J.P. Morgan, a rich and influential banker, stated that good business was all about character. Certainly, Morgan knew what he was talking about. During the administrations of presidents McKinley and T.R. Roosevelt, the country experienced two financial disasters. In both administrations, banks experienced a rush of withdrawals, as people tried to pull their money out. In those days, there was no central bank on which independent banks could lean upon, making them vulnerable to collapse. To save the nation from complete financial ruin, both Presidents called upon J.P. Morgan, the person with enough character, trust, and ability to stave off the nation’s fiscal crisis. Morgan personally asked for and co-signed hundreds of millions of dollars in loans that served to avoid the impending bank collapses. Without Morgan, the nation’s history would be different: there would have been three great depressions, rather than just the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The character of the president, fifty different state governors, and thousands of mayors across the country is just as important today as it was in JP Morgan’s day. Our own city will judge Mayor Bergson’s character next Monday night, when he delivers the State of the City Address. Bergson is no different than mayors Doty, Fedo, or Boo. As with former mayors, residents get a firsthand report of what has happened under their watch the previous year, and have the opportunity to hear the mayor’s plans for the upcoming year. Character comes into play, much as in the times of McKinley and Roosevelt, because without it, leadership is questioned, agendas are stalled, and government is hobbled.

Mayor Bergson has a great opportunity next week to review his accomplishments and outline his vision for the future. Certainly, Bergson can take credit for helping to save the mission of the 148th Fighter Wing and he can be proud about the current building boom in Duluth. Challenges facing the mayor include fully funding the $26 million/per year retiree health care fund, upgrading the antiquated zoning codes and comprehensive plan, and continuing to enhance the reality and attractiveness of private employment within our city.

Life under the Bergson administration has never been boring. Let us all wish him the best in 2006.

The annual State of the City address will be held Monday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the DECC's Lake Superior Ballroom. The entire community is invited to attend the initial meeting of the 2006 Duluth City Council and to hear Mayor Herb Bergson's address. I encourage all Chamber members to attend the address.