Radio talk shows.

I am so sick of Sean Hannity and Rush cring like babies about this election. I like both of these talk shows however I can't stand there whinning.

They are whinning about John McCain how is a head in this election. They have been pushing Romney who is not the conservitive candidate, out of the three I would Huckabee is the most conservitive. McCain is not perfect but I believe he is the best candidate to take on the war on terror. Notice I said war on terror and not just the war in Iraq. Will we be there for a long time yes. It however will not be the only place we need to look. I also believe ther Mr. McCain's forgn policie is out standing.

I don't agree with him all the time, there are major things we disagree on. I still however believe he is the best candidate we have at this time.

Fact is I am so sick of what Sean and Rush are saying and doing. If Romney did get the nomination I would not vote for him. I would have to either do one of three things, not vote for president, write some one in or vote for a candidate in a different party. Not the democrats however. Thanks guys!!!!!!

Super Tuesday.

I will be taking part in Super Tuesday tonight. I will however have many comments when I return home, I may even have some well the we are in the middle of the whole deal. I love cell phones with the net on them. check here later for more info and thoughts on Super Tuesday.

Florida

8:26 pm McCain wins. With almost 70% of the vote counted McCain leads by 5% over Romney. McCain has 36% well Romney has 31%. The numbers are remaining the same and it is clear now that John McCain get the 57 delegates votes in Florida. It is now on to Super Tuesday.

8:16pm McCain now has a 5% lead with 55% counted. If this stays the course McCain will start to pull away. I am not yet calling it for McCain however. The numbers are coming in fast. Rudy is expected to talk soon. It is not clear if he will drop out tonight or tomorrow.


8:12 pm Clinton leads with 51% of the vote and that is with 44% counted.

8:11pm You can watch McCain HQ here http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?liveSiteStream_::_1&Live_Site_Stream&Live%2520Stream&acc&Live%2520Stream&-1&News&180&&&exp. You can also watch Rudy's HQ here http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?liveSiteStream_::_3&Live_Site_Stream&Live%2520Stream&acc&Live%2520Stream&-1&News&180&&&new I will put up more as I get them.

8:10 pm With 48% of the vote in McCain still has a 3% point lead over Romney. It has been this way for the last 10 minutes or so. Still the race is to close to call.

8:06 pm It is now being reported by Time Magizen that Rudy Giuliani will drop out of the race. This is not a shock. He was putting all his eggs in this basket and he needed to win this primary. He will finsh either 3rd or fourth in this race. He and Huckabee are in a close race for the thrid spot.

8:05 The race remains very tight between McCain and Romney. John McCain head quarters in Florida is excited. The room is filled with supporters. As is the Romney headquarters.


7:50 p.m. Florida Primary results are coming in and it is clear that Hillary Clinton will win for the Democrates what is unclear is who will win the republican side. Romney and McCain are in a close race. Well Rudy is running third and now it seems as if he will be dropping out of the race.


More to come soon.

Duluth see's two Presidental candidates advertise.

Democrat candidate Barak Obama and Republican candidate Ron Paul have both decided to advertise in Duluth for votes on super Tuesday.

I thought it was a bit odd that Obama is advertising only because he will win up here of Clinton 5-1. I thought it advertising would be better spend else were in the State.

I don't think it is odd the Paul is advertising only because he is in desperate need of support. I don't see it doing much good however. Duluth will go one of two ways on the republican side. Duluth will go with either McCain or Romney.

This years John Beargrease Sled Dog race.

As some of you know I am a huge fan of the Beargrease race. I think it is a great event, even if they did not call me back when I asked to be a volunteer :P.

This years race however has proven to be very tough on the teams. With the race about half over already they have lost half of the field the warm weather in the first two days have caused the most trouble. Still this will be a few exciting race.

Lakeside talk.

I hope to be posting this later tonight but I may not be able to because I still don't have the info I want for it. I will post it asap if it is not up tonight.

I will however post a couple of other thing related to the issue. I have posted on Duluth Solutions forum a topic about this issue. Here is just part of what I said about the issue there.

It became clear to me last night that the residents of the Lester Park area are in fact getting a bad deal if this was to pass. I have been keeping up on this issue even when I don't live in the area because it is an important one. There are a number of topics I would like you to think about when you think about this issue.

1. Property values

2. Commercial vs. residential property

3. Environment

4. Quality of Life

Head over to Duluth Solutions to check out the rest of my post and what others are have to say about it there. Fell free to comment there and here as well about the issue. It does not matter if you agree with me or not. We need to have discussions like to. It will only help but make Duluth strong as long as we take action because of the discussion. You can get to Duluth Solutions by clicking the link: www.duluthsolutions.com .

Coming tomorrow. Lakeside talk.

Tomorrow I will have much more on the council meeting. There was a lot that went on, I don't have enough time to go over it all now.

A brief look is Lakeside talk, most of the meeting revolved around the Lakeside/ Lester Park area of Duluth. One issue was the new development on the St. Lukes clinic and an assiant living home. The second was on the liqueur issue in Lakeside Lester park.

I am waiting on some info one both of these issues but look tomorrow for what I hope is an enjoyable post. Both for you to read and me to put together.

I am asking for your help. Bowl-a-Thon

Hi everyone it is not very offend that I do this, but I am asking for your support to a great event. There is going to be a bowl-a-thon at Country Lanes North for MDA that I am taking part in.

I am asking if you can donate any amount it would help out MDA greatly. Your donation will go to muscular dystrophy . Your donation in 100% to the MDA. You can read more about MDA here, http://www.mdausa.org/. The organization is most known for it's labor day weekend benefit host by Jerry Lewis.

Again please think of giving a donation, if you would like to do so just drop me an email and we will go from there. Email me at duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com

Fighting?

So yesterday we learned that Laura Ness the wife of Mayor Don Ness is supporting a different presidential candidate then he is. Who is she supporting Hillary Clinton. Laura Ness said how can I not support her she is so smart. This is debatable.

Laura was at an event with 24 other people in support of Hillary Clinton yesterday. As you can see it was a huge turn out.

Councilor Fedora making waves?

Today newly elected 1st district Duluth City Councilor Todd Fedora asked what was happening with the city's Irrevocable Trust Fund. Councilor Fedora sited the down turn in the stock market as his concern. He said the citizens have the right to know what is going on with the fund.

The New mayor disagrees in a way.


I will have more tomorrow.

You can read the email that councilor Fedora send to John Hall, and the Mayors responce to the email that councilor Fedora sent. Notice how I said Mayors responce and not Hall's. Anyway read the emails here http://www.areavoices.com/shareaphoto/?blog=19750.

Hermantown Mayor in trouble?

Hermantown Mayor Keith MacDonald was arrested Sunday in the Miller Hill Mall parking lot. MacDonald was arrested for violating a restraining order against him. The restraining order was filed by his ex-girlfriend.

It sounds much like MacDonalad is not denying the charge. The reason he said he was following her is because he just wanted to talk.

In the Duluth News Tribune Story McDonald said this: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=58651&section=News

MacDonald said it was a coincidence that he ran into his former fiancee at the Miller Hill Mall. He said he went there to buy a couple of Hallmark cards and get a cup of coffee.

“I didn’t feel that her family gave me and her the opportunity to be able to talk,’’ he said.

“Consequently, when I saw her in the mall, I thought that maybe I might have the opportunity to have that final chance of talking to her.’’

Now I see this two ways, one is scare and I don't blame the lady for calling the cops. The other as a reasonable response. Now with that said. We don't know much about there relationship and if some one was falling me I would also call the cops. If it was some one I knew in a case like this I would have done the same thing this lady did. On the surface his response puts him in a bad spot.

Who were the cards for? Her? Did he really know that she was at the mall and that is why he went there? Why would you follower her out into the parking lot?

Not much on the local seen the last couple of days.

