Mayor Paul TenHaken Has A New Message For Next Sioux Falls Mayor

The Municipal Elections for the City of Sioux Falls are set for Tuesday, June 2nd with absentee and early voting already in progress. Part of the election this June is to determine who will be the next leader of South Dakota’s largest city. 

Before he ends his second and final term, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has a little advice to pass along to the next Mayor.

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In a sincere and mindful letter on Facebook to the next Sioux Falls leader, Mayor Paul recognizes that the new mayor will “step into one of the hardest—and most rewarding—roles” in the city. But Mayor Paul assures the next person (regardless of who is elected) will receive support and guidance during the transition period. 

“We’ll have time to share it as we transition into this new city chapter together. But know this: you’re stepping into a role where you’ll be serving as mayor of the best city in the world, and while it will test you in every way imaginable, leading it will be the honor of your lifetime. It certainly has been for me. Know that I’ll be quietly in your corner, rooting you and Sioux Falls on.” 

What Are The Highlights of Mayor Paul’s Letter To the next Sioux Falls Mayor?

Mayor Paul highlights nine specific points that the next leader should keep in mind:

• “Assume Positive Intent” 
• “Keep Politics Out of the Office”
• “Trust Your Team”
• “Don’t Swing at Pitches in the Dirt” (As in pick your battles and don’t let the “keyboard warriors” drag you down.)
• “Ignore the Vocal Minority”
• “Double Down on Youth” 
• “Find an Inner Circle”
• “Be Brief. Be Great. Be Gone.”
• “Take Care of Yourself”

Even knowing that change is coming sooner rather than later, residents on Mayor Paul’s Facebook page show their support for him and express hope in Sioux Falls’ future.

This is great advice not only to Sioux Fall’s next mayor but every mayor that serves. Well done Mayor TenHaken!

Thank you to one of the best leaders we've had.Personally, professionally, as a community member, I am grateful to have been a part of the last 8 years of Sioux Falls growing and changing.This is important for everyone to read.

Great words of advice. Hopefully each candidate will read your advice three times so your wonderful person becomes a part of their being. Thank you for all your years of service

Mayor Paul TenHaken, thank you for guiding Sioux Falls these last eight years. You are the first Sioux Falls Mayor that I have personally worked with, and it has been an honor to see Sioux Falls grow under your leadership. I think I can speak for the majority of Sioux Falls when I say you will be missed!