Steve Kelly's duluth office in downtown Duluth post a sign of troop killed or hurt during the Iraq war. The signs are right next to the recurting center for the U.S. Army.
Kelly a left wing canadate for Govenor approves of this and via a spokes women said the signs would not come down. In case you do not know also the wack jobs from lofes and fishes also stand down there and read the names of soliders killed ever monday morning.
read the whoe story at http://duluthnews.com
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Franken to move his air america show to the cities and maybe run for Sen. seat
Well very interesting we have heard Al Franken's name talked about for years about maybe running a senate seat in Minnnesota. There are now reports that say he will move his show to the Twin Citites and rename it, also that he is considering running against Sentor Norm Coleman in 2008.
I wonder if this lib. nut reliezes what he would be getting into.
In an interview with the News Tribune after Wednesday's show, Franken said he's seriously considering running as a DFLer in 2008 for the Minnesota U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Norm Coleman. Franken said he'll make his decision sometime soon after the 2006 election.
The move from comedian, author and talk radio celebrity to politician wouldn't be that strange, Franken insists, noting Coleman's move from New York to Minnesota, then from the Democratic Party to Republican.
"The question is whether I can do more good by staying on the radio or whether I should become part of the system rather than just critique it," he said. "I don't know the answer yet. But I truly believe public service is a good thing."
Read more about it
http://duluthnews.com
I wonder if this lib. nut reliezes what he would be getting into.
In an interview with the News Tribune after Wednesday's show, Franken said he's seriously considering running as a DFLer in 2008 for the Minnesota U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Norm Coleman. Franken said he'll make his decision sometime soon after the 2006 election.
The move from comedian, author and talk radio celebrity to politician wouldn't be that strange, Franken insists, noting Coleman's move from New York to Minnesota, then from the Democratic Party to Republican.
"The question is whether I can do more good by staying on the radio or whether I should become part of the system rather than just critique it," he said. "I don't know the answer yet. But I truly believe public service is a good thing."
Read more about it
http://duluthnews.com
More money for the fish tank
When is it going to stop. I know there are many people that supports the GLA, I am not. When are we going to start making these tourist places be accountable for there own problems? The mayor yesterday (after his appearance of the Franken show) asked the council to approve 270,000 more dollars for the fish tank. He also said that it may not be a finale number as we have no idea what type of year we will have next tourist season.
I tell you what I was in there once for a wedding and what a dumb of a place it was. The most exciting things for me to see were the Eagle and oh wait the Eagle. We need to stop saving this place. I understand that there is not much we can do because the state money tied up in it. That is a problem the council and all elected officials got us into and need to be held accountable for as well.
"I can't commit to a permanent amount, because we don't know if we're going to have a good tourist season or a bad tourist season," Bergson said.
The City Council will vote whether to grant the subsidy on Dec. 19, the council's last meeting of the year, Bergson said.
Aquarium board members adopted a budget in November that projects the institution will lose more than $362,000 in 2006. Bergson said his decision hinged on the aquarium's success at boosting attendance and fundraising in 2005.
Read the story in today paper http://duluthnews.com
I tell you what I was in there once for a wedding and what a dumb of a place it was. The most exciting things for me to see were the Eagle and oh wait the Eagle. We need to stop saving this place. I understand that there is not much we can do because the state money tied up in it. That is a problem the council and all elected officials got us into and need to be held accountable for as well.
"I can't commit to a permanent amount, because we don't know if we're going to have a good tourist season or a bad tourist season," Bergson said.
The City Council will vote whether to grant the subsidy on Dec. 19, the council's last meeting of the year, Bergson said.
Aquarium board members adopted a budget in November that projects the institution will lose more than $362,000 in 2006. Bergson said his decision hinged on the aquarium's success at boosting attendance and fundraising in 2005.
Read the story in today paper http://duluthnews.com
What a shock.
Well as I thought, there was no mention of my friends not being allowed into the Fraken show. Nothing in to day paper and nothing on any news cast.
If you want to read the papers account of the Al Frenekn show you can at http://www.duluthnews.com, or you can read mine here.
If you want to read the papers account of the Al Frenekn show you can at http://www.duluthnews.com, or you can read mine here.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Interesting survey.
