Mitchell mayor seeks to ban texting behind wheel

• Mayor Ken Tracy

Mayor Ken Tracy

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• POLL: Should Mitchell ban texting while driving?

Mayor Ken Tracy wants Mitchell to ban texting while driving. Tracy told the Mitchell Traffic Commission on Monday night at City Hall that Mitchell should emulate Sioux Falls’ recently passed measure.

The Sioux Falls City Council passed a texting-while-driving ban Sept. 4, and it goes into effect Sept. 28. Tracy said he has a copy of the ordinance and feels the Traffic Commission and the City Council should discuss it.

Council President Jeff Smith, who serves on the commission, agreed and asked to have it placed on the panel’s agenda for its Oct. 15 meeting.

“Something for thought or discussion,” Tracy said. “It was something I wanted to bring to your attention.”

He said the law should have been changed by the South Dakota Legislature, but it has failed to act. Tracy said he favors a ban and wants to start discussion on it.

“The mayor’s right,” said Councilman Mel Olson, a former legislator. “If enough cities do it, the Legislature will act and take the credit.”

Tags: city council, news, updates, local, mayor, texting, driving