There has not been much going on in the local seen of politics. I will post on local issues soon. Along with the presidental race. There has however been plenty going on there. I will cover that here today as well.

I need to also remind you to take part in the poll located to the right of the screen in the "tool bar" area. There is only a couple days left to vote.

More on book store closing.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3201871

This story from the DNT sounds odd to me. I would love to talk to the owners of the book store if anyone knows them or knows how to get a hold of them let me by email duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com .

More to come later.

NFL preview

This Sunday is the championship games in the NFL. The AFC game pits undefeated New England against San Diego

I think the charges can hang with the Pats until halftime, that is only if they are not as beat us as they are right nowhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3201871. The Chargers are practicing with out four of five key plays. The most notable is there starting QB Phillip Rivers. If he does not play than the game will be a joke. The Pats will run away with it the whole game.

Who I want to win New England. The team to this point is undeafeated and then they can toss all the crap about cheating in every one's face. I like both of these teams however and wish neither had to lose. It is football however were there is a WINNER thank god. They don't just play to ties like so many youth sports do now.

Prediction: Pats defeat Charges 42-27 if Rivers play's if not 42-10 or so.

The second game is the NFC championship game. It has two team that I hate. Therefore I don't care much about it. It is however going to be another joke of a game. The teams playing in it are the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants. The game is in Green Bay. Need I say more.

Eli Manning will be horrible, He will toss no less then 4int's and the giants as a team will turn the ball over no less then 6 times.

Who I want to win: Who cares, if I must say some one the Packers. I had Manning more the Farve but I hate to say I am cheering for the pack. That is why I don't care about this game. I will pay little if any attain to it.

Prediction: Green Bay 47-13

Breaking News: Fire department shuts down book store.

This is from the Duluth News Tribune http://www.duluthnewstribuen.com/

City of Duluth communications director Jeff Papas confirmed today that Boardwalk Books, 206 E. Superior St., was shut down by the fire chief. Papas said that the bookstore had longstanding fire safety violations.

My first question is, can the store re-open? What kind of fines were given first if any? How long have the violation been going on?

The store says longstanding but I am curious if anyone knows how long it has been? I would

This part of the story made me laugh a bit: George Persgard locked the front door after being told he was being shut down and would not let anyone in for about 15 minutes. He said he was then ticketed for obstruction of justice.

Now this leads me to believe that the store could have been left open for the day. Correct or not I have no idea. I guess for some reason I find the obstruction of justice ticket funny. Was he not allowing the cops and fire department do what was needed to be done?

Mayor Ness joins team Obama.

Duluth Mayor Don Ness has agreeed to be part of the Minnesota team for Presidental candidate Obama.

Now I don't have a problem with this. He can support anyone he wants to. As can I, as can the person next door. What I do have a problem with is this. the sotry stats all the time that Mayor Don Ness has jointed the team.

This is were the problem lays for me in the Mayor of Duluth. It makes it seem as he is representing the city. I can tell you that the whole city of Duluth does not support Obama.

Mayor Ness will serve as a co-chariperson to the Obama campaign. Ness said he is excited to be part of the campaign. He thinks that Obama is a candidate that will bring the country together.

Now if Mayor Ness does the duties given him by the Obama camp in his free time, not of city time then I have no issue. Also if he gives a speech or does any stumping for Obama he needs to do it as a private citizen not the Mayor of Duluth. I feel the same way about Governor Tim Pawlenty who is helping John McCain.

I believe that Mr. Ness understand that he needs to do any duties off of city time and I believe he will do so. I don't think it will interfer with his work as Mayor. If it does then I think he needs to get out of the position on the Obama camp.

This will be the new poll for the week.

Do you think the Mayor Ness should have taken the Job with the Obama campaign? That poll coming soon.

New look

Don't be alarmed. I just changed the look a bit. I like to change the look ever once in a while.

DP vs. Duluth Solutions?

I just got an email from the moderater of Duluth Solutions. A form that I love and am part of. Duluth Solutions is a great forum if you have not checked it out as of yet you should do so. Here is the link www.duluthsolutions.com .

NFL football.

Packers kill seahawks 42 -20, this game was a joke. The seahawks look horrible and not ready to play. Snow or no snow you need to know that the game is in Green Bay and any weather system can move in. Holmgren should retire.

To days first game Chargers and Indy. The officials has been horrible in this game. It has been bad against both teams. By the way IND second TD was not a TD. His foot was out before he crossed the end zone. I think Rivers will be back in the game for SD.

By the way anyone who thought that IND would cover the 101/2 point spread on SD is nuts. I knew this would be a good close game. In fact the itty bitty colts may even lose. GOD I hope so.


UPDATE: Finale score Chargers 28- Indy 24 to bad Payton Manning. Now all I need is the Giants and Eli Manning to lose today and I will be one happy man.

My thoughts on Sharla Gardner retiring from here union job.

DISCLAIMER: I was a candidate in the thrid district Duluth City Council race during the primary's.


As many of you know Sharla Gardner quite her full time day job. When she won a seat on the Duluth City Council. She defeated Heather Rand in the general election.

Sharla's move was nothing put political. She and union both saw what happened to councilor Johnson. The saw that it could be a bad think if she stayed on as a union head and served on the council.

What people need to realize is that she will continue to vote anything the union supports. When I was ran against her in the primary. She and I were at the AFL -CIO endorsement and she said I will support every major project you plan to forward to the council. Well I believe union's are very important to Duluth, I think everything needs to be looked at from both sides. What are we going to gain what could we loss. Does it benefit everyone or just a special interest?

Talked with a business owner today.

I had a very good conversations with a local business owner today. He asked me what I thought of the Mayors speech I told him.

He asked if I thought there was much hope over the next four years for business. I said I don't know but we talked about some thinks that have gone on.

His business has been hurt by another business that opened up there, not because they are competitors but because of an ordinance that is on the books and the city chose to not enforce that ordinance when they allowed the new business to come in.

The city needs to look at what a new business could do to another business before allowing it to operate. We can ill-afford to pit business against each other. This should not and will not stop business coming into Duluth. The business just needs to make sure they have there ducks in a row. The council also has to know what is happening. All ordinances must be followed. I know of many other cases like this.

Clinton = Cry Baby or smart move.

Here is the video were she cried. ,http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=5860232&ch=4226716&src=news.

Here is an article about if the Tears were real or fake: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erica-jong/tears-fears_b_80679.html.

This will be debated for a long time. What are your thoughts?

McCain and Clinton win New Hampser.

Republican John McCain won last night with easy. There were a number of republicans that did not fair well. Some of them this was there second failed effort. I think we will start to see some candidates drop out of the race soon on the republican side.

Those that I think maybe saying good bye soon include Fred Thompson, Ron Paul, Duncan Hunter. Hunter I would guess would be the first. The real question at his point is what is going on with Rudy Giuliani? He has been the front runner all along but finished Well below the top vote getter's in the last two events.

Hillary Clinton won a shocker to most. It was not that big of a shock to me after her crying game. Yes to me it was just all part of the game. She could get more support. I have said all along that for the Democrats Obama is the better candidate. I would look for this race to remain close in many city's.

Family

Our family will be growing very shortly. My wife and I are expecting our second child. The baby will be born about Memorial Day.

Yesterday my wife had an ultra sound. That is standard when you reach 20 weeks along which she is at. It is also the ultrasound that you can find out what the baby is if you so chose to do so. Like we did.

The new baby is going to be a boy. I am so excited. I am now not going to be the only male in the house. I was a little worried that there would be three females and then me lol.

My wife and I could not be more excited about this new chapter in our life's. The next few month will be exciting times for our family. Have a child is like no other experience in life.

My first email to Mayor Don Ness.

This email was sent in part because of Dave's email. You can find that email in the comments of my State of the City address blog.


Hi, Mayor Ness


I am sure you say the quote in the paper, that I made. I don't know if you looked at the blog as of yet. Here is what I wrote.