This is a survey that I found about poverty in Duluth. If you ask me some of these would have nothing to do with poverty. If you want to take the survey or find out more about this group, go to the link below:
http://www.communityactionduluth.org/of_interest/#issue
1. What percent of Duluth students receive free or reduced lunches?
2. What is the number of Duluthians living in poverty according to the federal poverty guidelines? (family of 2 = $12,490/year; family of 3 = $15,670/year)
3. What is the percentage of decrease in new jobs in Duluth in the past three years?
4. What percentage of all working Duluthians hold a bachelorÂ’s degree or higher?
5. What is the percentage of job openings in our region that require a 4-year degree?
6. What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Duluth?
7. What is the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Duluth?
8. What percentage of all Duluth working adults earn less than $15 an hour?
9. What is the average hourly wage in Duluth?
10. What is the hourly wage needed to support a family of three in our region?
Sources: Duluth School District, 2000 Census, Jobs NOW Coalition, Minnesota Workforce Center, Wilder Research Study.
Answers:
1. 34% of Duluth students receive free or reduced lunches.
2. 12,000 Duluthians live in poverty, according to the federal poverty guidelines.
3. There has been a 50% decrease in new jobs in Duluth over the past three years.
4. 28.2% of all working Duluthians hold a bachelorÂ’s degree or higher.
5. 7% of all job openings in our region require a 4-year degree.
6. $572 is the average rent for a one-bedroom Duluth apartment.
7. The average rent for a three-bedroom Duluth apartment is $990.
8. 58% of all working adults in Duluth earn less than $15 an hour.
9. The average hourly wage in Duluth is $12.
10. To support a family of three in our area, you need to make at least $16.18/hr.
What do you think about the survey? Does it mean anything, what should the city do?
http://www.communityactionduluth.org/of_interest/#issue
1. What percent of Duluth students receive free or reduced lunches?
2. What is the number of Duluthians living in poverty according to the federal poverty guidelines? (family of 2 = $12,490/year; family of 3 = $15,670/year)
3. What is the percentage of decrease in new jobs in Duluth in the past three years?
4. What percentage of all working Duluthians hold a bachelorÂ’s degree or higher?
5. What is the percentage of job openings in our region that require a 4-year degree?
6. What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Duluth?
7. What is the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Duluth?
8. What percentage of all Duluth working adults earn less than $15 an hour?
9. What is the average hourly wage in Duluth?
10. What is the hourly wage needed to support a family of three in our region?
Sources: Duluth School District, 2000 Census, Jobs NOW Coalition, Minnesota Workforce Center, Wilder Research Study.
Answers:
1. 34% of Duluth students receive free or reduced lunches.
2. 12,000 Duluthians live in poverty, according to the federal poverty guidelines.
3. There has been a 50% decrease in new jobs in Duluth over the past three years.
4. 28.2% of all working Duluthians hold a bachelorÂ’s degree or higher.
5. 7% of all job openings in our region require a 4-year degree.
6. $572 is the average rent for a one-bedroom Duluth apartment.
7. The average rent for a three-bedroom Duluth apartment is $990.
8. 58% of all working adults in Duluth earn less than $15 an hour.
9. The average hourly wage in Duluth is $12.
10. To support a family of three in our area, you need to make at least $16.18/hr.
What do you think about the survey? Does it mean anything, what should the city do?
Republicans not allowed into Franken show.
A group of friends were going to go and watch the Al Franken show at U.M.D. today. They had there tickets but were not allowed in the hall. Why you may ask? Well they had President Bush pins on, along with buttons that said we support our troops.
Isn't it funny how this happens. I bet you don't hear anything about this in the paper or on the news today.
Isn't it funny how this happens. I bet you don't hear anything about this in the paper or on the news today.
Al Franken
Well his show went off with out trouble today at U.M.D., it appres that the show was "sold" out. However the tickets did not cost a thing.
He opened the show with Mayor Bergson. Does anyone else find it funny that the mayor could go on Al Franken's show but not show at the Decc for President Bush when he was in Duluth for his speech. Oh wait the mayor was conventionally out of town.
Mayor Bergson used the show to out line a little bit of his homeless plan for Duluth, I guess a wet house is a good idea isn't it Mayor it will give those drunks I nice warm place to drink!! What happened to the youth oh wait you only care about the ones that go to the life house. That was never more evident then today when you talked about the youth life house and how important it was for our community to have.
Franken and Mayor Bergson also then possessed to make fun of the way that Mark Winson was fired. I hope you thought it was funny mayor because I know most Duluthians did not.
