Huether Shakes Up City Hall

SIOUX FALLS, SD - The shake up has happened at Sioux Falls City Hall. Mayor Mike Huether announced Monday that four of the 12 city department heads are out, and four new officials are in. 

Sioux Falls will have a new City Attorney and Public Health Director under the Huether administration. The new mayor also appointed new directors in the Community Development department and Central Services department. Huether promises that these new appointees won't be 'yes' men. 

Huether took control of city hall nearly a month ago, and says he now has the team in place to help him reach his goals.

"I can't do this alone, I can't. I need to surround myself with some of the strongest people, the strongest talent, the most motivated people I can find," Huether said.

The first major move is in the city attorney's office. David Pfeifle is in as the new attorney, and retired Supreme Court Justice Robert Amundson is out.

In the health department, Assistant Public Health Director Jill Franken will replace her boss, Judy Buseman as the new Public Health Director.

"These men and women they need to be passionate about Sioux Falls, and our people. They need to be willing to change the status quo, and yes even stir things up a little bit," Huether said.

Huether hopes his former co-worker at Premier Bankcard, Sue Quanbeck Etten, can stir things up by keeping an eye on city operations as the new Director of Central Services. She replaces longtime city employee Mike Hall.

And, former city councilman Darrin Smith is back with the city as Community Development Director, taking over for Randy Bartunek.

Huether wants Smith to tackle issues like lowering airline fees and cleaning up the old neighborhoods in central Sioux Falls. But, he doesn't want these men and women to just do what he says, they also need to bring their own ideas to the city. 

"I do not want to surround myself with yes men and women, not at all. I guarantee you the 12 people I have around me right now, they will push back. They need to push back and we'll be stronger because of it," Huether said.

Because of a city rule, three of the four department heads Huether replaced have the chance to bump back to their old job at city hall. The city attorney is the only one who can't.

The city attorney and public health director, along with the eight others who are being re-appointment, need the city council's approval.