Well this weekend was great, I was able to get away Friday to Tuesday and Tuesday night went to the Duluth Huskies home opener and not the Duluth City Council meeting I will get in to why in a bit.
It was so relaxing to not have a phone or anything like that and just relax and spent time with family and God out in the great north woods for a few days. Got some fishing in and caught a lot of fish, alot of sun and fun.
I thought man I am so relaxed now I would get up tight for a while, well that is not the case it the relaxation does not even last a whole day after returning home. Why well I chose not to go the Duluth city council meeting because I was told by some councilors that the street fee issue would not be brought up at this meeting. So I thought nice I will take just one meeting off here over the last few month I have been to them all and go the Duluth Huskies home opener as I have not missed an opening game at the wade for the huskies.
Well I listen to Brad Bennett's show Wednesday and he is talking about the street fee issue and the council talked about it at the meeting. What they want is a $5.00 fee for street improvement and there is also an ordinance that goes along with it. I will do some checking and see what the whole plan is but the point is some councilors told me this would not be on the agenda. It is clear we can't trust our elected offcials. What happend to the day that we could heck that we could trust anything anyone told us?
The resolution deals with the fee of $5.00 a month and that would be greater for business owners, what about non-profits? what is there fee doe they pay it at all? The fee would be added to your water and gas bill to help pay for streets.
Councilor Fosle has an amendment calling for an end to the street fee sooner then it was to end.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
President Linda Krug.
As I said in a post earlier the council are a mess. This lays with the person who runs them, and that is council president Linda Krug this year. She seems to have little to no idea on how to run a council meeting.
Just go back to the last city council meeting for a couple of examples. The May 12th city council has two big screaming examples of this, the first was an amendment to a resolution, the second the closing of the council meeting. I don't remember what resolution it was but councilor Gardener had an amendment to it. She read the amendment then conversation started about it right away. Wait what are you not suppose to have a second to the the amendment before you start talking about the amendment. Yes you are and who had to bring that first time councilor Zack Flipovich. He was not able to bring this up till at least 10 minutes in to the conversation of the amendment when he was called on to speak. Also when there is an amendment you are just to speak on that yet councilors where also talking about the resolution or just about the resolution.
Second came the end of the meeting. The meeting was in fact a long, many staid it was 2nd longest in 20 years, and your point is what? The meeting needs to be completed with councilor comments then ended with an adjournment and vote. That did not happen President Krug kept saying she was tired and wanted to go and end the meeting. When she closed the meeting with out a vote which needs to happens she told a councilor Mr. Montgomery they don't need to speak it's late. She then ended the meeting with out a vote and when she wanted to. I did not she was ruler of the council, I thought there where rules to follow but maybe there is not these days. That seems to be the case anyway.
As I said the council meeting have seen a slip in the way they are suppose to be ran the last number of years, this years being the worst. I can't tell how many times there have things done wrong by the council President Krug. The council really needs to start calling her out on this, we need a meeting ran the right way. If it is not it makes it hard to follow on radio and tv, not to mention even at the meeting it's self. It also is what is right. There are rules to running a council meeting and that should be followed at all times.
It's sad that this council president does not seem to care about the rules.
Just go back to the last city council meeting for a couple of examples. The May 12th city council has two big screaming examples of this, the first was an amendment to a resolution, the second the closing of the council meeting. I don't remember what resolution it was but councilor Gardener had an amendment to it. She read the amendment then conversation started about it right away. Wait what are you not suppose to have a second to the the amendment before you start talking about the amendment. Yes you are and who had to bring that first time councilor Zack Flipovich. He was not able to bring this up till at least 10 minutes in to the conversation of the amendment when he was called on to speak. Also when there is an amendment you are just to speak on that yet councilors where also talking about the resolution or just about the resolution.
Second came the end of the meeting. The meeting was in fact a long, many staid it was 2nd longest in 20 years, and your point is what? The meeting needs to be completed with councilor comments then ended with an adjournment and vote. That did not happen President Krug kept saying she was tired and wanted to go and end the meeting. When she closed the meeting with out a vote which needs to happens she told a councilor Mr. Montgomery they don't need to speak it's late. She then ended the meeting with out a vote and when she wanted to. I did not she was ruler of the council, I thought there where rules to follow but maybe there is not these days. That seems to be the case anyway.
