Chicken Ordinance Withdrawn

Before I begin, allow me a moment to explain how passing an ordinance in Pierre works. When an ordinance comes before Commission, a Commissioner needs to give it first reading. Then, and only then, can the ordinance go ahead to a second reading and public hearing.

I chose to withdraw the chicken ordinance from before Commission tonight, after talking to other organizing committee members,  because I had serious doubts that the ordinance would get a first reading. No first reading means no second reading and no public hearing

My decision was based on a conversation I had with a Commissioner who had tentatively indicated that he would consider giving the ordinance first reading. However, when he read through the ordinance he realized he could not support the ordinance as written as, in his opinion, there were too many points of legitimate opposition.

And, quite frankly, I appreciate that he contacted us BEFORE the Commission meeting and gave us a head's up about where he was at. He did not have to do that since he had not promised anyone anything. It would have been a real punch in the gut if we had proceeded and when the Mayor asked a Commissioner to give first reading, no one responded. THAT would have been really bad. 

In short, I was not willing to risk the ordinance being shut down at first reading.

Psychologically, an ordinance that has never been before Commission has a different perception than one that has been before Commission and could not make it past first reading.

This is a tactical withdrawal, not a retreat. We will submit an ordinance at a later date, most likely after the first of the year.

Anyway, thank you for reading this far. If you are disappointed, upset or mad, I get it. Believe me, I get it. I'm not exactly dancing in the street at the moment here myself. 

But change happens slowly and rarely without conflict and setbacks.

Please continue to stand with us. We will look at resubmitting the ordinance in either January or February of 2014.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for your support and hard work.