Politics Posts

Is Duluth “anti-growth”?

On his DNT blog, Buzz Duluth, Brandon Stahl interviewed St. Scholastica Econ Professor Tony Barrett about the city council’s frequent talk regarding “expanding the tax base,” and what that actually means. In the post, Barrett explains that the only direct way that the council can expand the tax base is to attract new business “through subsidies or TIFs,” or through zoning changes, or “to eliminate steps” involved with business development.

Barrett then goes on to explain that Duluthians are often resistant to this kind of growth.

“Every community has certain groups that oppose growth; environmentalists who don’t want to see trees cut down, or less green space… people who fear that growth is going to require higher taxes,” he said. “Duluth has a strong element of people who just don’t want Duluth to change. They like it the way it is. That’s why they didn’t move away to the Twin Cities, maybe get a better job. Duluth, of all the communities I’ve lived in, has the strongest anti-growth sentiment. And I think it’s really our culture of people liking Duluth just the way it is.”

The comments, of course, blame the DFL and “environmentalists.” But in light of the recent Honking House fiasco, the Lakewalk townhomes, and the debate over the reorganization of Duluth’s schools, it seems that the conflict in opinions is far more complex than some would like to admit.

So what do you think?

Russ Feingold listening session.

This is a little short notice, but I didn’t hear about it until I received the letter from his office yesterday, so anyway, Russ Feingold will be holding his 2009 Douglas county listening session in Solon Springs at 2pm this sat. If you live on the other side of the bridge and would like to meet the only senator to “Nay” the Patriot Act check out the details below.

What: Russ Feingold’s 2009 Douglas County Listening session.
Time: 2 P.M. Saturday, October 10th
Place:Solon Springs Community Center
11523 South Business 53
Solon Springs, WI

More on Skyline Parkway

Here are a few excerpts from Duluth’s Skyline Parkway Corridor Management Plan of 2003:

“New buildings should be compatible with surrounding buildings in size and scale and SHOULD NOT BLOCK IMPORTANT VIEWS.”

“Limit residential development where it can damage … IMPORTANT VIEWS.”

“Avoid lakeside (downslope) development whenever possible.”

Candidate Forums

Duluth School Board & City Council Candidate Forum
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009
6:00-7:15 PM School Board Forum
7:30-8:45 PM City Council Forum
Lakeside/Lester Park Community Club
106 N. 54th Ave. E.

Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters & the Lakeside Lester Park Community Club

”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’

At-Large Candidate Forum
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
6:00-7:30 PM
Damiano Center
206 W. Fourth Street

Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Community Action Duluth, Twin Ports Action Coalition, and the A.H. Zeppa Foundation

The League of Women Voters and all above sponsors are nonpartisan organizations that neither support nor oppose political parties and candidates. The purpose of these forums is to provide voters with objective information on the views held by candidates running for office so that they can make informed choices on election day.

Mansion on the Hill Controversy Continues

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Remember Beverly’s PDD post in April about the house that chewed its way into Duluth’s western Skyline?

There’s a resolution on next Monday’s Duluth City Council agenda requesting that no parking be allowed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the pull-off area of Skyline Parkway near the house.

Superior Grown Food Summit: Nov. 14

The Superior Grown Food Summit seeks to provide a forum for strengthening our food system according to community needs and desires. As a public conversation on our food system, the Summit seeks to engage food related issues, questions and concerns relevant to the Lake Superior bioregion. It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, from 9 am – 5 pm in the main ballroom in Kirby Plaza at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Registration will be $10 and will include a local food meal.

Getting Involved.

I am really interested in getting involved in efforts to support some sort of health care reform. Is there a local organization working to support this and show our leaders we think this is important and necessary?

This is something I’ve been really concerned about as an uninsured young adult and I feel like I need to do something other than shout at the television.

Please help!

–Amy Swanoski

Duluth 2009 Primary Election Results

IVoted3489

41 of 41 precincts counted; 11,691 total ballots cast.

Duluth Fourth District City Councilor
Top two candidates advance
Kerry Gauthier – 1,006 | 44%
Gordon Grant – 565 | 25%
Heath Hickok – 472 | 21%
Matt Potter – 135 | 6%
Celia Scheer – 110 | 4%

Duluth At-large City Councilor
Top four candidates advance
Beth Olson – 5,429 | 26%
Dan Hartman – 4,749 | 23%
James Stauber – 4,464 | 21%
Becky Hall – 3,743 | 18%
Mike Akervik – 2,629 | 12%

Duluth District One School Board
Top two candidates advance
Ann Wasson – 1,394 | 50%
Marcia Stromgren – 1,016 | 36%
Gary Glass – 396 | 14%

Duluth At-large School Board
Top four candidates advance
Tom Kasper – 6,668 | 33%
Mary Cameron – 4,729 | 24%
Nancy Nilsen – 4,164 | 21%
Maureen Booth – 2,409 | 12%
Bryan Jensen – 1,965 | 10%

Happy Estimated Tax Day!

stamps

Today is one of four days of reckoning for the self-employed among us. I thought it was funny that these were the only stamps I had left on the sheet to put on my federal and state estimated payments.

Al Franken at State Fair

This is Senator Al Franken drawing a map of the US from memory at the State Fair. Doggone it he IS smart enough.

Road Trip to Fargo (Camping, Low Concert, & Health INS. Reform Rally)

Fargo, ND Road Trip!

Rally for Health Care Reform
In the Fargodome parking lot
1800 University Dr. N.
Fargo, ND
Saturday, Aug. 29
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Free Concert by Low

Note:  On Friday evening, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m., Minnesotans and North Dakotans will begin camping at the Moorhead-Fargo KOA site (4396 28th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN).

We reserved sites, so call Nathan Ness (218) 310-7682 to reserve a spot for only $5.  Friday night promises bonfires, drinks and songs around the campfires.  Saturday morning promises a free concert by Low, speakers and free food!

Contact Nathan Ness for more information at 218-310-7682 or via email at nessjnathan @ yahoo.com.

R.I.P. Teddy Kennedy

Kennedy

Feb. 22, 1932 – Aug. 25, 2009

Fastest Vote in the West

DuluthBallot2009Primary347

Most precincts, like mine in West Duluth, have only two races on the ballot this year. At least we get to vote for two candidates in each.

Click here for a list of candidates that includes all the district races.

Pubic Option

morans2

h/t Pam’s House Blend

Who’s that woman with Al Franken?

He stole some of her thunder, but Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is willing to share the spotlight with Sen. Al Franken Sunday night as they keynote and kick off the Commonweal Institute’s 2009 Progressive Roundtable at 7 p.m. in the Moorish Room at Greysolon Plaza, 321 E. Superior St. It’s free and open to the public, but seating is limited and registration is strongly encouraged. Call (218) 726-5430.

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!