As I said the council meeting have seen a slip in the way they are suppose to be ran the last number of years, this years being the worst. I can't tell how many times there have things done wrong by the council President Krug. The council really needs to start calling her out on this, we need a meeting ran the right way. If it is not it makes it hard to follow on radio and tv, not to mention even at the meeting it's self. It also is what is right. There are rules to running a council meeting and that should be followed at all times.
It's sad that this council president does not seem to care about the rules.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Better late then never right?
Well I promised to have a blog yesterday but was unable to do so because of technical issue with the computer. Most of the blogs are written from my home computer very few are done at the Duluth Public Library. Why is that important information? Well I guess it's really not LOL. However yesterday I guess I should have spend some quality time at our library, in stead of unproductive time at home.
At any point here is the post, yesterday in the Duluth News Tribune there was an article about the street fee being put on hold.
The council was going to hold a special meeting last night so there could be a second reading at the following council meeting Next Tuesday. Council President Linda Krug said that the plan just is not ready for prime yet. So what does this mean?, well we again have no real idea because the council is mum on what the plan they are discussing is. I have heard that the new plan maybe a one year fee then a tax increase. Wait what is this not pretty much the same thing, I think so.
It seems at this point according to councilor Krug there just is not enough support for the ordinance that is being thought about. I would hope that this type of thinking with fee's and tax increase would never have the support of council. Please note I have also heard that there is or could be as many as two resolutions and at least one ordinance.
Councilor Sipress made mention that city already has a 5 dollar fee for street lights again something they should cover with current taxes. Sipress has some concerns about another fee. President Krug says a fee would be better then a tax increase because it is right now and you don't have to wait.
Here is my thing on that we as citizens can't afford to pay more in fees/taxes for thing the city should provide already. I understand that money is tight right now in the city however it is even tighter in every day life. The city duplicates many services that the state already provides why? Another thing even when the city did receive money from the casino for roads 80% was taken for other things. Again why when this money was dedicated for roads and if you would have used it for that we our roads would not be in such disarray.
At any point here is the post, yesterday in the Duluth News Tribune there was an article about the street fee being put on hold.
The council was going to hold a special meeting last night so there could be a second reading at the following council meeting Next Tuesday. Council President Linda Krug said that the plan just is not ready for prime yet. So what does this mean?, well we again have no real idea because the council is mum on what the plan they are discussing is. I have heard that the new plan maybe a one year fee then a tax increase. Wait what is this not pretty much the same thing, I think so.
It seems at this point according to councilor Krug there just is not enough support for the ordinance that is being thought about. I would hope that this type of thinking with fee's and tax increase would never have the support of council. Please note I have also heard that there is or could be as many as two resolutions and at least one ordinance.
Councilor Sipress made mention that city already has a 5 dollar fee for street lights again something they should cover with current taxes. Sipress has some concerns about another fee. President Krug says a fee would be better then a tax increase because it is right now and you don't have to wait.
Here is my thing on that we as citizens can't afford to pay more in fees/taxes for thing the city should provide already. I understand that money is tight right now in the city however it is even tighter in every day life. The city duplicates many services that the state already provides why? Another thing even when the city did receive money from the casino for roads 80% was taken for other things. Again why when this money was dedicated for roads and if you would have used it for that we our roads would not be in such disarray.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Victory
Yes we did it victory............ but wait hold on something is still going to be done right?
The special city council meeting has been canceled and it was reported on the Brad Bennett show that Mayor Don Ness is not accepting the street fee as a viable way to pay for street repairs. That said I really ask you all to use caution because the issue still needs to be addressed some how. The streets remain in poor shape and money is thin.
I want our streets to be in good shape but not at the tax payers expense, except for taxes that we currently have. We need to continue to try to find a way to fix our streets and I as a citizen will continue to do so.
The City of Duluth web site has been updated to Monday's meeting being canceled. Thank you all that took a stand on this issue. Your calls emails and showing up at the meetings worked. Yes this blog was part of that, yes I am taking some credit LOL.
Again stay involved this is not over it can't be over. Something still needs to be done. Be involved in you government on more then one issue.
The special city council meeting has been canceled and it was reported on the Brad Bennett show that Mayor Don Ness is not accepting the street fee as a viable way to pay for street repairs. That said I really ask you all to use caution because the issue still needs to be addressed some how. The streets remain in poor shape and money is thin.