Then came State senator Becky Lourey. They talked about he son getting killed in Iraq and that she and her son were both opposed to the war. The talk with Senator Lourey was all about the war, you may have thought that she would want to talk about her run for Governor but I guess she either feels like she is going to win. I hope she losses so we don't have to worry about her anymore as she has said she will not run again for her seat if she does not win the Govenors race.
Then Congressman Jim Oberstar called in and he also took pot shots at the President on the war.
All and all it was about the war and how wrong the President was, but not once did you anyone offer and other solutions. I wonder why that is? Oh that is right because the democrats don't have any. Then just want to talk and talk about how bad things are, and never let the good things that are happening out to the public.
He opened the show with Mayor Bergson. Does anyone else find it funny that the mayor could go on Al Franken's show but not show at the Decc for President Bush when he was in Duluth for his speech. Oh wait the mayor was conventionally out of town.
Mayor Bergson used the show to out line a little bit of his homeless plan for Duluth, I guess a wet house is a good idea isn't it Mayor it will give those drunks I nice warm place to drink!! What happened to the youth oh wait you only care about the ones that go to the life house. That was never more evident then today when you talked about the youth life house and how important it was for our community to have.
Franken and Mayor Bergson also then possessed to make fun of the way that Mark Winson was fired. I hope you thought it was funny mayor because I know most Duluthians did not.
Then came State senator Becky Lourey. They talked about he son getting killed in Iraq and that she and her son were both opposed to the war. The talk with Senator Lourey was all about the war, you may have thought that she would want to talk about her run for Governor but I guess she either feels like she is going to win. I hope she losses so we don't have to worry about her anymore as she has said she will not run again for her seat if she does not win the Govenors race.
Then Congressman Jim Oberstar called in and he also took pot shots at the President on the war.
All and all it was about the war and how wrong the President was, but not once did you anyone offer and other solutions. I wonder why that is? Oh that is right because the democrats don't have any. Then just want to talk and talk about how bad things are, and never let the good things that are happening out to the public.
Mayors hiring freeze.
Is Mayor Bergson's hiring freeze to belame for much of the city's budgett problems. I think it is with less police and fire fighters they have had to work overtime. The story intodays paper, http://duluthnews.com
Depending on how you look at it, the news on the city's budget for 2005 is bad and good, said Julio Almanza, Duluth's interim chief administrative officer.
It's bad because the City Council is being asked to approve spending $600,000 more than was budgeted.
But it's good because the increase will be covered by city investments that earned about $650,000 more than expected, Almanza said.
Most of the added expense comes from unbudgeted overtime for police, firefighters and public works employees generated as a result of Mayor Herb Bergson's hiring freeze. But the same hiring freeze saved the city an estimated $900,000 in salary and benefits costs, said Peg Spehar, the city's budget manager.
But the city also faced an additional $250,000 in unanticipated salary costs for severance and back pay to employees who were fired and/or reinstated. The bulk of that expense is from settled lawsuits, while about $53,000 was severance paid to former Chief Administrative Officer Mark Winson, whom Bergson fired in September.
The City Council will vote to approve the spending increase during its last scheduled meeting of the year Dec. 19. The council also is poised to set a $75 million 2006 general fund budget and the amount to be raised by property taxes during that meeting. Bergson is proposing a zero percent tax rate increase, but the city will still collect more in property taxes from property value increases and new construction not previously on the tax rolls.
Depending on how you look at it, the news on the city's budget for 2005 is bad and good, said Julio Almanza, Duluth's interim chief administrative officer.
It's bad because the City Council is being asked to approve spending $600,000 more than was budgeted.
But it's good because the increase will be covered by city investments that earned about $650,000 more than expected, Almanza said.
Most of the added expense comes from unbudgeted overtime for police, firefighters and public works employees generated as a result of Mayor Herb Bergson's hiring freeze. But the same hiring freeze saved the city an estimated $900,000 in salary and benefits costs, said Peg Spehar, the city's budget manager.
But the city also faced an additional $250,000 in unanticipated salary costs for severance and back pay to employees who were fired and/or reinstated. The bulk of that expense is from settled lawsuits, while about $53,000 was severance paid to former Chief Administrative Officer Mark Winson, whom Bergson fired in September.
