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Mayoral candidates highlight housing, zoning and services; incumbent touts economic wins
Summary
Mayoral contenders John Cole, Kevin O'Kelly and Stan Peterson emphasized housing and infrastructure; Cole cited recent annexations and industrial expansions, while O'Kelly urged zoning reforms for affordable housing and improved town–gown coordination.
Three candidates seeking Vermillion's mayoralty used their forum time to press competing visions for housing, infrastructure and civic engagement.
Incumbent John Cole emphasized the record of the last four years, citing housing and infrastructure projects and economic development wins. He said the city has "gained over a 100 new housing units or lots" and noted recent annexation of "just over 230 acres" to expand the tax base. Cole also described recruitment successes, saying the city helped bring Cypress Rail to Vermillion with an initial 12–15 jobs and supported a $45,000,000 expansion at Masaba that increased jobs from about 150 to 215.
Kevin O'Kelly, a retired USD administrator and planning commission member, focused on zoning changes to address affordability. "Zoning is not boring... Zoning is where it's at," O'Kelly said, listing policy levers such as accessory dwelling units, density bonuses, relaxed parking requirements and revisiting minimum lot sizes as ways to produce more "missing middle" housing.
Stan Peterson framed his priorities around safety and small-business support, saying his "first priority is the safety of our children" and that the city should make life easier for local merchants.
On community services, candidates discussed Meals on Wheels and the role of the mayor. Cole acknowledged Meals on Wheels is not a city-run program but said the mayor can convene partners and "help problem solve" funding and operational gaps. Kevin and Stan said they would inquire with nonprofits and community groups to identify needs and potential funding.
Candidates also addressed town–gown relations with the University of South Dakota: all three said collaboration and regular dialogue matter; Kevin highlighted participation in an Integrated Community Action Planning (ICAP) group and encouraged monthly coordination among the university, city, county, K–12 and health partners.
The forum ended with closing statements urging voter turnout on June 2. No formal endorsements or official votes occurred at the event.