I want our streets to be in good shape but not at the tax payers expense, except for taxes that we currently have. We need to continue to try to find a way to fix our streets and I as a citizen will continue to do so.
The City of Duluth web site has been updated to Monday's meeting being canceled. Thank you all that took a stand on this issue. Your calls emails and showing up at the meetings worked. Yes this blog was part of that, yes I am taking some credit LOL.
Again stay involved this is not over it can't be over. Something still needs to be done. Be involved in you government on more then one issue.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Special Duluth City Council meeting.
The Duluth City Council will be having a special council meeting on Monday May 19th at 1pm central time, the meeting will take place in the council chambers room 303. The meeting will foucus on the street issue this blog has been focusing on.
You bet I will be there to hear the plan they have come up with. My question is how many others are going to be able to make it at that time. Yes I know it is a special meeting and they have to do it when they can however 1pm on a work day is insane.
I sure hope a lot of people can show up at this meeting. Please come if you can.
Other meeting that will take place to follow and be at then for the street issue. 5/22 agenda session 5:15pm and the council meeting Tuesday 5/27 at 7pm. Note the day is Tuesday not Monday because or the holiday.
You bet I will be there to hear the plan they have come up with. My question is how many others are going to be able to make it at that time. Yes I know it is a special meeting and they have to do it when they can however 1pm on a work day is insane.
I sure hope a lot of people can show up at this meeting. Please come if you can.
Other meeting that will take place to follow and be at then for the street issue. 5/22 agenda session 5:15pm and the council meeting Tuesday 5/27 at 7pm. Note the day is Tuesday not Monday because or the holiday.
Running Duluth City Council Meetings.
So I have followed Duluth City Council meetings for many years. In do so I have noticed a steady decline in how the meeting are ran. More so in the last two or three council presidents. That said the current President is the worst Linda Krug seems clueless on how to run a city council meeting.
There are a number of things that point to this. The first there is no flow ever to a meeting it is a complete mess. The council has seemingly fallen away from any type of rules for there meetings. The meeting should follow the rules layed out in Roberts rules of order. I am not sure the Krug or many on the council know what this is.
I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to jump up and say point of order or or rule violations it is sad and sickening that the council President can't run a meeting correctly. Not only that it has to be almost impossible to follow on radio or pac tv if you don't have a copy of the agenda.
There are a number of things that point to this. The first there is no flow ever to a meeting it is a complete mess. The council has seemingly fallen away from any type of rules for there meetings. The meeting should follow the rules layed out in Roberts rules of order. I am not sure the Krug or many on the council know what this is.
I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to jump up and say point of order or or rule violations it is sad and sickening that the council President can't run a meeting correctly. Not only that it has to be almost impossible to follow on radio or pac tv if you don't have a copy of the agenda.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Whole sheets of rain.
Went in to the city council meeting last night at 5pm for the committee and council meeting. It was not raining that hard, man left early around 9pm and it was pouring sheets. Inside the council there was a wind storm. The council chose to have pete and re-pete show up a lot. Again I don't I hate when the councilors all feel the need to say the same thing over and over again why do you need to repeat it 8 or 9 times. Just vote on the issue. This is a waste of time and needlessly extends a meeting. Look at last nights meeting at least four resolution drew comments from at least eight councilors all saying the same. This extending the conversation to 10 to 15 minutes per resolution.
Now on to the meeting notes. First I must say this about the park point issue that was tabled. Council President Linda Krug said before the meeting started that they would table that resolution (9-0 vote) and the they would not allow speakers. I don't like that even when tabling citizens should have the right to be heard, what should have been before tabling is a suspend of the rules to hear from speakers on the issue. Now the group that came to speak could have said okay with the table we will just have one person speak but they did not even get that opportunity. Just a bad presidency I think.
Second was the opportunity for citizens to speak, I took the opportunity to speak on the street fee again, yes councilor Julsrud I will not shut up and go away. In fact I brought up last night and restated my opinion that this would drive seniors out of homes or they would have to make drastic changes to the way they live. Many of the seniors live on "fixed" incomes you are making chose food or streets. Many of the councilors have championed for seniors yet any chance they get they vote for things that harm these citizens. I also mentioned we now have no idea what the plan is for streets. I have asked the councilors what is the current plan in email only getting stay tuned back. Mum seems to be the word on this issue currently keep the citizens in the dark till it's in writing and the council has it's mind made up regardless of what the citizens have to say.
