President's Report Regardless of your political affiliation, I think we can all agree that our country’s new president is bringing forward some bold ideas. These ideas are stirring uncertainties across all levels of government, including local. Will there be changes to our regulatory environment? How could policy changes impact public power? What broad base economic impacts can we expect? The uneasiness caused by these unanswered questions is only amplified by how low sales tax receipts we’re experiencing statewide. With soft sales tax returns and changing regulations, we’re all starting to feel some heat. As a country, as a state, and as local communities, we have some very large challenges in front of us. While we work to navigate through these uncertain times, I encourage you to keep the important issues in mind. It’s easy to get emotional, and it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important to your community. Do your best not to get caught up in hype and headlines, and instead, focus on serving the good of the people. When challenges are as profound as drug epidemics, crumbling infrastructure, and workforce shortages, it’s
JUNE 2017
very easy to become paralyzed by the overwhelming nature of the issues. While there is no easy button for these problems, there are people you can lean on. Start with the Municipal League. The League is a fabulous resource that can provide research, explanations, trend analysis, best practices and a network of people who are working on very similar issues. Stay strong, use the resources that are available to you, and do your best to transmit your city not less, but greater, better and more beautiful than it was transmitted to you. June 30 is my last day as the Mayor of Pierre, and my last day as a member of the Municipal League. From here on out, I’ll be cheering you all on from the sidelines! Good luck and thank you! Laurie Gill, President
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