State of the City speech.
Fist I need to say this. I consider Mayor Ness to be a great friend. We may not always in fact offend agree on politics but that is okay. Politics should never stand in the way of a friendship in my eyes.The Mayor and I grew up right next door to each other. We played all the time, we shared great times and I think we still do and can. When we talked tonight we expressed how we have always been very pleasant with each other. He also expressed how sometimes when I write he does not think it is always nice. I am always willing to listen if anyone including Mayor Ness wants to know why I said something the way I did just ask. Emailing is the best way to get a hold of me duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com .There is only two people that are not allowed two post. I think they know who they are. This is because of the they conducted them self's.Now onto what this is suppose to be about the speech from tonight. I thought it was a very good speech. The intend of the speech was to energize the city and the people in the room. It delivered in an up lifting way. To me the the speech was much like a coach giving a big pep-talk to his team.I think the intend was of the speech was very successful. After the speech was over I talked to many people and they had nothing but good things to say. At least most people did.The content that was good for his political view. If you agree with his vision or not at this point does not matter. It was very much along the lines he wants to move this city.If I was to grade the speech I would give it a B.Next I will get into what was said and if I like that as much as the deliver of the speech.


I also received an email from Dave, you did as well. Using the coach and teacher was not meant to be demeaning to anyone. Nor should it have been taken that way. I will be replying to Dave later. I thought this post better showed what I meant by what I said in the paper. Being in the media I understand that you can only print small portions for a news story. The DNT I thought did a great job of covering the State of the City from all angles.

As we talked on Monday night we don't agree politically all that much. I think and hope however that you and I along with the whole city can come together and work as a team. I believe as you that is what is needed.

I think we can start to work together on the things we do agree on, those off the top of my head are keeping young people here and our parks and rec department. I hope that I can work with you in some way to make these issues and many others better. If you have any groups I would love to take part in them.

Sincerely,

John Rathe

Barb Olsen and Russ Stewart on KUMD

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kumd/local-kumd-664914.mp3

Above is a link to KUMD's out of order show. The host is Barb Olsen who writes for the reader and does this show on the radio.

This weeks guessed were Todd Fedora and Jeff Anderson. Take a listen it is worth your time. Any thoughts please share them.

What was said at the Mayor's inaugural address.

Here is were I think Mayor Ness really failed the citizens of Duluth. As I said before I think that the speech lacked in what was going to happen over the next four years. Did he say some good things yes. What he did not do was back them up with how he at wanted to go about solving them or working the issues. Did he say things that I agreed with him on yes. Were there things said that I did not agree with as well. For sure there was.

Mayor Ness said was determent to keep our young people and family's here. He also said he was going to improve our parks and rec especially those in neighborhoods. This is great something I most defiantly agree with. The problem is he gave use no idea how he planned to do this.

He said he was going focus Duluth infrastructure as well. He said by the 2010 the street improvement fund would be doubled. This sounds great but is it? I have some questions about this one. I guess my first question is this. If the Mayor is looking to double the fund how does he plan to do this? Will it take away from other core services? Next would be, tell the year 2010 what can we expect for street improvements? Weill there be any? How much?

He also said he will work to update Duluth very old sewer system and stop over flows. Here again how and at what cost?

These are all things the citizens deserve to know. Yes I understand he has not been in office to fully understand how everything works. He must however have some ideas he would at least like to look at to solve these issues. Those should have been offered in his speech in my mind. We need to have an idea of were any Mayor is going to take us. We deserve to know if our taxes are going to go up or down or stay about the same as inflation.

I think you get the idea the speech lacked information. Very critical information Duluthains should know.

There was also one other thing in his speech that made me very uneasy. This I really wish he would have left out. He made a comment about his family and being able to balance that and being Mayor. It was a clear shot at Charlie Bell who made a comment during the election that people with kids need to make sure that they can run for Mayor. being Mayor is very time consuming. Now I don't agree with Charlie on this. Don had every right to run for Mayor.

Here is why it upset me on Monday night however. Mayor Ness said all along that he was not going to comment on the Bell comment and he was going to let it go. With the comment in his speech it make it clear that he was in fact the one pushing the attain to that issue.

State of the City speech.

Fist I need to say this. I consider Mayor Ness to be a great friend. We may not always in fact offend agree on politics but that is okay. Politics should never stand in the way of a friendship in my eyes.

The Mayor and I grew up right next door to each other. We played all the time, we shared great times and I think we still do and can. When we talked tonight we expressed how we have always been very pleasant with each other. He also expressed how sometimes when I write he does not think it is always nice. I am always willing to listen if anyone including Mayor Ness wants to know why I said something the way I did just ask. Emailing is the best way to get a hold of me duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com .

There is only two people that are not allowed two post. I think they know who they are. This is because of the they conducted them self's.

Now onto what this is suppose to be about the speech from tonight. I thought it was a very good speech. The intend of the speech was to energize the city and the people in the room. It delivered in an up lifting way. To me the the speech was much like a coach giving a big pep-talk to his team.

I think the intend was of the speech was very successful. After the speech was over I talked to many people and they had nothing but good things to say. At least most people did.

The content that was good for his political view. If you agree with his vision or not at this point does not matter. It was very much along the lines he wants to move this city.

If I was to grade the speech I would give it a B.

Next I will get into what was said and if I like that as much as the deliver of the speech.

Hello Mayor Ness!!!

Well tomorrow will be Mayor elects Don Ness first day on the job. Well they have been in transition the last month or so. Tomorrow will mark his first day in the office. He will also be be sworn into the office Monday night and deliver his first speech as Mayor. It will the State of the City address. He will out line what he would like to do well in office the next four years.

I do think the Mayor Ness will be a bit better then Mayor Bergson. after all it is going to be very hard to be worse then Mayor Bergson. I don't however hold out a lot of hope of over the next four years with Ness in the office. I think you will less focus on what the city should provide and more on what the city should not be funding. We will see increase spending and receive less for our taxes.

Good Bye Mayor Bergson

Thank God his four year term is over, also thank good we did not re-elect him. It has been a horrible four years for Duluth and this mayor.

Mayor Bergson said he would work with the Duluth City Council and not use his veto pen. Yet he vetoed more then any mayor in recent history. He did any thing but work with the council. He drove a line between the Mayors office and the City Council like no other mayor has ever done.

He failed to bring the home the funding for the DECC twice and he also failed to get the Kroc center. He did mange to get got driving drunk on his way to represent the city in Chicago at a Mayor's conference.

He made many promises and failed many times. IF I was to give him a grade it would be a great big F.

Ness won't deliever a normal State of the City. .

This caught my eye in the paper. I thought well okay, it is hard for him to deliver a State of the City when he has not even taken office as of yet.

I have not read the complete story yet. They story said in the first part that Ness will talk about his vision for the city and a wide range of topics. DUH.. this is what the State of the City in part about. I don't think this State of the City will be much different then most.


The State of City will happen tomorrow night. Held at the DECC if you pan on going.

I will have a recap of the State of the City address on Tuesday.

Here we are a new year!!!

We welcomed in 2008. Hope you were all safe and had a great news years eve and day.

A quick look of things to come tonight and tomorrow here on DP. Then it is off to the denist for me.

A look back 2007

A look at 2008

The old Mayor Bergson

The new Mayor Ness

A look at the old and the new c ity Council

Plus much more, now however it is off to the dentist for me. NO fun at all.

Bergson uses veto pen yet again.

Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson will again use his veto pen. This time he said he will veto a resolution that passed 6-3. The resolutions dealt with asking the State of Minnesota to look at repealing a law from 100 years ago. The law is whether or not the lakeside area should have liqueur sold in it .

The Lakeside area is the only place in Duluth you can't go to a bar or a liqueur store. Not only that but restaurants can't even sell it in the Lakeside area.