Then came many of the pete and re-pete issues. resolutions 0214, 0215, 0226 all dealing with low income tax money from the state, now the council needed to accept these resolution for them to be able to continue in the process.
Two of the three did pass the first 0214 this project was for the gateway tower redevelopment. This project has 150 units 80 will remain as they stand 70 will be made available to those who have jobs and make entry level pay. The discussion here was mainly about management. It passed 7-2 councilors Hanson and Fosle voting no on it.
The other that was the Krozy bar redevelopment ick is all I can say this building needs to come down. The conversation also was about management, the developer did say Eric Ringsred would have nothing to do with the building. Councilors also talked about having to take back that area of town. bring up perhaps low income can't be isolated to that area of town. They did however pass it 6-3.
Other interesting conversation for the developer the building is 127 years old and was building that has always been on that houses low income folks. It will have 40 units 4 of which will homeless units. the remaining will be workforce units. The building fell victim to the a fire in 1910.
Now on to the meeting notes. First I must say this about the park point issue that was tabled. Council President Linda Krug said before the meeting started that they would table that resolution (9-0 vote) and the they would not allow speakers. I don't like that even when tabling citizens should have the right to be heard, what should have been before tabling is a suspend of the rules to hear from speakers on the issue. Now the group that came to speak could have said okay with the table we will just have one person speak but they did not even get that opportunity. Just a bad presidency I think.
Second was the opportunity for citizens to speak, I took the opportunity to speak on the street fee again, yes councilor Julsrud I will not shut up and go away. In fact I brought up last night and restated my opinion that this would drive seniors out of homes or they would have to make drastic changes to the way they live. Many of the seniors live on "fixed" incomes you are making chose food or streets. Many of the councilors have championed for seniors yet any chance they get they vote for things that harm these citizens. I also mentioned we now have no idea what the plan is for streets. I have asked the councilors what is the current plan in email only getting stay tuned back. Mum seems to be the word on this issue currently keep the citizens in the dark till it's in writing and the council has it's mind made up regardless of what the citizens have to say.
Then came many of the pete and re-pete issues. resolutions 0214, 0215, 0226 all dealing with low income tax money from the state, now the council needed to accept these resolution for them to be able to continue in the process.
Two of the three did pass the first 0214 this project was for the gateway tower redevelopment. This project has 150 units 80 will remain as they stand 70 will be made available to those who have jobs and make entry level pay. The discussion here was mainly about management. It passed 7-2 councilors Hanson and Fosle voting no on it.
The other that was the Krozy bar redevelopment ick is all I can say this building needs to come down. The conversation also was about management, the developer did say Eric Ringsred would have nothing to do with the building. Councilors also talked about having to take back that area of town. bring up perhaps low income can't be isolated to that area of town. They did however pass it 6-3.
Other interesting conversation for the developer the building is 127 years old and was building that has always been on that houses low income folks. It will have 40 units 4 of which will homeless units. the remaining will be workforce units. The building fell victim to the a fire in 1910.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Events.
Once again people I want to remind you all if you have an event coming up please email it to me and I will post it on our events page. You may even make the front blog page with your event as well. You can email at duluthpolitics2@yahoo.com or duluthpolitics2@gmail.com
Tonights council meeting.
Well I stated in my last blog that the meeting may not be very exciting tonight as I did not have my agenda copy with me at the time. Well I am not sure it will be an exciting meeting are they ever? It could be a long a meeting depending on speakers and council comment.
One thing that always bothers me on some resolutions councilors feel the need to comment the same thing over and over again, for example each councilor or a large number of them feel the need to say they support a resolution and why even when there where no speakers on the issue and such. We get it you support why not just vote on it, instead of killing 15 minutes on it like a dead horse.
Now on to tonight's meeting. The big issue will be the park point issue. I still think that will be tabled and if there is the council thinking I hope they let the residence know this so there are not a bunch of speakers on the issue tonight. That said I would encourage some to speak and let the council know why you don't like the project. Now if the council does not want to table it and takes a vote tonight I also hope they let the people know this as well because then more speakers should sign up.
