Two vie for seat
September 18th, 2007 by 
Alica
Who do you think should get the vacant City Council seat – Brett Bastian or Darrell Schroeder? Both have applied to fill the vacancy left by Kathy Ford. She got a new job in Georgia.
The City Council will interview both candidates on Thursday. The person they select will finish out Ford’s term, which expires next spring.
Posted in Uncategorized | 
September 18th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Who cares? People just do what they want once in office anyway. As long as they know the alphabet, have all their teeth, and don’t drink during the council meetings, it’s really no matter to me.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
That’s a pretty negative attitude. Even if you’re right, you need to choose a person that can handle the day to day operations. You want someone that can understand budgets, read the laws and apply them consistently.
It is a little disturbing that it can take weeks to hire a part time secretary and one week to hire a council member. Four people applied last time. One got the job and lost the election. The council should consider that - they did not pick the person the people elected.
This seems like a perfect opportunity for anyone who thinks they might want to be on the council to give it a try. If you get the job and don’t like it, don’t run again next Spring. You might be the one Brandon needs - you’ll never know if you don’t apply. The worst thing is looking back and regretting you never made the attempt.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
I would say they need to appoint someone with half a clue. Rumor is that the council is looking at getting rid of the police dept and going with Minnehaha County. Not kidding, it is a fact. Hope whoever they appoint would have enough sense to not allow this to happen.
September 19th, 2007 at 6:04 am
Where is this rumor coming from? I haven’t heard anyone at city hall talk about this.
Let’s hope they pick someone un-involved in business in Brandon. It might quiet the rumors.
September 19th, 2007 at 6:52 am
Its a fact. Call down and ask Dennis Olson. The council met in executive session on Tuesday night with Mike Millestad (he’s the Minnehaha sherrif) I don’t understand why this council likes to be in turmoil all the time. They seem to always be stirring the hornets nest, so to speak. Its unbelievable that they are even considering this. A town of 6000 plus not having their own police dept??? We need some common sense down there. Lets hope the the appointed person for Ward 1 can bring some to them!!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Isn’t executive session supposed to remain strictly closed?
September 19th, 2007 at 9:32 am
I’ve heard about the possible demise of our police department three weeks ago. I was told it was being considere, as the budget is set, so that Dennis could have more money to spend on things like the new city hall. We as a city spend more money that is not budeted at the start of the fical year than most people realize. There are no controls at city hall, thats what an audit is for and we have’nt had one in three years I believe. That excuse is cost to much money and the local accountants are to busy.
As for the two who have thrown in their names. Motives, Bastian is a partner with Dr. Howey in the realisate development on the east side of Brandon, ?????? Schreder, his wife was one the committee against the ambulance issue I believe, ??????
We need people who have no prior agendas.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
I wrote comment #1. Comments #4 and #7 go a long way in proving my point.
Sober, having all the teeth, and knowing the alphabet would be a step up.
Look at the Mayor. He’s mayor, and gets arrested for DUI. Lack of common sense.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Sorry, comments #5 and #7. Not 4 and 7
September 20th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I personally know some of the city council members and the mayor. The ones I know have their hearts into their council / mayor jobs.
Are they human? Yes. Do they make mistakes? Yes. Are they overpaid , compensated or appreciated? NO!! Will they try do what is best for Brandon? Absolutely!
A friend of mine mentioned a school issue to me. We were talking about the upcoming school bond issues. She was sharing with me that she gets frustrated with people who put up roadblocks to the issues versus trying to part of the SOLUTION!!
You have those same issues w/ city government. Are our elected officials always going to make good decisions or not make mistakes? No. I think their hearts (hopefully brains)
are in their decisions for what is best for ALL resisdents of the Brandon AREA.
This city council has many big issues to deal with in the near future. Call them , email them and SUPPORT them to do their elected jobs.
September 20th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
The word that I had got was the city was exploring their options when meeting with Sherriff Millestad such as services provided, coverage, cost and benefits. The city council is not going to make a change today, but why are we hammering on them for checking into Brandon’s options. The local police department has had issues for years (if we didn’t why is the turnover so high) and if we can receive equal or better service with equal or better officers at a lower cost, what’s the problem? From what I understand the current officers would be offered postions with the Sherriff’s department if they passed the qualifing exam. I am tired of all the bloggers taking a negative view of the Council who is only trying to do a difficult job with the resources they have.
