Other than having a family and raising four children, running for mayor of Mitchell has been one of the most enjoyable, energizing and gratifying experiences of my life.
I have been asked many times, "Tara, are you crazy? Why would you want this job?" Even our son Tucker stated, "Mom, I don't know if you can win because you are too honest, and you won't tell some people what they want to hear."
Well, I have been very impressed with the people of Mitchell. They really do care about our community. They are tired of wasteful spending and thousands of dollars that are being spent on worthless studies with nothing getting done.
It's time for a change and new leadership. That is why I am running for mayor. I love and care about our city. I am a common-sense and results-oriented person who is confident that we can move Mitchell forward. If I am fortunate enough to be your new mayor, I will be transparent and honest.
If you go to my website, taraformayor.greenrope.com, you will see my conservative alternative plan I have for the Corn Palace and Main Street.
ADVERTISEMENT
We cannot afford and/or wait 20 years for the next-generation Corn Palace. My plan would model that of Main Street Square in Rapid City. I have done much research and consultation with engineers, architects and licensed architect designers.
Even the Corn Palace Committee must think my plan for downtown Mitchell is a good concept because the committee had Destination Rapid City give a presentation Monday on how successful the Rapid City plaza is. Rapid City's Main Street is flourishing since the building of the square. There are no longer empty buildings on Main Street, and there is activity going on at the square and Main Street every day. We can have the success right here in Mitchell. We don't have to reinvent the wheel; we can tweak a few things here or there. I am confident we can get this done to revitalize Main Street and make the Corn Palace and Main Street profitable.
Next, Mitchell cannot afford two wellness centers. By pooling our resources together, we can build a beautiful, state-of-the-art wellness center. The city wants to spend $8 million to $10 million to renovate and build a pool onto the old Recreation Center. It doesn't make sense when we can spend the same amount of money and have a brand new, $20 million facility. Their $10,000 study with RDG showed it isn't feasible, and now they are back to square one. As your next mayor, I will bring people together for the betterment of our community.
We need to think about the economic impact a new facility will have on Mitchell. It will bring many sporting events, camps and tournaments to town. Families with children run every week and spend large sums of money in other cities that have nice athletic facilities. Now's our chance to host wrestling, basketball, volleyball, soccer and swimming events, etc., right here in Mitchell.
Let's start bringing the revenue to Mitchell. We are on the interstate, in a great location and have the third most hotel rooms in the state of South Dakota. Let's team up and get this wonderful facility built for our next generation, our now generation and our active generation.
United we stand, divided we fall. If you want to make Mitchell a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change on June 5. It's up to you, the voters. Please help me move Mitchell forward. Together we will succeed. Thanks for your support.
- Tara Volesky is one of six candidates running for mayor in Mitchell