Well the issue does not directly impact me, it is one that could if you go down to the park point area in the summer. Like many of us do on our few nice days here in Duluth LOL. I love park point it is a nice place to have a picnic and enjoy the water and relax.
I don't like the current plan, because of the little bit I have read on the issue. It seems like it could put residence of park point in some issues where people may interfere with there property never a good idea. The road mess with this also sounds much like the project done up in the miller hill mall a few years ago and it is a mess that many will get confused about.
The other issue is the kozy and other building that could be redeveloped. I have one thing to say about the Kozy knock in down. Don't spend any money on it oh wait the city already has. So not worth it.
One thing that always bothers me on some resolutions councilors feel the need to comment the same thing over and over again, for example each councilor or a large number of them feel the need to say they support a resolution and why even when there where no speakers on the issue and such. We get it you support why not just vote on it, instead of killing 15 minutes on it like a dead horse.
Now on to tonight's meeting. The big issue will be the park point issue. I still think that will be tabled and if there is the council thinking I hope they let the residence know this so there are not a bunch of speakers on the issue tonight. That said I would encourage some to speak and let the council know why you don't like the project. Now if the council does not want to table it and takes a vote tonight I also hope they let the people know this as well because then more speakers should sign up.
Well the issue does not directly impact me, it is one that could if you go down to the park point area in the summer. Like many of us do on our few nice days here in Duluth LOL. I love park point it is a nice place to have a picnic and enjoy the water and relax.
I don't like the current plan, because of the little bit I have read on the issue. It seems like it could put residence of park point in some issues where people may interfere with there property never a good idea. The road mess with this also sounds much like the project done up in the miller hill mall a few years ago and it is a mess that many will get confused about.
The other issue is the kozy and other building that could be redeveloped. I have one thing to say about the Kozy knock in down. Don't spend any money on it oh wait the city already has. So not worth it.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
A bit more on a transparent city council.
This is a little more about a transparent city council, I wrote about a few post back you can look back and read that post if you would like to.
I find it interesting that I have asked a number of city councilors to keep up to date on the street fee or asked them questions about the issue and have not gotten a response. Yet the council wants you to believe they are willing to communicate with everyone. They also want you to believe they listen to everyone, even when it is clear they don't.
The councilors I have asked to keep me updated or asked questions to and got no response from are councilors Linda Krug, Sharla Gardner. If you read this before this UPDATE please read the following:
I did in fact get a response from Councilor Larson, thank you very much for that. Sorry I did not check my spam email and for some reason it was in there that has not happened with a councilor email before. That said however she did not disclose any of the ideas to me she did however say that they should be released to the public hopefully early next week. I look forward to seeing them and letting the council know my thoughts.
Again thank you councilor Larson for the response I do appreciate it.
It's laughable that the council wants people to believe they are transparent.
I find it interesting that I have asked a number of city councilors to keep up to date on the street fee or asked them questions about the issue and have not gotten a response. Yet the council wants you to believe they are willing to communicate with everyone. They also want you to believe they listen to everyone, even when it is clear they don't.
The councilors I have asked to keep me updated or asked questions to and got no response from are councilors Linda Krug, Sharla Gardner. If you read this before this UPDATE please read the following:
I did in fact get a response from Councilor Larson, thank you very much for that. Sorry I did not check my spam email and for some reason it was in there that has not happened with a councilor email before. That said however she did not disclose any of the ideas to me she did however say that they should be released to the public hopefully early next week. I look forward to seeing them and letting the council know my thoughts.
Again thank you councilor Larson for the response I do appreciate it.
It's laughable that the council wants people to believe they are transparent.
It's council meeting eve.
So it's council meeting eve do you know where your councilors is? Tonight at I sit here and write this blog we are about 1 hours away from the Duluth City Council meeting. Well I presume our councilors are tucked in their beds fast a sleep one could only make that a guess.
Well I don't expect tomorrows meeting to be all that exciting because I think the major issue will be tabled (Park Point). I do however think there maybe a number of speakers against this the issue.
Other issues that could be interesting are the resolutions with the new Marciues building. My only questions for that are how long will the sky walk be closed for and will it be public once again after the project is done. I sure hope so because I use that part of the sky walk all the time.