I guess at this point I think that the Lakeside area should have the ability to sell liqueur in it's commercial zoned areas.

County Board gets a Code of Conduct.

The board voted 7-0 to approve the code of conduct. As many people know a code of conduct is something I have always been against. I have said many times why this is. At this time however I am not going to bring that info forward as I have been asked not to at this point.

All I will say at this point is I would anticipate some comments from a number of people later. Tell this happens I will hold my comments as well.

New poll

The new poll is up. The question is, do you think Don Ness will make a good mayor? Yes or no are the choses. Scroll down and vote.

Tonights council meeting. A long with other items.

I will again be attending the council meeting tonight. Look for a report of the meeting tonight or tomorrow. Tonight's meeting will include two big topics. One will have many resolutions to set the budget. The other is a resolution asking the State to look at reversing the no liquor lances in Lakeside.

These two items will dominate the meeting tonight. I would also maybe expect to hear a little about the clinic in Lakeside. At least if the group that is against it is able to be there.

Again look for a report on the meeting later tonight or tomorrow.

AFSCME excepts contract.

I have been incredibly busy. I meant to post the day this was excepted but did not get a chance to post. In fact I have had a lot this I have wanted to comment on but that will come soon as well.

The main issue has been my wife has been recovering from surgery. It was a rough weekend last weekend for her, but she dealt with it great.

Now back to a quick note on the contract. I am happy that they have excepted this however I would expect they are not the happiest with it. This is clear by there reaction in the paper. It however is a good contract for both the City of Duluth and there workers.

I will have much more on this later.

Big Mistake.

I don't know if you heard about this or not. A Wis. gas station went to change it's price of gas from $3.34 a gallon to $3.33 a gallon, when the clerk did so he mistakenly made a gallon of gas 33 cents.


Here is part of the story from msn www.msn.com to read the whole story.

MINOCQUA, Wis. - Dozens of drivers made a mad rush for cheap gas after a station employee accidentally changed the price to 33 cents a gallon. An employee closing Trig's Minocqua Shell for the night meant to drop the price of gas by 1 cent.

This happened just this weekend. I wonder how many of us would have taken advantage of the mistake. I heard on the radio yesterday that the owner of the gas station was not happy with the customers. " They took advantage of a mistake that was made. I am disappointed in them." The owner said in an interview.

A chicken here and there and maybe in Duluth

Okay first let me say that I agree with the city Attorney Brian Brown. It is illegal to have chickens in the city limits. If you read the ordinance it is very very clear on what we can and can't have in the city limits.

With that said here we go again with yet another very laughable discussion that will take place sooner or later in the council chambers. This is not a pressing issue. It is not important at this time nor should it take up one minute of the councils time. It will and the DNT will talk about it tell they are blue in the face.

There is a story in the DNT today. If you care to read it go here http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/ .

Meet the wife of our new mayor --- Are you serious?

If you saw today's Duluth News Tribune, the lead story was meeting Laura Ness. Are you kidding me? This is the top issue in this country, State, or City.

This is a story that maybe should be in the local section. I however am not sure that this is even news worthy. It sure seems like the DNT will be the Ness pr machine much like it was the Bergson pr machine and any other democrats that want it to be.

Are you kidding me?

Councilor Stewart tried to take a tax off the books for the City of Duluth. The tax is a for 1% that goes to develop public art. It unfortunately did not pass.

I guess that is not what the big deal for me was. What got me was what councilor Ness said. The discussion talked about how other people could afford art and such. Mr. Ness said that some I support the tax, it should not be a surprise. Not every one can afford are so this gives them the chance to enjoy it. What the implication was that people are going to take a picture and then hang it on there wall and call it art. If they did not do that then they would just stand were this art is for 24 hours and admire it. Give me a break.

first winter storm

Well the first storm came and went. The reported snow fall is 12 inches in Duluth. 5 or 6 inches in Superior.

I did not hear of any major accidents. I know that the DTA ran as normal. The cabs pulled off of the streets.

Duluth Citizen Blog.

Duluth Citizens blog is back and up and running. There is a new owner to the blog and he is looking for help. If you would like to be a moderator go to the blog and leave a message. I am sure he will get back to you.

www.duluthcitizensblog.com

Sharla Gardner

I have gotten a ton of emails asking what I thought of Sharla quiting her job once she takes over as city councilor. I have not made any comments on this as of yet. This is by design.

I have wanted to wait tell after she take office. When this happens just after the new year I will make my comments on the issue.

New poll is up.

The new poll is up. Check it out, it is new the bottom of the page. Scroll on down and vote!!!!

Mayor elect Ness showed his true colors.

Mayor elect Don Ness ran his campaign on bringing the community together. He also said that he will bring responsible spending back to city hall. Mayor elect Ness showed his true colors at the council meeting Monday night.



He showed that all of his promises were just that. He could care less about the average Duluthain. He is just going to spend your money and tax you out of your house. That was made way to clear on Monday night. The mayor elect did nothing but vote to raise our taxes and increase utility rates. The taxes will not benefit us at all either. They raised storm water run off by 17% and sewer rates went up 11%. Never gave a reason to why he voted the way he did. Like it or not that is what you get.

I wonder if this silent but deadly treatment is what he will take into the Mayor's office. If this is the type of Mayor he will be then we are in for a long four years. We may want to hang on to our wallets. The type of mayor that is needed now is one that can and is willing to work with a limited budget. To this point it is very clear that Mr. Ness is not willing to do this.

What is clear is that he wants to raise taxes so the city has money to fund unneeded things. These projects may indeed be good, however when you don't have the money you need to take a look at if they are needed.

He showed this again on Monday night with two other votes. One of the two votes was to not override the Mayors veto of the housing investment fund. Whether the fund is a good thing or not is debatable. I think it is in theory but I have some issues with it. Mr. Ness did not vote in favor or over ridding the veto because he thinks the project is a good one. It also helps many people out.

This is true however when we are in a budget crisis we need to focus on the core issues. I hate to say it but this is far from a core issue. The fact of the matter is our streets and sewers are falling a part. The police along with other emergency services are in need of man power and equipment.

The second vote was on if we should conduct yet another feasibility study for a high speed train to connect Duluth with the Cities. The study only cost us tax payers a small amount of $40,000 dollars.

Keep in mind we have already had three studies done. All of them said the project would not be a good one for Duluth to get involved in. I guess it is a classic case of "if you don't succeed; try, try again". This time we can all rest assured that the study will have the "right" results. The study will be conducted by the railroad authorities from many counties.

Mr. Ness said this was a critical vote and we need to support it because we have in the past. It is the wave of the future he said. Calling for a huge come back for trains.

Simple fact of the matter is this project will just be yet another fish tank . I mean G.L.A. ( Great Lakes Aquarium). The numbers will fall well short of the predictions and we will do nothing but subsidise the train.

Post coming.

I am working on a couple of posts regarding Monday night's council meeting. They are going to be must reads so come back and check them out.

These post are taking longer then I wanted but it will be worth your time.

new blog

A new blog is up. It is going to focus on bring tid bits from blogs ran about Duluth to one area. This will alolow you to check out what people are saying quick. Then if you you wnat to you can read there whole thoughts on that blog when you get a chance to.

The hope is as well that it will bring bloggers closer together

Unfoutantly Mayor elect Ness is serious.

When I first this comment on Perfect Day Duluth I thought he can't be serious about this one. http://www.perfectduluthday.com/2007/07/another_candidate_to_consider.html. The comment deals with increasing our taxes. To read the whole story he tells click on the link above.



Now it comes out that it is not one of the first things he wants to do when he gets in the mayors office. He is already starting the ball on it\. It was on last nights agenda but did not get mentioned. It stayed on the table. These are the type of project we can't afford to be getting involved in at this time. Not only that but I don't see why we should pay more taxes to make the city a music and art town.