The City Council will vote to approve the spending increase during its last scheduled meeting of the year Dec. 19. The council also is poised to set a $75 million 2006 general fund budget and the amount to be raised by property taxes during that meeting. Bergson is proposing a zero percent tax rate increase, but the city will still collect more in property taxes from property value increases and new construction not previously on the tax rolls.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Dems mad at Lieberman.
This is also from news max, www.newsmax.com. Joe Lieberman angers his own party.
Former Connecticut Gov. Lowell Weicker said Monday that Sen. Joe Lieberman deserves a stiff challenge in his bid for re-election next year - but it won't come from Weicker.
Despite some speculation to the contrary, Weicker said he would not run against Lieberman, a Democrat who ousted him from the Senate in 1988. That, however, didn't stop him from attacking the incumbent.
Speaking at a Rotary Club luncheon, Weicker sharply criticized Lieberman and President Bush over the Iraq war.
Former Connecticut Gov. Lowell Weicker said Monday that Sen. Joe Lieberman deserves a stiff challenge in his bid for re-election next year - but it won't come from Weicker.
Despite some speculation to the contrary, Weicker said he would not run against Lieberman, a Democrat who ousted him from the Senate in 1988. That, however, didn't stop him from attacking the incumbent.
Speaking at a Rotary Club luncheon, Weicker sharply criticized Lieberman and President Bush over the Iraq war.
Reagan reacts to Dean's comments on Iraq.
This story came from news max,http://www.newsmax.com. Mean sprited or truth. Were Reagan's comments right or wrong, over the top or not. Tell what you think.
Michael Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan, is blasting Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean for declaring that the U.S. won't be able to win the war in Iraq, saying Dean ought to be "hung for treason."
"Howard Dean should be arrested and hung for treason or put in a hole until the end of the Iraq war!" Reagan told his Radio America audience on Monday.
Reagan was reacting to Dean's comments earlier in the day, when the top Democrat said that the "idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong."
Michael Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan, is blasting Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean for declaring that the U.S. won't be able to win the war in Iraq, saying Dean ought to be "hung for treason."
"Howard Dean should be arrested and hung for treason or put in a hole until the end of the Iraq war!" Reagan told his Radio America audience on Monday.
Reagan was reacting to Dean's comments earlier in the day, when the top Democrat said that the "idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong."
Retiree healthcare notice.
This email came from connect Duluth. This should not be a surprise that the results might be ugly. It should be an interesting meeting. If you can go Duluth politics would advise you to attend. The meeting will begin at 7p.m. December 12th.
Last night during the city council meeting, Councilor Gilbert indicated that if anyone should ever attend a city council meeting, that they should attend next Monday night, December 12th, 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers. This is the night that the Retiree Healthcare Task Force is presenting their report to the city council and I've been told it isn't going to be pretty.As a result, it would be superb if you showed up at the meeting to demonstrate just how important a responsible approach to dealing with this problem is. People get cranked up about aquariums, parking ramps, CDBGs, etc., as they should. These issues pale in comparison to what's going to be presented next Monday night. Please join us and mark your calender to attend the meeting on Monday night
Last night during the city council meeting, Councilor Gilbert indicated that if anyone should ever attend a city council meeting, that they should attend next Monday night, December 12th, 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers. This is the night that the Retiree Healthcare Task Force is presenting their report to the city council and I've been told it isn't going to be pretty.As a result, it would be superb if you showed up at the meeting to demonstrate just how important a responsible approach to dealing with this problem is. People get cranked up about aquariums, parking ramps, CDBGs, etc., as they should. These issues pale in comparison to what's going to be presented next Monday night. Please join us and mark your calender to attend the meeting on Monday night
Does the Mayor not want to hear from us?
I just went to the city's web page and was looking around and noticed that the mayor does not have an email address on the web page. If you want to contact him it has the mailing address but no email., however you can go and get every city councilors email.
When most communication is done by email the mayor choices not to post his on the city's page.Very interesting does this mean he does not want to hear for the citizens about the issues?
When mayor Bergson first took office I know he had an email link up because I used it before but it is now gone. Just a little odd I thought maybe not to others I guess I will find out here.
When most communication is done by email the mayor choices not to post his on the city's page.Very interesting does this mean he does not want to hear for the citizens about the issues?
When mayor Bergson first took office I know he had an email link up because I used it before but it is now gone. Just a little odd I thought maybe not to others I guess I will find out here.
Ness responds to email about his child care resolution.
This is the response from an email sent to Councilor Ness about his resolution that passed last night. The first it the email I send out the reply is below that.