September 20th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
There are plenty of other places to cut costs in the city other than eliminating our police force. There is not a price you can put on my families safety. Another question is why are they in the situation that they have to start cutting out vital departments? Poor fiscal responsiblity is why!!
September 20th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THE CITY COUNCIL THINKING!!!!!! HAVE THEY GONE NUTS? YES, YOU MIGHT SAVE MONEY BUT IS THAT WORTH LIVES AND SAFETY??? IF THIS HAPPENS I REALLY HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE WONDERFUL COMMUNITY OF BRANDON WHILE IT LASTED BECAUSE I DON’T GIVE IT LONG AND THIS PLACE IS GOING TO TURN FROM GOOD TO BAD!
September 20th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Umm…..#12, we do not live in Harlem.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
All I want to say is don’t do it.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Umm… #13, see post 14.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
I cannot believe what the City Counsil is thinking. Brandon is a great community and we have wonderful officers. When an officer is hired they have to move ot Brandon, so thus our officers get to know or already know the City, the people, the community. Why bring in law enforcement from the outside when we have perfectly good law enforcement already?
September 20th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I agree with #17 and #12
September 20th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
What will this City decide to do next?
September 20th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
The City Counsil loves being in the spot light don’t they. Always trying to do something to get people upset. Great Job!
September 20th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Not Harlem YET #16
September 20th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Let’s not all forgot….the city council is in charge. Not Dennis, not Phil Youngdale, not the Mayor (unless he ever decides to use the power of veto) The CITY COUNCIL calls ALL the shots in Brandon.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Can a minister sit on a political board? There’s probably no LAW against it, but I think there’s a reason why clergy generally stays out of the political scene.
How does his congregation feel about it? He runs a church, how is he going to have time to devote to the city?
September 20th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Very good comment #22
September 20th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
We need some City Counsil members who care about this City more than just what money can bring (or throw away), people that want to make Brandon the best community it can be.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Sorry my typo on Counsil should be “council” on Post #25
September 20th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
We need someone that has NO ties to anyone on the council. No friends, no bowling/golfing etc., buddies, none that run in the same social groups, no work relationships, no clubs. Bastian I don’t think has any ties to anyone on the council, but I believe he has construction interests? Kloster is Karbers minister I think. Any ties with Schroeder? His wife was against the ambulance ordinance but I think Bastian was vocal about that too. Schroeder and Bastian are out I bet.
I’d bet a lot of money they will choose Kloster, he has a tie to a member. Mark my words.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I really liked your comment Laurie. Sooner or Later we might as well call the City Council the “Friendship Council”
September 20th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
With this type of support from the community, I would be amazed if anyone would want this type of abuse and want the vacant position. In a town this size to find someone that has no ties to the current City council, employees or has any interest in the city at all is impossible. We elected these people to do the best for the city. LET THEM DO IT! If you don’t like their decision, don’t vote for them the next time or get off your duff and run for the council yourself instead of hiding behind names like Anonymous.
September 20th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
I can’t believe Brandon might be getting rid of the Police Department. Brandon is way to close to Sioux Falls and way to big to contract out. The council needs to realize this and stop worrying about spending money on a new building but instead on protecting it’s community. Brandon is going to regret getting rid of the PD if it happens.
September 20th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Thanks Jennifer #29. That pretty much sums it up. Amen!
September 21st, 2007 at 6:44 am
Lets see…we have a new council person…and handpicked….what makes his qualifications better than the other two that wanted the position??? What agenda does a pastor of a current council member have other than loyalty to his flock? Does it bother you to have a minister on the council? Is it not part of separation of church and state? Not sure about that, but thank you council for making sure you handpicked someone that goes along with your agenda. Has he been updated on your present plan of getting rid of our police dept? (If the news is reporting correctly, that they are only checking out the option of going with the county…then why have they not advertised for a new Police Chief?)
