #12. I am curious about this disability thing with Blaine. Whats that all about?
April 9th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Real deal…you are a real joke. If Blaine is getting disability from the city…that means he was injured while servicing our city? Were you out there protecting us? Disabilty means a person has been injured and can no longer perform the same job. That is sad, especially since Blaine was so dedicated to Brandon and the Police Dept. Blaine is too honorable of a man to respond to the likes of you. But guess what, hide here under a false name and you can say anything. The people spoke, we have 2 new council people!!! Maybe now we can go to a council meeting and not already know how the GOB would of voted. Now we will have some honesty and checks and balances on our council.
I have the upmost trust and faith in Roger and Blaine and the job they will do for our city!
April 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
#12. I appreciate your comments, but I feel compelled to set the facts straight. I’m unsure of where you’ve gathered your facts, but I have never been paid for one day of disability. If you would like to visit the points you’ve brought forward, I’d be happy to visit with you. I do however have one request. Before you make your comments public record, base them on facts and back them up with your name. Thank you.
April 9th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
It was just a question! Can he still collect? I never said anything more “voter” “But guess what, hide here under a false name and you can say anything”, Pot meet Kettle. You are the joke, way to lose it “voter”. I hope Blaine votes no to everything the so called GOB votes yes to, we shall see.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
#16
This is a blog, not a “public record”, a place to ask questions and place comments. Lord knows that from the other strings in here. I was under the impression from what I thought a good source that you were in an accident with a police car, another car rolled into it. Sorry for the mix-up. I will stay with all of my other opinions.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Usually, even a small slice of the population like 10 percent represents what would have happened on a grander scale if you would get 100 percent turnout. Sort of like a poll works. Sure, there’s a margin of error of 3 percent or so but it’s usually pretty accurate. So, if you look at the percentages, (58 percent for Jones, 74 percent for Brooks), it would probably play out similarly even if the voter turnout was higher.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Still, that’s no excuse for not getting out and voting.
April 9th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
#20 Very true.
Councilman Jones, I want to clarify that it was a sad for ward one because of voter turnout, not because you were elected. Also, again, I am sorry for my mix-up on the disability thing.
April 9th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Realdeal,
OMG, where to start? Apparently you’ve never met Blaine Jones or you’d know he wasn’t arrogant, ever think that maybe he heard from his constituents that they were unhappy with the last four years??? That’s why he won.
Disability…obviously you don’t have your facts straight on that either. You lost your credibility on that one. At least you manned up and apologized and since Blaine is a stand up guy you probably are forgiven by him.
It was a fantastic day for Ward I. We got a permanent councilman that wasn’t appointed by the council. And I’ll take you up on your bet about lasting a year.
Ambulance thing fine….how do you know that? Have you seen any kind of report with any clinical statistics in it yet? We’re ASSUMING it’s fine. We’ll see in a year.
always listening….you should do more listening and maybe some more reading and research because you just topped yourself for the most ridiculous statements (#3 & #7)I’ve ever encountered in my life. Seriously, I can’t even begin to respond to you with any sort of intelligence because it would be a total waste of breath. You don’t even realize Buford was DISagreeing with you.
April 9th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Blaine- I hope you are thick skinned and can keep your temper in check- It’s already started and your not even sworn in yet!!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
#22
OMG Where to start! Who has been in the last four years? Ford was just elected! She was not appointed by the council. How could change the last four years be the problem? How do you know I am a man? Why do you ASSUME things are bad with the ambulance? Did you see the reports on RM? They never came that’s why.
I will let Always answer the others, but I agree with the other statements made like those who show up are in government and 108 votes does not mean people are “sick of city hall” or “have spoken”. Low turn out means not interested or not upset. High turn out like the past 3 ward 1 elections means you touched me or I support you. Again, my opinion. Not everyone has to be mad to cast a vote, I think that is what Always was trying to say.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
#22 never said things were bad with the ambulance. They said we won’t know either way for a year. They also didn’t say anything about change. They said MAYBE his constituents were unhappy. And people did know what what things were in Rural Metro’s (through REMSA)quality control reports. And it was more than patient ages, call types and times.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I can only say I have/had no idea if Blaine had ever been disabled. I was basing my commnets on real deal attacking. I totally agree, the election is over, next step is getting sworn in and then looking at all sides of the issues. It is so overdue for out city council to have such a name as the Brandon Mafia. The power has been taken away. Common sense and intellegence will prevail.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
For the record, I was not “attacking”, it was a question.
I am done blogging here……wow.
Brandon mafia hahaha
“The Power is gone! The sun is coming out again!”
April 9th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
#26 I am just wondering about your last comment. “Common sense and intellegence will pervail”
What do you mean by that? Does this mean that Saarolos and Rubin had no common sense and intelligence?
April 9th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I hope Mr. honesty/integrity bragger (Blaine) puts up or shuts up. I hope his actions speak louder than his sound bites.
April 10th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Citizen, If you only knew. Buford has the knowledge I really question if you do.
If people wanted to get out and vote they would. Change would have been a reason, obviously only 418 people out of about 7000-8000 felt change was needed.
I my self feel that the two elected are in for a ride, I intend on watching as it will be interesting.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Always listening …once again you show your dazzling brilliance…..our population is 7-8000 that’s not the registered voters. And apparently enough people wanted change to get the job done. Glad your watching, (I’ve seen you watching) more people should.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:13 am
my reference to the 7000-8000 is that when I vote, I vote with the interest of my children in mind as their future will also be affectted.
As for my brilliance, it’s got you thinking which might be good.
Glad you have all the answers.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Please consider this when stating 108 votes or 172 votes out of 7000 – 8000 citizens does or doesn’t mean…(insert your opinion on something nonsensical here). I say nonsensical because of the following poing:
Ward I does not have 7 – 8k people in it, neither does ward III. That is the population of the entire city, not the wards that were voting! Ward I has approx. 1769 registered voters, which is why a total of 184 voters is 10.4%. Ward III has approx. 1491 registered voters, which is why a total of 234 votes approx. equals 15.7%. My numbers are not exact, they are a guesstiment. I used math, they used to teach it in school. Now they just teach our kids how to use a calculator and not there brain!
So please stop including your opinions of what people in Ward II think. I’m sure they are happy that you know what they are thinking, and why they do things.
To Mr. Jones and Mr. Brooks. Good luck! I hope you represent your wards well, and use common sense. Mr. Jones, you have a good start. You are the first Alderman I have ever heard ask a possible, even if angry constituent (realdeal) to meet and discuss an issue. It doesn’t seem like there has been a whole lot of that going on in the last few years by the sounds of it.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
#33 The schools still teach English. The kids use “their” brains in this subject not “there” brains.
Also, why are people arguing about stupid stuff like the number of voters? Just proves why many citizens could care less about voting
when “important” issues such as this are what are debated….
April 10th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
#34 Anon…
You are correct, I should have caught that when I proof read.
April 12th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Well again when someone tries to make a point, and a good point I might add, they get attached by some agrWell again when someone tries to make a point, and a good point I might add Burford, they get attached by some angry English teacher. I agree with Buford, they voting numbers were abysmal. But now the election is over and we have two new alderman. I know Blaine and I believe he is a good person and does care for the citizens of Brandon. I do not know Brooks, but he has what is appears, a lot of experience. Congratulation and good luck to our new alderman.