I am all for the music and arts however if they want something then they need to go get it, by them self's. Raise money do what it takes but stay out of the tax payers pockets.

Is this Councilor serious?

I don't know if you got the chance to watch or listen to the council meeting tonight. There were a number of things that I could not believe were coming out of some of the councilors mouth. This is just one of them.

They were talking about a resolution to override the mayors veto from this last week. It was dealing with funding for housing investment fund. Well the discussion was going on council President Russ Stover implied that we should pay more in taxes for our roads. When an easement is done the citizen's should pick up more of it then they do, Stover said.

I can't believe he expects us to pay more of what a city is to provide. He believes funding the housing fund, fish tanks ect... is more important the our roads, police, fire. This is basically what councilor Stover said. It is unbelief able one would think this way.

Sorry for no post

I apologize for not posting at all this last week. However a couple of things happened first my Grandma passes away on Monday. This was the main reason for not posting.

Here is were I need to say a couple of things. Even when my grandma was 90 years old. Never take life for granted you never know when your day will come. Keep your family close to your heart at all times. Grandma thanks for the great times we had. You will be missed.

Thank you to those have send there prays and well wishes already. They mean so much at a time of lose.

The second reason for no post this week is a little thing called Thanksgiving. I hope you all had a great one.

Just for the record the funeral is tomorrow so I may not get a chance to post.

Meeting canceled.

Tonight's Duluth City Council meeting has been canceled. The special meeting was have the council vote on accepting the contract. That would then put the ball in the AFSCME union court. If would force them to make a move.
The union would have three choices vote on the contract now. Either except it, don't except it, go on strike.

"We are watching"

We are watching the group that is supposedly watching the St. Louis County board. The group is nothing but a joke.

I have never seen such a politically motivate group hit behind an issue. The issue they are hiding behind is the harassment. The group claims that some members have had issue's with this. Yet nothing has been proven and they have had ample time to prove it.

This story is why we don't name wild animals.

Okay here is why we don't name wild animals or make friends with them. http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=54144&section=homepage

After all it is deer season. Gook Luck hunters.

Saved a life today?

I may have saved some ones life today. A male in his 20's came in to my place of work today. He asked to use a the phone. I dialed the number he wanted me to and he said this in a message.

hey it's ( the persons name) I respect what you said, but I am going to Chester bowl and we will see what happens from there. I care about you guys.

This male that entered the store was out of it. He was walking very strange and he could hardly stand. His eyes we have shut.

I called 911 right away after he left the store and said I think a guy is going to commit suicide. I then went on to tell the dispatcher what had happened. He said they would get a cop out to look and if needed they would get back in contact with me.

When I left work today I had not heard anything. I hope they were able to find the gentleman and give him the help he needs at this point. I lost a friend a number of years ago well in boy scouts to suicide and it is not a good thing. I have also had friends that have wanted to kill them self's in points of there lives. It is something I don't fully understand. I sure do understand about being down but not so badly you think you should not be on this earth.

From the time I lost my friend in scouts I have said I am going to do everything I can to watch out for my friends and people in general. Many times the signs are very hard to spot. This time it was easy to see this guy was at least thinking about committing suicide.

I hope what I did today was a good thing and I hope it works out for this person.

If I hear anything I will pass it along. I have some more thoughts that will come in a different post.

Duluth Citizens blog shuts down?

What is up with that. Just hours ago I was there and now as of 7 p.m. todnight there is a message saying they have stopped the blog. they claim that there was no presure from anyone but I wonder if that if true.

If anyone has any info please let me know. If you wish it not to be published just say so and I will not publish it. You can contact me at duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com

New Poll is up.

A new poll is up. The poll askes this, Are you happy with the election results?

Again the poll is near the bottom of the page.

New things.

A couple of new things for this blog. There is now a poll, It will change weekly, however this one is only good for a couple of more days. This question deals with the mayors race. Who will you support? Charlie Bell, Don Ness or a write in. It is near the bottom of the page with the links.

Speaking of links I have a new blog Team Rathe bowling, clearly it is about bowling. I have added it to a new link to pages also near the bottom of the page. I will be adding other links to this area as well. If you want to check out the new blog here is the link www.teamrathebowling.blogspot.com. There is not much there yet as I just started it.

I found this funny.

Well travailing a couple weekends ago to Fountain Bay, I saw some interesting signs here in town. The one I found most interesting was a political sign for Jeff Anderson. Now I have seen his bill boards but not this one tell then.

What it says is this. It's time for a change vote Jeff Anderson. At least close to that. Here is what is funny. If he is elected nothing will change. He brings what the current council already is. He would just be another yes vote for everything wrong with Duluth.

when we returned home we had a piece of mail that read the same as the billboard did. All I did was laugh and toss it away.

Predictions: School Baord 2nd district.

This race could be an interesting race. It pits long time candidate for political offices Harry Welty against Judy Seliga-Punyko.

I don't know much about Judy. I have meet her once when she ran for school board four years ago. Other then a very brief conversation with her I can say to much about her stands. I know she is for the red plan with out a vote. I will do a search and try to find a web page were I can get more info about her. Look for more info to come soon on her.

It appears as if Judy has been on boards and such for the school board to plan long range activities for the school district. She also has been a lobbyist for the school district on the state and Federal levels. Here is a link to the story:http://www.duluthbudgeteer.com/articles/index.cfm?id=20996&section=News . Once there you can also read Harry Welty's interview.

It seems to me that Judy is more concerned about the buildings then the students.

Harry Welty was a board member for 10 years. Well on the board he showed great understand for the issues that came up for a vote.

Those that have read this blog for a while will know Harry and I don't agree politically offend. I have however a new respect sense I interviewed him back when he ran for congress in '06.

Harry has a great grasp on many issues. His experience with the school board is second only to current board member Tim Grover. Harry is running this time mainly because he is against the red plan. He believes like many do we should be able to vote on the plan.

The paper has endorsed Judy for this race. What will DP do?

I don't believe this race will be that close. I am thinking along the lines of a 60-40 %.

My vote would be: Harry Welty

Prediction: Harry Welty

Crime in Duluth

Regarless of what the DNT says crime in Duluth is up. Mr. Bell is right we are attracting the less desiralbes that other communitys don't want.


More to come later.

Election Predictions: School Board 3rd district.

I will kick off my predictions with this school board race. There will continue tell we reach the mayor's race. I will try to do a couple a day or so. Please remember my predicted winner is not nessicerly who I am voting for that will be included in the post however.

The third district Duluth School board race pits two candidates that have ran against each other before. Current board member Tim Grover and challenger Deb Anderson. These two candidates faced off four years ago. Were Mr. Grover won re-election.

Time Grover: A long time board member. By far the longest sitting member on the board. His experience with school related issues is second to none. Mr. Grover has seen the ups and the downs of the Duluth Public schools as a board member and has dealt with them very very adequately.

Deb Anderson: Has little experience dealing with school issues. She was however employed by the school district for a long time before retiring just a short time ago. Deb looks to bring her views of what is bad with the district to the board. She has an agenda.

Both candidates are against the red plan. Both feel that we have the right to vote on the issue.

It seem like Mr. Grover is not out that pounding the pavement. Well Mrs: Anderson is working hard her signs out number Mr. Grover big time. I don't know if it is a lack of interest on Mr. Grover's part or just feeling defeated.

As this is my district I would ask you all to support Tim Grover his experience and knowledge is second to none. He has done nothing to hurt the district he is one of the few that has worked to keep us a float.

My vote: Time Grover



Prediction: Deb Anderson

More thoughts to come tomorrow.

More thoughts on the debate and much more tomorrow.

Heather Rand interview ( 3rd district council race.)

