Tuesday, December 28, 2004
$20M for the alcoholic homeless population
A couple of years ago, Duluth proposed that we convert an old apartment building into a home for chronic, homeless alcoholics. The problem was that this old building was geographically situated on the main corner in the very center of our city. The Chamber was not very excited about the potential of the building used for that particular purpose.
We pledged to help find funding if the group proposing the idea would agree to find another location for its project. Although we supported the group’s initiative, we did not make the kind of effort we should have to assist this worthy cause.
In an effort to be more proactive regarding the housing situation in Duluth, the Chamber passed a housing policy in support of an effort to help create 1000 new housing units in our area in the nest seven years (see http://www.duluthchamber.com/policy/housingpolicy.htm). With that in mind, it makes sense that we fully support idea of a home where chronic alcoholics can live without certain rehabilitation stipulations imposed upon them.
Finally, we support the State of Minnesota’s $20M bonding initiative that will help fund projects such as this one. If we don’t, these folks will continue to live under the nearest bridge. You and I wouldn’t live like that. Neither should they.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Friday, December 10, 2004
The Two Little Engines that Could
What can two people do when they feel strongly about something? You guessed it: they can change the world – at least as they know it. Recently, the Duluth City Council passed a bevy of fee approvals. Included were some hefty increases targeted at local businesses. Absent were significant increases in the cost of liquor licenses. This was due to Bob Bennett, of Bennett’s Restaurant, and Steve Townsend of Sir Ben’s.
It is a hugely significant matter that these two “little guys” made up their minds that they could change the minds of city councilors, who are under pressure to raise city revenues or lay off employees. While some on the city council have an easier time passing on higher government costs to taxpayers , Steve and Bob privately and publicly advocated for the entire bar and restaurant industry in the Northland. As a result, City Councilor at Large, Donny Ness, forwarded an amendment that kept the cost of liquor licenses at 2004 rates. Chalk up a win for the little guys.
The Chamber, while always willing to speak on behalf of any business, did what it does best: We helped Steve Townsend and Bob Bennett tell their story – a hugely powerful thing in the realm of public policy. The Chamber is only too glad to help businesses help themselves. We congratulate these fine business owners.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Monday, December 06, 2004
Turf Defended
Those who practice the art of political battle are some of the most talented people among our population. Notice, I didn’t say the most likeable, handsome, or well spoken. Simply put, those who engage in political battle manage to get their jobs done quietly, without drawing much attention to themselves. These people are so skilled at what they do, that the general population rarely realizes that a handful of politicians have changed the course of history without alerting them.
For example, a small group of local business folks recently defeated the city’s attempt to install parking meters in their business district. They went about it in such a way that even the daily newspaper reported the wrong story. Yes, the facts of the story were entirely correct: the district, when faced with the possibility of being metered, made the deal that they would swap unmetered on street parking for a ramp the city couldn’t afford. As a result, the city officially rescinded its intent to meter their area until a commission could study the matter. What really mattered, in this case, was the postponement of metering until the city’s budget crisis passed, which, in effect, would mean that no meters would be installed after all.
This brings me to my point: if you can make the issue about something else until political climate changes, you will have defended your turf. That is what all good politicians do.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
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