So now we have it. We finally know who is running for mayor, city council, and the school board. Personally, I am glad that people want these jobs, especially considering that governing is often less appealing once one is elected. That said, we need good candidates whose views reflect the values of the majority rather than narrow special interests.

Unfortunately, elections in our fair city often represent much narrower views. To get AFSCME's endorsement means that you must, if elected, vote according to their dictums. This was demonstrated at city hall last winter, when the council voted to adopt the "Card Check Neutrality Agreement" clause for any new hotel or restaurant that might get city money. The thunderous echo was felt not in the need or wants to clamp down on public finance to private business, but in response to the arrogant manner in which the leader of the Central Labor Body in Duluth called in his votes. Simply put: he called out those councilors who had pledged to support their agenda in exchange for union endorsement in their previous campaigns. Six of the nine councilors dutifully voted as instructed.

One has to ask if the votes collected that evening really contributed to the betterment of Duluth. Let it be known that I and the Chamber's leadership believe economic development is better served by creating a better business climate than by handing out public cash. That stated, and regardless of the way one looks at this particular issue, our local electoral system is too dependent upon which team can gear up and get their candidate elected - which leads to the kind of governing and public policy outlined above.

Rather than assume we know your business, your values, or that you want us to narrowly define candidates for public office, we are committing to drawing out the candidates' platforms, ideas, and philosophies. We will emphasize business climate, economic development, and good governance with the candidates. Once we gather the information, we'll forward it on to you so you can use it to make an informed decision at the ballot box.

Watch our emails and publications for opportunities to give feedback, take straw polls (non-scientific opinion surveys), and to hear and meet the candidates. Finally, look for the two special election pull out sections in the October and November issues of the Xpress.

According to a recent Gallop Survey nine out of ten citizens in American are happy with their opportunity to economically succeed. If that is truly the case, those running for elected office in Duluth should take note. As a result, they should tailor their political platforms to make sure Duluthians have the same economic opportunities reported by other Americans. If the candidates - our future leaders - fail to collectively emphasize financial success in this election, look to have the union collect enough votes to pass something that benefits a small number of their members at a great disadvantage to the citizens at large.