SIOUX FALLS, SD - Theresa Stehly is the latest name to join the race on Friday for Sioux Falls City Council. The deadline to submit nomination petitions ended at five o'clock Friday afternoon.
Many people may know her name and recognize her face. A couple years ago, she led the petition to bring snow gates to the streets of Sioux Falls. Recently, she turned her attention to saving boulevard gardens. Now, she wants to be the voice of the people. Stehly gathered more than 700 signatures to put herself in the running for an at-large seat on city council.
Sioux Falls City Clerk Tom Greco said "for a district seat, three of which we have open this year, you need 50 signatures on your nominating petitions from people in your district. For our at-large position, of which we have one this year, you need 200 signatures."
"I have a deep seeded belief that we are called to stand up for those who can not stand up for themselves," Stehly said.
"There are a lot of folks who really just want to watch what happens from the sidelines, maybe even cheer every now and then, or complain every now and then, without getting into the arena. I really respect the folks who want to get into the arena," Huether said.
It's familiar territory for a woman who's dedicated her time as a community activist.
"I want to encourage people to be involved with what's happening at city hall here, at the Carnegie Town Hall. I've been doing that for the last 10 years, encouraging people to come forward, and i'm hoping to continue to do that on the city council," Stehly said.
The Sioux Falls City Clerk verified Stehly's signatures Friday afternoon.
Tuesday, the city clerk will draw names by lot to determine the order that each candidate's name should appear on the ballot.
According to KSFY, there are now nearly a dozen people running for four open council seats.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 12th.
The city will have a combined election along with the Sioux Falls School Board.