City Council President Emily Larson has announced she will run to replace Duluth Mayor Don Ness, who has said he will not seek a third term.
“I’m running for mayor because the next chapter for Duluth is critical,” Larson wrote on her Facebook page. “I’m running because our community’s continued progress will require new ideas, and because I want to ensure we write Duluth’s next chapter together.”
Larson was elected to an at-large seat on the council in Fall 2011. Her term is scheduled to end Jan. 4, 2016. Fellow councilor Howie Hanson has also stated he will run for mayor. Others who have said they are considering running include Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon and State Senator Roger Reinert. The official filing period for Duluth public offices opens July 7 and closes July 21. In addition to the mayor’s office, five city council positions will be on the ballot in 2015.
Below is Larson’s full statement on Facebook:
Today I am announcing my campaign for mayor of Duluth. I will share my announcement with our local media at the corner of Fifth Avenue West and Superior Street. It’s the same spot that I announced my campaign for City Council almost four years ago, and it’s a corner that helps tell the story of why I’m running for Mayor.
On one side of the intersection is the Duluth Public Library’s main branch, a building that brings together children and seniors, students and job seekers, all of us together within a space to learn, to work, and to create community. But it’s also a public building that faces challenges that will require new creative ideas and confident leadership. On the opposite side of the intersection is the beginning of the new Maurices tower that will help push economic revitalization of Superior Street and our entire downtown. As a member of the Duluth Economic Development Authority and as the City Council liaison to the libraries I’ve had the opportunity to help shape both of these projects, and as a representative of our entire community I know they are just part of Duluth’s narrative. Throughout our city there are intersections, businesses, parks, homes, and of course citizens that have a story to tell.
I’m running for mayor because the next chapter for Duluth is critical. I’m running because our community’s continued progress will require new ideas, and because I want to ensure we write Duluth’s next chapter together.
A vibrant and thriving Duluth will require opportunity for all community members to develop their talent and share their story. It will require leadership that can bring together stakeholders and build strategically on our strengths. I’m grateful for so many people who have supported me already and helped me arrive at this decision with confidence. I am 100% committed to this campaign and am eager to begin to the work of becoming Duluth’s next Mayor. I hope you’ll join me as we write Duluth’s Next Chapter. Together.