Hi Donny,
Come on this has nothing to do with child care but everything to do with supporting the unions doesn't it? I was unable to attend last night so I was wondering what happened with it as well.
I agreed to sponsor this resolution because I am concerned about the state of child care in our state. Over 10,000 fewer people of low income have lost their access to child care - how can we expect people to work or go to school if they cannot afford to pay for child care?
I hope you are not questioning my integrity - it sounds like you might be.
I hope you and your new family are enjoying the holidays. I'm looking forward to meeting your little one some day.
Donny
Hi Donny,
Come on this has nothing to do with child care but everything to do with supporting the unions doesn't it? I was unable to attend last night so I was wondering what happened with it as well.
I agreed to sponsor this resolution because I am concerned about the state of child care in our state. Over 10,000 fewer people of low income have lost their access to child care - how can we expect people to work or go to school if they cannot afford to pay for child care?
I hope you are not questioning my integrity - it sounds like you might be.
I hope you and your new family are enjoying the holidays. I'm looking forward to meeting your little one some day.
Donny
Union love Ness
This ridicules resolution passed last night. The Union will now forever love councilor Ness not that they did not before. Don't be fouled this has nothing to do with supporting any kind of child care but it has everything to do with supporting unions.
05-0842R
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CHILD CARE PROGRAM.
BY PRESIDENT NESS:
The Duluth City Council finds:
That child care is critical to the success of the Minnesota family investment program in assisting individuals to obtain employment and a childÂ’s early education; and
That quality child care is critical to working families; and
That licensed child care providers statewide earn $2.83 an hour on average according to the Minnesota department of human services; and
That licensed child care providers caring for children receiving child care subsidies established by the state of Minnesota have seen substantial cuts in funding resulting in 10,000 families in Minnesota no longer receiving child care assistance; and
That, according to childrenÂ’s defense fund, nearly 25 percent of Minnesota parents reported that they have had to quit or turn down a job because of difficulties with child care arrangements; and
That, according to a study done by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, for every dollar that is spent on early childhood education, nearly $13 in benefits goes to the general public; and
That, St. Louis County and Child Care Providers Together (CCPT)/AFSCME AFL-CIO are helping raise awareness of the need for improvements in the child care system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the city council commends the work of St. Louis County and CCPT/AFSCME AFL-CIO on raising the awareness of the importance of child care in our community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the city council supports the efforts of St. Louis County and CCPT/AFSCME AFL-CIO to improve the child care system as a whole both in St. Louis County and statewide.
I wonder when the council might talk about the importian issues? Such as crime, drugs, heck maybe even what the city is going to about the helth care problem. That has been left on the table for about a month now maybe even longer then that. Get a clue council and talk about the real issues that face our city.
Council refuses to give more money to wet house.
Last night the Duluth City Council send the proposal back to the administration. The developers wanted the extra $100,000 dollars to buy property just down from were they are to built and then they say they would resell the purchase.
The following is part of what apprears in the paper and you can read the whole article again ath there web site.
Center City Housing, the project's developers, wanted the loan to come from unused Community Development Block Grant funds so it could purchase, for an estimated $300,000, the Downtown Service Garage that sits downhill of its proposed development. But some city councilors expressed concerns that the city shouldn't help a private nonprofit speculate on property.
The developer had proposed borrowing city money, buying the property, selling it and then paying back the zero-interest loan within four years.
The following is part of what apprears in the paper and you can read the whole article again ath there web site.
Center City Housing, the project's developers, wanted the loan to come from unused Community Development Block Grant funds so it could purchase, for an estimated $300,000, the Downtown Service Garage that sits downhill of its proposed development. But some city councilors expressed concerns that the city shouldn't help a private nonprofit speculate on property.
The developer had proposed borrowing city money, buying the property, selling it and then paying back the zero-interest loan within four years.
Becky Lourey done in Minnesota
Yes Yes Yes! It could be true that Becky Lourey is all but done in Minnesota politics. She annouced yesterday that she will not run for her senate seat, and will focus on her bid for governor. She is one of three current front runners for the Democrats. She however will not win I don't believe, and she will not win the governors race. We will still have our current governor at the end of the race. Governor Tim Pawlenty has gone a great job for Minnesota.
Here is part of the article that was in today's paper. You can read the whole articled at http://duluthnews.com.
"I plan to be the DFL standard-bearer for governor next year in the November general election," Lourey, 62, said in appropriate statement.
