Andy Peterson on Check Card.

Here is what chamber member Andy Peterson says about ordinance 42.
Councilor Russ Stover’s plan to marry the city’s ability to attract new business, new development and new business expansion to an almost guaranteed unionization of those businesses – all in the name of helping the poorest of workers. What Councilor Stover forgets is by aiming his intentions at those businesses that might receive “public subsidies,” he could effectively kill job creation. Had Cirrus Design and United Health Care worked with the city under such agreements they would not have chosen to locate in Duluth. This is not to say that the city should not be careful when it enters into an agreement nor should it throw money at businesses just to attract jobs; but I am certain that under Councilor Stover’s plan, neither business would have located in Duluth.

Under Councilor Stover’s plan, the city would have lost approximately two thousand good jobs.Councilor Stover’s plan, then, is not visionary.In Councilor Stover’s defense, it is safe to say that he has a heart for the less fortunate. Like the rest of us, he wants to see people receive health care, have proper housing, and get a good education. Unfortunately, his plan accomplishes these things at someone else’s expense – that of the business community’s ability to expand and provide jobs.

By requiring any business that might receive any city help – including the provision of infrastructure – to allow unions free and unfettered access to organizing, he almost assuredly guarantees that employees join unions without so much as an employee’s ability to a secret ballot. What citizen in the US would tolerate such treatment when he or she employs his or her right to vote in any public election? These kinds of “open” elections are subject to inordinate union pressure and ultimately will take away the employers’ ability to shop around for the best price and best value in insurance for their employees.Lastly, if Councilor Stover wants to help the working poor, he should be sure to fund the non-profits of our area, as they work to change social policy and provide services. This might include making sure that those who are mildly disabled, emotionally disturbed, or those addicted to drugs or alcohol get the real help and assistance they need.In an era when the city faces great financial challenges, is a thinly disguised plan to promote union membership really the answer? We think not.Tell Councilor Stover and the rest of the city council what you think.

Let him know you don’t appreciate him serving as a voice box for union efforts. Time is short – the council reads ordinance 06-042-O tonight in preparation to vote it into law at the next council meeting. Tell them to come up with a better plan. The Council can be collectively emailed at council@ci.duluth.mn.us.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at 10:45 AM

Mr. Peterson and I don't always agree, we do on this one. Even when we don't I have the utmost respect for Mr. Peterson along with Mr. Ross.

The chamber it's self I don't agree with all the time either but they are a class act, on how people of "power" should act. Maybe Mr. Welty could take a lesson from them.