Will the new minister/council person be involved with the meetings held after-hours at the local bar? Wonder what his congregation will think about that. Or could it be that meetings would now be held at church (BYOB/wine)?
Wake up Citizens of Brandon…if this doesn’t show that we have a good ol boys club in Brandon, what will convince you??? Maybe a previous writer on this was correct, time to outsource 5 city leaders. It IS time for our Mayer (who does have veto power) to step up and take the city back, do the job he promised to do and reign in the council and stop them from stepping all over him and the citizens of Brandon.
September 21st, 2007 at 6:46 am
Jennifer…..Just let them take away our police dept….I don’t think so! This council has been stirring the pot for too long. I will not be voting for anyone on the existing council in the next elelction. I think that as a tax paying citizen, if I do not agree with the decisions that the council is making I have the right and the obligation to let them know. And believe me when I say I have been on the phone talking to my council people. More people need to get involved in city government, not sit back and let them do whatever they want! Please, if you are against this proposal, let your council person know!!
September 21st, 2007 at 6:52 am
You all got suckered. This is one person posting unsubstantiated rumors on a website rife with rumor mongering.
I will sitback with a beer or four and laugh.
September 21st, 2007 at 8:56 am
#34
I am sorry to say but there are people who will do EXACTLY what you have described.
Would they do it if the blog site required ID?
Now what do some of you think about allowing anonymous?
September 21st, 2007 at 9:01 am
#34 whats the rumor?
September 21st, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Brandon is the largest city in Minnehaha county other than Sioux Falls and the council wants to get rid of the Police Department? Brandon is also only seperated from the largest city in the state (Sioux Falls) by around 3 miles, and getting rid of the police department makes sense how? Also, very good point ” Life Long Resident” about why haven’t they advertised for the soon to be open Chief spot? I think the whole just looking into things and the options is more than just that. This whole thing is ridiculous.
September 21st, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Geez folks, thy’re not getting rid of police coverage for Brandon, just considering a county-run option versus a city-run one. If (and it’s a BIG if) the county can provide coverage that is equal to or better than what we have now, what exactly would the problem be?
If, on the other hand, we don’t have police stationed permanently in Brandon at all times, I’d be against it 100%.
The devil is in the details on this one. We need to know exactly what the county would guarantee for police coverage.
September 21st, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Brian,
If this council holds to what they’ve been doing (passing a new ambulance ordinance without community knowledge, remember, someone found out about it and recalled it) we won’t know the details until it’s too late and already a done deal.
September 21st, 2007 at 4:37 pm
It is a big deal if they get rid of the Police Department in Brandon. And I don’t see how the county can provide anything better than what we have now. But money is what makes the world go round right? Remember you get what you pay for, spend less get less!
September 21st, 2007 at 4:41 pm
We have more officers than Sioux Falls does. Put some thought to that and there lies a solution.
September 21st, 2007 at 4:50 pm
More officers than Sioux Falls does? Sioux Falls has 214 officers
September 21st, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I meant per capita, sorry.
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:11 pm
As I am sitting here reading this blog, I am ecstatic as this is the last night of races South of town. Yippee! Peace and quiet again until May.
My question to Todd: Have you sold your home yet and moved inside Brandon city limits? Until you live in Brandon and can vote on the issues, any preaching to those of us that do and your opinions on what transpires within the city are null and void.
I think it is a horrible idea to give up our own Police Dept. The paper said today that there have been meetings held. So my question is “Who leaked this executive session to the press?” It is against the law to disclose matters that take place within executive session. Find the person(s) that leaked the info, fine them and toss their tails in jail. The worst thing about this is that we had to find out about this on the news. Shame on city council!!! As citizens and taxpayers, we should have been the first ones to know!!! Sneaky, sneaky.
Speaking of sneaky, the GOB sure pulled out the ol’ Hail Mary with our new council member on Thursday. Can’t have enough buddy’s can we?
Sour grapes? I hope 8,000 people of Brandon are ready to make wine!