Response to Candidate Questions posted by Duluth Needs Help - 10/07

1. My name is Heather Rand and I am a candidate for the Duluth City Council 3rd District seat which represents both the center part of the city and the larger city as a whole. I am employed as the State of Minnesota’s regional Business & Community Developer, working in all 7 counties of NE Minnesota for the last 3 plus years to help businesses that pay good wages expand their business operations and add employees. Prior to this, I was employed by Minnesota Power for years and I have worked as Asst. County Administrator in St. Louis County and as an asst. city administrator. I believe having both this private and public sector management experience makes me a more valuable candidate to Duluth. I am 44 years old. I am a Cloquet High School graduate, but have purposely chosen to make Duluth my home for over 18 years now. I serve on the city of Duluth’s Planning Commission, Higher Education Commission, and Heritage & Preservation Commission currently. I am very committed to Duluth. I also served as chair of the Duluth Comprehensive land Use Citizen Committee of 27 Duluthians that developed the unanimously adopted Comp. Plan.


2. I decided to run for office because I was disappointed with the spending decisions a majority of the existing city council were supporting on non-essential projects, especially given the city’s dire fiscal situation as a result of the retiree health care obligation and LGA cuts. Duluth has not been providing the basic essential city services (street maintenance, snow plowing, police & fire protection) at levels the taxpayers deserve. My skills set and sound fiscal judgment (I’m more fiscally conservative than a majority of the existing city council) will better reflect the interests of the average taxpayer in Duluth. I also decided to run to insure that the 3rd district has good council representation for it’s neighborhoods and business districts, and so that I will be in a better position to advocate for implementation of the City of Duluth’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan which will provide us with smarter land use decision making tools going forward.


3. I have not sought nor received any special interest group endorsements. My opponent has many special interest group endorsements including AFSME, a union that represents 2/3 of the city employees. I believe this is a conflict of interest, especially given she is an AFSME union member herself and serves on the AFSME leadership council. You can’t represent a broad base of Duluth citizen’s interests and have this conflict of perspective as a city councilor. I am prepared to represent the broader majority of Duluthians interests.


4. See above


5. The number one issue facing the city is solving the Retiree Health Care obligation because if not controlled, the obligation continues to grow and eat up our tax payer dollars that could otherwise go to providing essential city services (street maintenance, snow plowing, community policing, fire protection, etc.).


6. Crime is a major issue for the city and especially in the 3rd District. While some crimes have decreased, assaults and property crimes have increased. In the hillside, people don’t feel safe. On Park Point they complain of speeders and in Canal Park and downtown they are concerned about panhandlers and loiterers. Around the college campuses, the concern is loud parties and illegal, dangerous parking and driving. It’s clear to me that the city needs to spend more tax payer dollars on community policing and related law enforcement activities.


7. We can reduce crime by adding police officers including community police officers and by insuring that our city ordinances and state laws have the teeth they need to clearly tackle criminal behaviors. We need to add a city grant writer to pursue more federal and national grants for funds to support our police department.


8. Our park system has not been properly maintained. We must allow for reasonable changes in city ordinances, policies and our city civil service system to allow citizens to volunteer to assist with park maintenance.


9. I support a code of conduct for city councilors and mayor that includes sexual harassment policies if indeed one does not exist in various sections of the city charter. This is done in other large cities, counties, at the state level and most companies in the private sector.


10. I believe Duluth has made great strides in providing affordable housing in the last 3-5 years and I’m not convinced a large need still exists. Times change, markets change, supply and demand change. I would like to see more home ownership and support non-profit efforts along these lines like the work of NHS.


11. To solve the Duluth unfunded health care liability for retirees, the city needs to encourage retirees to accept the same health care plan as employees which has co-pays, reasonable deductibles and less administration costs. The city must also bid out the plan’s administrator to reduce costs and hire a professional actuarial so that we can estimate the obligation given employee concessions and utility rate increases and other measures that have already occurred.


12. Businesses will continue to come to Duluth and existing businesses will expand as long as the city has demonstrated it has it’s financial house in order by resolving the retiree health care obligation, not raising taxes and utility rates and fees sky high and not burdening Duluth businesses with extra-ordinary rules and regulations that hamper their completion in the free market. Businesses need good roads to move their goods to market, good police and fire protection services, and access to a quality of workforce to thrive. The city must work with others to accomplish the above.


13. Duluth should focus on supporting the growth of our existing businesses and their suppliers first. This includes Cirrus Design, Northstar Aerospace, health care industry, transportation industry (airport, rail, trucking, port) precision manufacturing like Ikonics and Hydrosolutions Inc., and its downtown retail/business service hubs. Right now, the regional economic developers are working to recruit additional businesses that compliment and even strengthen our existing economic base. This includes wind turbine component manufacturing, bio-diesel plants, high tech service providers, other aviation manufacturers and parts suppliers, among others.


14. Young folks will stay in Duluth if it’s an inviting, safe community where they can find appropriate employment opportunities and affordable housing. As baby boomers retire, more employment opportunities will become available than every before to young people. They need to make certain in high school that they have a plan for gaining the skills that will enable them to perform in those jobs. The city’s involvement in this workforce development with other city/county/state/private sector partners is crucial as that will be a win for businesses productivity and win for individual prosperity and opportunity. Helping our higher education (CSS, DBU, UMD, LSC, etc.) students better connect with what Duluth has to offer in terms of neighborhoods, parks, housing, community events, and employment opportunities via mentorships will increase the odds that those students when graduating will stay in Duluth.


15. I consider renters an important part of the community. Renters deserve a safe place to live and must be held to the same standards of good neighborly behavior as non-renters in our neighborhoods. Police enforcement and consistent code compliance by city staff is key to achieving this. Cracking down on absentee or slum landlords, nuisance parties, illegal parking and other illegal behaviors will improve and maintain our Duluth quality of life in traditional family neighborhoods. Funding more law enforcement (police) and building safety/code compliance resources will be required of the city of Duluth to better meet these challenges going forward. The current administration’s hiring freeze has meant we are operating with 4 fewer city building safety employees due to retirements in the last year or so, and less police patrolling our city and more police overtime costs. Our neighborhoods and the city’s budget which impacts our property taxes, have suffered as a result of this.

Live Blog of Mayor's debate at CSS.

8:23 Time to leave CSS however there will be more to come about this debate tonight and much more as well.


8:15 Many comments are rolling in from you can tell that those college students that did not have questions put in there hands by special interest group and those that did. those that did not are talking about the real issues that students are concerned about. Such as Jobs, a good wage, Students and residents relations. Those that were put there our agreed to ask a special interest question are standing around talking to only the special interest people.


7:58 The debate is now over keep it here for much more. We will have comments from those that are here live.


7:56 It is now time for closing statements. Mr. Ness is first. Much like his opening statement he is not saying much. He is saying that his involvement in city government is the big difference.

Mr. Bell followers with his closing statement. Mr. Bell closing statement is about leadership.



7:54 I have noticed that Michelle Lee has no problem cutting off Mr. Bell but will not cut of Mr. Ness when his time is up.


7:51 A question of funding for the DFD has game up. Both candidates seem to think that the DFD is funded. Mr.Ness said that the DFD should get involved in different aspects.


7:50 Charlie Bell seems to want to change everything. I think he is going to far with change. does the city need change? Yes, however everything is not bad in Duluth. It seems like tonight that is what Charlie is saying. It seems like most everything is negative.



7:35 You can tell that questions have been forced to ask by special interest groups. More on that soon.

7:22 They are now asking questions from the audience. The first question was asked a by a CSS student that happens to be some one I know well. He the son of a local business owner.

The question was do you support the events that have been going on with college students.




Just a reminder if you have a comment or question please post it when you can. I will give you a live response.


7:18 The question came up if city employees should be able to sit on the council. Both candidates said that it is okay as long as they look at conflicts of interest votes.


7:14 city services comes up as a question. Both candidates said they need to look at if the city should provide some services. These would include a Zoo, golf courses ect....

