For two people vying for the Flandreau city administrator position, the community has a lot to offer, they say.
Jeff Pederson and Jeff Barbier are both South Dakota natives who said they were impressed with the town’s potential and would like to be a part of its future. They have friends and family in the area, and they think the town should distinguish itself by building on what makes it unique. But that is where the many similarities end. When it comes to personality and experience, they differ.
Pederson and Barbier each visited the community for a couple days last week. They met with the city council and the Flandreau Development Corporation board, toured the community and took questions from residents at their own meet and greet sessions. The council was scheduled to meet March 27 to make a decision on which candidate they prefer.
Whoever is hired will replace Don Whitman who is retiring after six years and will leave his position by May.
Pederson, 60, has 35 years of experience in city administration, most recently serving as the city manager of Paducah, Ky., for seven years. He also had a similar position in Vermillion, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.
“We are in Flandreau because we want to come back to South Dakota,” he said of the visit that included his wife, Andrea, who grew up in Tyndall. They have four grown children.
Pederson grew up in Yankton and Sioux Falls and graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and master’s degree in public administration.
“I’ve heard a lot of people mention gems, and we’ve seen a lot of things,” he said. “I really do believe there’s a high and a strong quality of life to Flandreau.”
He told of examples in which he had to work collaboratively to move projects forward, including moving the Nebraska State Fair from Lincoln to Grand Island. “In order for that to succeed, there had to be found common ground.”
He said that would be true in helping Flandreau and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe work together on more projects when it makes sense and both benefit from the collaboration. “I think I’m a broad minded, visionary person. I’m a good listener.”
When it comes to promoting themselves, communities need to have a vision and the city needs to know what citizens want, he said. “Communities that are cohesive are able to come together on certain standards,” he said.
When it comes to amenities such as a bike path, one idea being talked about as part of the community’s Healthy Hometown initiative, communities sometimes get stuck on costs or problems such as seasonal flooding along the river where most bike paths go, he said. “Don’t pass up on an opportunity because of an absolute,” he said. “Think of value alongside perspective costs.”
While some will say bike paths are for young people and families, studies have shown that older residents like them, too, Pederson said. “Retirees need things, too,” he said. “They use a bike path to exercise and to socialize.”
Pederson said he would look forward to working in a small town with a more manageable pace and more access to the public. “I remember being able to work that way,” he said. “We are small town people, and we’re very much wanting to be part of a small town.”
In Paducah, Pederson’s biggest project was working through a public-private partnership to bring a new hotel to the downtown area, he said. It provided confidence at a time when the city needed it, he said.
Pederson left his position in January after the city’s mayor called for his resignation last fall and then asked him to stay on, eventually until May, but he declined. In a position that often serves at the discretion of politicians, he had been given an extended contract under the previous mayor.
Barbier, 47, works overseeing accounting and human resources for a power sports dealership in Rapid City, but didn’t want to publicly identify his employer. He previously worked in his hometown as community resource director for the city of Rapid City, overseeing seven departments. He has no previous city administrator experience, and started his career working for Stamper Jewelry.
He said that although he is in private industry now, he would like to get into public service.
“Whether I end up working here or not, I’m amazed by the quality of your city council.
It seems like a neat town,” he said, adding that the small size was a bit of a culture shock.
“Your town is up and coming, so to speak.”
But Flandreau may have to resolve itself to the idea that it is going to be a bedroom community to Sioux Falls and Brookings, he said. But it’s important to develop businesses here so people can shop locally, he said.
“You need to do everything you need to do to revitalize your town,” he said. That includes a vibrant downtown. While he doesn’t have direct economic development experience, he would be willing to help.
“If I need to go make a sales pitch to somebody, I’m comfortable doing that,” he said. “I think I could be a good face person for your community.”
Barbier played college baseball and earned an accounting degree at Cameron University in Oklahoma. Later, he earned a master’s degree in business from USD in 2004.
He and his wife Kelly have a son in Sioux Falls, a daughter at USD and a son who is a sophomore at St. Thomas More High School.
Barbier said his grandfather and father were members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, but he is the first generation with not enough Indian blood to be a member. But when it comes to working with local tribal members, he thinks he would be able to build relationships. “Hopefully, I would be a person who could help build that bridge.”
As far as spending, he said he relies on common sense and an accounting background. “Nobody wants to waste money, and we owe that to taxpayers. At the same time, there are things that are needs for our community,” he said. “I think you have to listen to your community.”
Recreation is a quality of life issue for Barbier. He said he would like to get involved in community sports, possibly as a volunteer coach, if he is chosen for the job.
“I don’t know if you want me here or I want to be here,” he said. “I do think you have a vibrant community.”
