Tag: Northern State University

Six people have announced they are running for mayor in 2018 Wochit Sioux Falls' six mayoral candidates might be pursuing a non-partisan office, but that doesn't mean their political parties don't influence voters. "If partisanship can show us anything in these races it's more so the general disposition toward how active the government is going to be and the use of government to improve people's lives versus leaving people alone," he said. But political ideologies can rear their head on the margins of civic politics. In this year's Sioux Falls mayoral contest, voters will choose between four Republicans - Jim Entenman , Mike Gunn, Greg Jamison and Paul TenHaken - and two Democrats - Kenny Anderson Jr. and Jolene Loetscher. Municipal offices across South Dakota are supposed to be devoid of partisan politics, and candidates don't run as Republicans or Democrats. But more often than not, city councilors and mayors are affiliated with one of the two major political parties. And though party designations aren't as important in local races, political science buffs say voters can glean a bit about a candidate's potential governing style based on the letter that would be next to their name if they were running for a higher office. Some of the candidates are quick to dispel the notion that their political affiliation will have any impact on how the city would be lead should they earn a spot at City Hall. For instance, Loetscher said it's not necessary to consider a party platform when making decisions about the city's future. But when it comes to the essential services government provides, it's not as important.