Mr. Ness said in effect that we need to look at weather the city has been doing an good job of providing that service. Mr. Bell said that it has been the city's fault. We have not help the systems up in good conditions.



7:05 The debate has started. It started with the moderate Micheal Lee coming on and thanking people for joining and such. She then introduced the panel that would ask questions. The panel included former mayor Gary Doty. More on the panel later.

They then had opening statements. Mr. Bell went first. Followed by Mr.Ness. Were Mr. Ness implied that he knows more then Mr. Bell does.

The first question dealt with the casino and when it comes up for renegotiation with the tribe in 2010.




6:52: The candates are in place and we are getting ready to hit the air.




Just a quick note please feel free to leave a comment about the coverage or if you have a question I can answer live I will do that as well.

6:37 p.m. : Welcome to Duluth Politics live blog of tonight's very important debate. Tonight's debate is being help at the CSS.

The candidates are both here. Mr. Ness and Mr. Bell look ready to take part in yet another debate in this long political season. The crowd is also starting to file in. It looks like it will be a good turn out for a crowd.

Keep it here for all the info on tonight debate. More to come in a few minutes. Remember the coverage will continue after the debate is over with comments from people who are here in attendance tonight.

posting

I have been very busy. I will try to post at least twice a week, and more if possible.

New sign, a SIGN of things to come?

Duluth mayoral candidate Don Ness has new signs. I have seen a few of them out around town. I thought at first no big deal. It may still remain that way but I don't think so.

The new signs has an air plane fliing over the city behind the plane. Now my thought is this. The last thing I want to see for real is a plane fliing around Duluth with a banner behind vote Don Ness for mayor, or any other candidate for that matter.

I however would not put it passed this campaign to use this stunt.

Ness/ Bell debate.

This is my conversation on another forum. Duluth Solutions, www.duluthsolutions.com

The conversation is about the debate the Mr. Ness asked for and Mr. Bell declined to take part in.


From Duluth Solutions:


On a local level I find it very questionable that a candidate asks for a debate. Normally the debates and forums are set up by groups.

I find Ness asking for a debate to be wrong. I also find it wrong to be on a specific issue. Ness however is smart enough to realize that he has been in the fold of the retiree health care issue, ( part of the problem), well Mr. Bell has only been involved to the extend of any other Duluth Citizen. Yes he may know more then some people but not as much as Mr. Ness does.

I agree with Mr. Bell that it was a political game. Now do I think one hand that he should have taken on the debate? Maybe, but if he was to do so he would have had to move with caution.



Most post to come tonight. It has been an interest weekend and week so far.

Clean campaign?

This statement is off Don Ness's blog. What is the diffence of this comment made by him and the one Mr. Bell made about people have there [riority's striaght? Can some one please explain it to me. If you don't know Mr. Ness if talking about a local blog called perfect day duluth. PDD's please note this is not a slam on you it is a question about a comment Mr. Ness made.

I hear all this talk of a postive run yet I don't see it. In fact I what I see is two peopple running the same type of campaign. You mae the deciosion is if it clean or not.


"What I like most about Perfect Duluth Day is that most of the people there love Duluth. These folks find what is unique and authentic about our city and then they take the time to celebrate it. PDD is also worth celebrating - thanks to all who contribute to its spirit."

posting.

I will be posting as news comes up. Also as things that I think are importain pop up as well. However for now I will be consentracting on the interviews.

Check back and see what is new with DP.

No more Duluth Athletic Club.

As reported the DNT http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=52441.

The DAC will not reopen after water damage in late September. It is two bad the DAC was a great alternative to Grandmas and those types or restaurants. I will miss the DAC and wish they would reconsider.

I alwasys enjoyed it there, great food and never had a problem with service.

Sharla Gardner interview ( 3rd disctrict council seat.)

Hrere is Sharla Gardners interview. Don Ness's interview will not be moved to the interview page you can view it there. We still have a number of interviews out there being filled out by candidates.



Personal information (name, interest, ECT…..)?
My name is Sharla Gardner, I am a widow with 2 grown children and I live on the East Hillside . My interests are wide and varied - history, travel, gardening, music (I am an amateur musician), creative and technical writing, community theatre and, last, but not least, working with our community to create better lives for everyone.


2. Why did you decide to run for office?
Aside from the urging of the incumbent, Russ Stewart and others, I decided to run because it is my duty as a citizen to step forward and serve the community on behalf of the interests of all of the people of the District. Since our District is so diverse, culturally and economically, we need to be represented by a person who understands the dynamics of the District and will work with all the different groups.


Do you have any special interest supporting you? If so which groups?

Yes.
However, I’d like to talk about what is meant by “special interests”. For instance, the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce is not supporting me, although many of their members who own small businesses in the District ARE supporting me. The Chamber is a special interest, and that organization, for this election, has chosen not to endorse candidates; but their leadership is definitely contributing monies and providing support to certain candidates. This year, the term special interest is code for unions. Personally, I think the term “special interests”, especially the way it’s being used this year, is extremely divisive and hurts our community. How can we work together to solve serious problems when some community organizations are singled out and labeled as “special interests”? We all have to work somewhere and if you look at the current make up of the council, there are many different “special interests”. For instance, there are 2 attorneys on the council, 2 landlords, a person with disabilities, a union employee, an electrician, a businessman working for Gold Cross and a person who worked for our congressman and is currently working for a private foundation. With that said, I am proud of the support of my colleagues and the labor unions that represent workers in construction, hospitality, government and other industries. I think all working people, whether they belong to a union or not, deserve more representation on the Council and I will provide that representation.



Do you believe this support will be benefits you? If so how?
Yes. A vibrant labor movement benefits the community by lifting the standards for all workers. Whether labor support benefits me politically is of less concern to me.




5. What is the number one issue facing the city today?
The retiree health care issue is very important, but can be solved by fully implementing the 14 recommendations of the Retiree Health Care Task Force. One of the major factors in the Task Force recommendations is timing. Each day implementation is delayed, it’s costing us money. Once this is done, we must prioritize basic city services, particularly public safety, including neighborhood community policing.


6. Do you believe crime is a major issue facing Duluth ?
Yes. That is why we must fully restore the neighborhood community policing program. This program is tried and true. It works because the police officers are known within the community and people feel free to approach them with problems AND their presence is a great deterrent to criminals.


7. What can we do reduce crime in the City?
In the short-term, as I said earlier, we must fully staff neighborhood community policing. In the long-term, the best way to reduce crime is by providing better job opportunities, especially those with wages in the mid-range. A wise person once said that the best anti-poverty and anti-crime program is a good job. Another, often overlooked crime prevention/reduction solution, is to get to know your neighbors. Becoming involved with our neighborhoods and our community and looking out for each other, is a major component in building community and reducing crime. We’re in great danger of becoming an isolated society, using our computers and televisions as our ways of communicating and interaction with the outside world. This isolation promotes unwarranted fear. There is no substitute for human contact, neighborliness and community.


8. What would you do to improve the city park system?
Duluth has one of the best park systems found anywhere. Unfortunately, we don’t always maintain it as well as we should. We need to take better care of what we have, which will save us money in the long run. I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the many good people in our District who volunteer to take care of our parks and cleaning them up. It’s not fair to expect them to do that, but they deserve our respect and appreciation.

9. Would you support a code of conduct for the Duluth City Council and Mayor that included sexual harassment policies? Why or why not?
Yes. Elected officials should be held to the same standards as city employees. Period.



10. Do you think Duluth needs more affordable housing? If so how do you accomplish this?
In light of the current problems with the housing market nationally, we need to be careful to not overbuild and create a surplus in our local housing market. However, Duluth does have a shortage of decent affordable rental housing, in particular. We must continue to work with private developers and community housing organizations to promote affordable and decent rental housing and make sure that existing rentals are kept up to code.