"For the sake of the people in Senate District 8, it is important for me to send a clear signal now so that potential candidates can have time to prepare their campaigns for the seat I have been privileged to hold these past 10 years."
Lourey said that, in addition to campaigning for governor, she will aggressively represent her district during the last year of her term. A short legislative session begins in March.
Here is part of the article that was in today's paper. You can read the whole articled at http://duluthnews.com.
"I plan to be the DFL standard-bearer for governor next year in the November general election," Lourey, 62, said in appropriate statement.
"For the sake of the people in Senate District 8, it is important for me to send a clear signal now so that potential candidates can have time to prepare their campaigns for the seat I have been privileged to hold these past 10 years."
Lourey said that, in addition to campaigning for governor, she will aggressively represent her district during the last year of her term. A short legislative session begins in March.
Monday, December 05, 2005
More on Ness Resolution
The following came from Connect Duluth, connectduluth.com in an email. I know I posted about it earlier but this is just more information for you. This needs to be stopped but I bet the vote is 6-3 to approve the resolution. Thanks again to councilor Ness and his great work. Help us all.
- YouÂ’re going to really like this one. Resolution 05-0842R is a resolution supporting childcare programs and weÂ’d strongly encourage you to take a look at this one at http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/resord05/05-0842r.htm. The Statement of Purpose simply states that Âthis resolution expresses the councilÂs support of an important programÂ. Dig a little deeper into the resolution and youÂll really learn a lot. You see, AFSCME has been trying to unionize the daycares in Northern Minnesota and have been getting a little resistance. There was an excellent Letter to the Editor in SundayÂs Duluth News Tribune about the union tactics, which can be accessed at http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/editorial/13325241.htm. The co-writers indicated that they were tricked into signing a membership card, AFSCME was sketchy about support, and they feel happy with the non-union trade association that they already belong to. HereÂs where the city council resolution comes into play. They write in this resolution, sponsored by Councilor Ness, that ÂSt. Louis County and Child Care Providers Together (CCPT)/AFSCME AFL-CIO are helping raise awareness of the need for improvements in the child care system. Why in the world is our City Council putting forth a resolution that plays directly into the current unionization efforts that AFSCME is trying to accomplish with day-care providers. They are a city council, NOT AN AFSCME AFL-CIO MOUTHPIECE. The resolution reads like a unionization solicitation. Unbelievable.
- YouÂ’re going to really like this one. Resolution 05-0842R is a resolution supporting childcare programs and weÂ’d strongly encourage you to take a look at this one at http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/resord05/05-0842r.htm. The Statement of Purpose simply states that Âthis resolution expresses the councilÂs support of an important programÂ. Dig a little deeper into the resolution and youÂll really learn a lot. You see, AFSCME has been trying to unionize the daycares in Northern Minnesota and have been getting a little resistance. There was an excellent Letter to the Editor in SundayÂs Duluth News Tribune about the union tactics, which can be accessed at http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/editorial/13325241.htm. The co-writers indicated that they were tricked into signing a membership card, AFSCME was sketchy about support, and they feel happy with the non-union trade association that they already belong to. HereÂs where the city council resolution comes into play. They write in this resolution, sponsored by Councilor Ness, that ÂSt. Louis County and Child Care Providers Together (CCPT)/AFSCME AFL-CIO are helping raise awareness of the need for improvements in the child care system. Why in the world is our City Council putting forth a resolution that plays directly into the current unionization efforts that AFSCME is trying to accomplish with day-care providers. They are a city council, NOT AN AFSCME AFL-CIO MOUTHPIECE. The resolution reads like a unionization solicitation. Unbelievable.
Give me a break.
Councilor Ness not supporting child care or any other program he is supporting the union. This is on tonight's agenda from what I understand. I wonder how many people know about this. Mr. Ness has always been a big backer of the unions and now is trying to foul everyone by saying he is backing child care in Minnesota. This brings up anther issue Donny Ness likes to bring up issues the council has no business sticking it's nose into. He draws up resolutions that have to deal with state issues and nationals issues that the council has no part in.
05-0842R
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CHILD CARE PROGRAM.