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:55 pm
#44 - I enjoyed reading your post and thinking how much we agree on things. First, I am extremely happy that races are done for another year. Doesn’t a current City Councilman own the track, but has resisted every attempt to bring it within City limits so the taxes could benefit the city rather than the noise and traffic being a hinderance……but that’s another topic for another time. Second, you need to understand that the “meeting” (not plural, as there was only one) was NOT an executive session, rather an informal meeting between the Police Chief, his self-appointed successor, the City Administrator, the City HR Director and a few members of the council. . . .no quorum, no executive session. This meeting was requested by the council and done with their full knowledge. Is it sneaky? Yeah, I think it falls within that realm, but not something unusual for this Council. Remember, they are only gathering information at this point. I think if you look at the benefits versus the cost… viewing this issue with logic rather than emotion you can see many benefits that deserve to at least be explored and considered. Third, the latest “handpicked” GOB to join the council is wrong for so many reasons. If I was a member of his congregation, part of his church council, or a member of the Methodist Church, I would have a major problem with him doing it. Ask any other member of the Brandon Ministrial Association if they would consider serving on the City Council while they serve their congregation and I would bet not ONE of them would think it’s a good idea. It has nothing to do with how nice a person is or how arrogant they are to “thank the council for recognizing his leadership.” Finally, I live in Brandon, my kids go to school here, I have volunteered and served on many different committees, boards, groups, and activities in this community. Brandon is my home and I am happy to hear anyone’s comments whether they live in Brandon or not. I know Todd, and consider his input valuable…but I do keep in mind that he is NOT a Brandon resident. . . a fact I reminded him of during his elections to the School Board. I honestly don’t think Brandon has had good, honest leadership on the council since the days of Mike Schultz, Sue Wildes, Heath Tople, Mary Brooks, and Dave Bakke. You now have a group of self-serving cronies that reek of special interest and doing whatever it is that will benefit them or make them popular within the coffee group, bowling group, golf group, etc. etc.
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
#44
I’m not sure having my minister on the same council as me would be a ‘win’ in my book. Most folks act better than they normally would when they in the company of a minister. Hopefully truth and honesty becomes a part of the council. Besides, the GOB didn’t need another vote - they already have a majority. Ford was in the minority. Give the man a chance.
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:52 pm
There was more than one meeting with Minnehaha County. The only reason I know this is because the newly appointed council member was talking about it the nite the council met in executive session. Hum, how did he know this and why was he appointed again….
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:30 am
#47,
To be clear…where was Mr. Kloster talking about it the same nite? Are you talking about the executive session Monday night or Wednesday meeting with Milstead? Was he talking about it at city hall, or in another public place?
September 24th, 2007 at 8:14 am
# 44 (Brandon Dweller) — Bad real estate market — Have you not read about the issue hitting the US? You must be just following the Brandon radio station , TV or daily local paper to keep up with current events.
Do you catch my point? You rely on many outside sources to live your life in Brandon and they are not all w/in city limits.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
For all of you unhappy people that live in the town of Brandon and like to complain about things, I would recommend that you go live in a foreign country for a year. You can use this blog to keep us updated on how life is going and then maybe you will decide we really don’t have it too bad here! Rather than call this the Brandon Blog, I would maybe go with something such as “THE WINE ROOM”!
September 26th, 2007 at 4:42 am
#50-so because it’s not AS corrupt as a foreign country it’s okay? I think it should be called the “Brandon city watch group” The old days of people being uninformed and unaware are over thanks to instant information from the internet. Get over it and lets get back to governing for the people. ALL the people, not just a select few.
September 26th, 2007 at 5:48 am
Amen David!!!!!
September 28th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Council Rocks, I have lived in a foreign country that wasn’t bothered with elections. The towns were led by fairly intelligent people who did what they thought was best. They didn’t want or need the people’s opinions. After all, they were intelligent folks and the people were just the people. They knew what they did was good, and proposed projects thst always seemed to benefit powerful friends and family (who were also good, intelligent people). The only difference I see is that they continue to be in power supported by an army, while we have a none violent way to replace the good, intelligent people that make our decisions every few years (if we want to).
I think we need to get more people involved in reading and presenting their ideas in these blogs. Sometimes the people do have worthwhile ideas, and in America their voices can matter. Blogs like these help people decide if it’s time to replace our leaders. It might even get some to vote.