11. How do you solve the Duluth unfunded health care issue? (Bet you thought you would not have to answer this again).
Please refer to question #5. In addition, it’s important we understand that each day we delay implementing the recommendations is costing us money. The timelines that the task force recommended in 2005 have not been honored and that’s causing even greater financial liability. I’ve concluded a major reason the timelines have been ignored is because a couple of local politicians used this issue for political gain. This divisive rhetoric has deeply harmed and divided our community. It’s been needlessly hurtful and it needs to stop now. I note that the News Tribune published the Arbitrator’s decision in full regarding the Police Officers union’s contract on Friday, October 12th. It is about 36 pages long-very interesting and illuminating reading. The more informed people are about this issue, the less likely they are to believe divisive, untrue, political rhetoric. As citizens, we should be emailing our city councilors and asking what they will do to avoid additional delays.




12. Any other information you would like to share?
Our neighborhoods need to become more sustainable and attractive. The reason I love living on the East Hillside is because of all the neighborhood businesses that are within walking distance or a short drive. When I need something, I don’t have to drive all the way to the mall – I can go to the Plaza, Daugherty’s, Canal Park or the Co-op. If I want to eat out, I can go to the Burrito Union or Chester Creek Café (just outside of the district, but close enough). I’d like to see more neighborhood business develop that are culturally specific. The VeBene’ restaurant and the Italian Import store next to it are good examples of that kind of specialization that will add charm and interest, as well as dollars to our local economy.


13. What would do to bring business to Duluth ?
As a city councilor, I will work with whoever is elected Mayor to develop creative ways to bring mid-range jobs to Duluth . We must be more forward thinking and creative with the kinds of businesses we want to attract. Our hospitality industry is booming, as are the Medical Centers. We need manufacturing jobs, that pay salaries between $14 and $20 per hour, because these are the jobs that bring people out of poverty and that help them get a decent start in life.


14. What kind of business should Duluth focus on bringing here?
Please see #13 and, I would add, I’d like to see green collar jobs, such as a wind turbine manufacturing plant and green professional jobs, that develop alternative forms of energy in Duluth . These are the career opportunities of the future, and they will not detract from our quality of life and cannot be outsourced to another country.

15. How do we keep our young people in Duluth ?
Make sure there are jobs that pay decent wages AND make sure they are hired for them. When I’ve been doorknocking, people have expressed frustration about the fact they graduated from UMD, but don’t get the jobs they are qualified for. People are being imported from other cities. We have a wealth of talented, well educated young people who have made career sacrifices to live here because it’s their hometown and because of our excellent quality of life. We need to make sure they’re employed. The workforce of Duluth is one of our greatest and most valuable resource.


16. What thoughts do you have on renters vs. the community?
Renters are not bad people. Many people prefer to rent and not own a home for a number of reasons – many relating to time and interest and career demands. Being a home owner takes time and energy and many career people prefer to rent. We shouldn’t forget them – they are desirable neighbors and good citizens. These folks are one of the reasons I addressed the issue of decent, affordable rentals in an earlier question. However, I think this question refers to student rentals and so I will address that component as well. Student rentals are a problem, often because of the parking issue. I think our rental ordinance addresses that problem, in part, but it remains, because the existing rentals were grandfathered in. We must engage the university administration to help with solving the problem their growth policies have created in our neighborhoods. We must also make sure that problem houses (party houses) are reported to the police consistently and we must request that the police ticket these houses, in a consistent fashion. By that, I mean informing the landlord, issuing a warning the first time, ticket with a fine the 2nd time, and, if there’s a 3rd time, the landlord will be penalized, as well.

Pick your candidate for Prez.

Here is a quize to help pick who you will vote for. Here is the site, http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460 .

My results below:


Tom TancredoScore: 49
AgreeIraqImmigrationTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoMarriage
DisagreeEnergyDeath Penalty

Duncan HunterScore: 40
AgreeTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoMarriageDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationEnergy

Fred ThompsonScore: 40
AgreeTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoMarriageDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationEnergy

Sam BrownbackScore: 37
AgreeTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoMarriage
DisagreeIraqImmigrationEnergyDeath Penalty

John McCainScore: 36
AgreeTaxes Stem-Cell ResearchHealth Care Abortion Social Security Line-Item Veto Energy Death Penalty
Disagree Iraq Immigration Marriage

Jim GilmoreScore: 34
AgreeTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareSocial SecurityMarriageDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationAbortionLine-Item VetoEnergy

Mike HuckabeeScore: 33Video
AgreeStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoMarriageDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationTaxesEnergy

Mitt RomneyScore: 27
AgreeTaxesHealth CareLine-Item VetoMarriageDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationStem-Cell ResearchAbortionSocial SecurityEnergy

Ron PaulScore: 25
AgreeTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionEnergy
DisagreeIraqImmigrationSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoMarriageDeath Penalty

Rudy GiulianiScore: 22
AgreeTaxesHealth CareSocial SecurityDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationStem-Cell ResearchAbortionLine-Item VetoEnergyMarriage

Joe BidenScore: 11
AgreeSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionEnergyMarriage

Bill RichardsonScore: 6Video
AgreeLine-Item VetoDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityEnergyMarriage

Barack ObamaScore: 3Video
AgreeDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoEnergyMarriage

John EdwardsScore: 3Video
AgreeDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoEnergyMarriage

Hillary ClintonScore: 3
AgreeDeath Penalty
DisagreeIraqImmigrationTaxesStem-Cell ResearchHealth CareAbortionSocial SecurityLine-Item VetoEnergyMarriage

No News but .....

No news as of late but there will be with tonight's council meeting stay turned.

Interviews.

I need to be clear about something here. It seems like there maybe some confusion. I have given all candidates a chance to take part in these interviews. Just because I have posted some ones interview it does not mean I am endorsing them.

I am again giving everyone the chance to take part. I believe it is importain to know the candidates and that is what I want people to be aware of.

Interview number one: Don Ness (Mayor's Race)

Personal information (name, interest, ECT…..)?


Don Ness, 33, husband and father of two. I work for the Zeppa Foundation as their Director of Programming and Policy. I am a life-long Duluth resident and I currently own a home just 5 blocks from where I grew up in the Hillside neighborhood.


Do you have any special interest supporting you? If so which groups?

We have endorsements from two organizations the Duluth Building Trades and the local DFL party.


Do you believe crime is a major issue facing Duluth? What can be done to solve it?


Safety in our neighborhoods has long been a strength in Duluth. We need to be sure that it remains a true advantage in the competition for jobs, investment, and people. Community policing is my primary funding priority in city government because it allows for pro-active police work that is vital in protecting our quality of life.


What can you do to bring business to Duluth? What industries should we focus on?


I believe that by creating and investing in a workforce development system in Duluth that we can create real value for employers in our area. The strength and talent of our workforce will become our most prominent advantage in attracting business to Duluth and to encouraging growth in our core industry sectors: aviation, health care, and light manufacturing.


How should the unfunded health care liability be solved?

I'm proud of my leadership role in establishing the Retiree Health Care Task Force and my advocacy of implementing that plan in a timely basis. There is still much work that needs to be done and I'm committed to putting the full plan in place by the end of 2008.
What can we do to keep our young people in Duluth?


So much of our future success in Duluth will be determined by the quality of young people that we are able to convince to make their home in Duluth. We should be deliberate about identifying those young people who will bring real value to their work place and their community and convince them to invest themselves in our community. We need to do a better job of providing opportunities - economic, cultural, and social opportunities - so that those talented young people don't feel a need to leave Duluth to find them.


Note: Don may pass more along to me. If he does I will post it here.

Interview update #2

I have now heard from a number of candidates. They have been sent the questions when they send them back I will post them.

Interview update.

I have heard from two candidates so far. I think I what I am going to do is get questions together and email them to those who have already replied and get them up asap. Also don't forget you can have your question asked here as well. You can email me the question(s) you have and I will ask them.