BY PRESIDENT NESS:
The Duluth City Council finds:
That child care is critical to the success of the Minnesota family investment program in assisting individuals to obtain employment and a childÂ’s early education; and
That quality child care is critical to working families; and
That licensed child care providers statewide earn $2.83 an hour on average according to the Minnesota department of human services; and
That licensed child care providers caring for children receiving child care subsidies established by the state of Minnesota have seen substantial cuts in funding resulting in 10,000 families in Minnesota no longer receiving child care assistance; and
That, according to childrenÂ’s defense fund, nearly 25 percent of Minnesota parents reported that they have had to quit or turn down a job because of difficulties with child care arrangements; and
That, according to a study done by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, for every dollar that is spent on early childhood education, nearly $13 in benefits goes to the general public; and
That, St. Louis County and Child Care Providers Together (CCPT)/AFSCME AFL-CIO are helping raise awareness of the need for improvements in the child care system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the city council commends the work of St. Louis County and CCPT/AFSCME AFL-CIO on raising the awareness of the importance of child care in our community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the city council supports the efforts of St. Louis County and CCPT/AFSCME AFL-CIO to improve the child care system as a whole both in St. Louis County and statewide
05-0842R
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CHILD CARE PROGRAM.
BY PRESIDENT NESS:
The Duluth City Council finds:
That child care is critical to the success of the Minnesota family investment program in assisting individuals to obtain employment and a childÂ’s early education; and
That quality child care is critical to working families; and
That licensed child care providers statewide earn $2.83 an hour on average according to the Minnesota department of human services; and
That licensed child care providers caring for children receiving child care subsidies established by the state of Minnesota have seen substantial cuts in funding resulting in 10,000 families in Minnesota no longer receiving child care assistance; and
That, according to childrenÂ’s defense fund, nearly 25 percent of Minnesota parents reported that they have had to quit or turn down a job because of difficulties with child care arrangements; and
That, according to a study done by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, for every dollar that is spent on early childhood education, nearly $13 in benefits goes to the general public; and
That, St. Louis County and Child Care Providers Together (CCPT)/AFSCME AFL-CIO are helping raise awareness of the need for improvements in the child care system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the city council commends the work of St. Louis County and CCPT/AFSCME AFL-CIO on raising the awareness of the importance of child care in our community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the city council supports the efforts of St. Louis County and CCPT/AFSCME AFL-CIO to improve the child care system as a whole both in St. Louis County and statewide
Youth may get the hit.
I wish we could find ways not to cut so many good programs but if we don't want higher taxes we need to cut programs right?
This appreared in the Duluth Paper today,www.duluthnews.com. These are some of the programs that may take a cut. The city council and mayor could always over ride the committee's plan.
Included in the committee's plan is a proposed reduction of more than $58,000 for youth service organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, Valley Youth Services, the Grant School Collaborative, Northland Youth Services and the YWCA.
From homework help to after-school activities to men- toring to evening meals, these agencies provide an array of constructive opportunities for young people in their free time, said Erin DeWitt, president of the Duluth Youth Agency Coalition.
I am all for the youth and many of these programs, but if we need to cut we need to cut and if it involves youth programs it will need to be that way. Here again were else can we cut or should we cut is the question.
This appreared in the Duluth Paper today,www.duluthnews.com. These are some of the programs that may take a cut. The city council and mayor could always over ride the committee's plan.
Included in the committee's plan is a proposed reduction of more than $58,000 for youth service organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, Valley Youth Services, the Grant School Collaborative, Northland Youth Services and the YWCA.
From homework help to after-school activities to men- toring to evening meals, these agencies provide an array of constructive opportunities for young people in their free time, said Erin DeWitt, president of the Duluth Youth Agency Coalition.
I am all for the youth and many of these programs, but if we need to cut we need to cut and if it involves youth programs it will need to be that way. Here again were else can we cut or should we cut is the question.
City Council to hear from public on budget.
The City Council will hold a meeting tonight to discuss the budget tonight at council chmbers located on the 3rd floor of city hall. The meeting starts at 5p.m. I believe if you can attend go and let the council hear your thoughts on what should be done. We need to take action now on what the city will do with its money.
We also need to hold Mayor Bergson to his promose of not raising taxes, so that means cut will have to come from somewere. This brings up what I asked in a post a few weeks ago what does the city need to provide and what can the city either cut back on or get ride of as a city program.
We also need to hold Mayor Bergson to his promose of not raising taxes, so that means cut will have to come from somewere. This brings up what I asked in a post a few weeks ago what does the city need to provide and what can the city either cut back on or get ride of as a city program.
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