The other thing that I am sure will be brought either on the agenda (it was not on at of the Thursday agenda session) is the street fee. That said City Attorney Gunner Johnson said they are working as fast as they can on the issue. He did not think there would be anything Monday however it was possible, not likely. I can tell you if there is nothing on the agenda it may be brought up when the citizens can speak at the beginning of the meeting.
Well I don't expect tomorrows meeting to be all that exciting because I think the major issue will be tabled (Park Point). I do however think there maybe a number of speakers against this the issue.
Other issues that could be interesting are the resolutions with the new Marciues building. My only questions for that are how long will the sky walk be closed for and will it be public once again after the project is done. I sure hope so because I use that part of the sky walk all the time.
The other thing that I am sure will be brought either on the agenda (it was not on at of the Thursday agenda session) is the street fee. That said City Attorney Gunner Johnson said they are working as fast as they can on the issue. He did not think there would be anything Monday however it was possible, not likely. I can tell you if there is nothing on the agenda it may be brought up when the citizens can speak at the beginning of the meeting.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Just a quick note.
Many of you know I have been blogging for many years now. I started with a Duluth Politics blog back in 1997 I did that for a few years then moved mostly to facebook pages (blogs). I wanted to come back to a more approtie blog site and start again with a new Duluth Politics blog. In between I have done Duluth, national, regional and more blogging. So blogging is nothing new to me.
I must say this one ( that was my own blog) not a number of people on it, has the fastest start and most comments by facebook or email. I love it and want to thank everyone for reading the blog. The feed back in email, facebook, and on the street has been great.
Thanks happy reading and discussing whether it be here on the blog, email, facebook ect.....
I just wanted to point out how much fun this is for me and I am very glad about the feed back and I hope you enjoy the blog as well.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
A transparent city council?
The Duluth City Council says they that they are want to be transparent and willing to listen to the people that elected you. You encourage people to come and take part in the process. Yet when a major a facing our city like finding money to improver our streets come up. You do a 180.
The council held a agenda session today, where they talked about the street issue at the end of the meeting. They talked in very vague terms. Not letting an idea what they are discussing on the issue. We have no idea what is being written as ordinances and resolutions.
We only learned today that there will in fact be ordinances and resolutions about this issue. No thought by the council of saying what they ideas are the council are thinking about. How is this transparent? Even in email the councilors don't give any idea of what is going on with the issue. Don't you think the ideas should be shared with the public before they are written so we all know what is going on?
The council held a agenda session today, where they talked about the street issue at the end of the meeting. They talked in very vague terms. Not letting an idea what they are discussing on the issue. We have no idea what is being written as ordinances and resolutions.
We only learned today that there will in fact be ordinances and resolutions about this issue. No thought by the council of saying what they ideas are the council are thinking about. How is this transparent? Even in email the councilors don't give any idea of what is going on with the issue. Don't you think the ideas should be shared with the public before they are written so we all know what is going on?
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Open letter to Jennifer Julsrud.
This is an open letter to Duluth City Councilor Jennifer Julsrud. Well I was going to email her my thoughts, I think it is also important to make it aware to the public her comments at the last city council meeting. I was taken back by them.
Councilor Julsrud,
I was a bit shocked at the comments you made at the end of the 4-28-14 council meeting, so much so that it has taken to long for me to be able to write you in a some what respectful way.
You said about the street fee issue. I am excited to bring this to the council level and see what there thoughts are. For those citizens we have heard you, I ask that relax a bit. Later you said me and the councilors will figure out a solution. Please note these are not direct quotes but they are close.
What happened to civility? The council is suppose to be all about. I guess it is okay for you to say to the Duluth citizens just relax, translation go away and shut up. We will take this issue, I (Julsrud) don't care what you have to say.
Must I point out that you and the other councilors where elected by us the citizens, I think you should listen to what we ask of you. It is clear by your comments that you are not willing to listen. You want what you want. The arrogance of you comments can not go un-noticed. Councilor I will never go I will never shut up, nor should any Duluth citizens and for a council to make that type of a comment is sad.
By implying you don't want citizen involvement ( unless they agree with you. Then it okay for them to say something.) you have done a huge dis-service for the people of the 1st district and all of Duluth
Thanks
John Rathe
Duluth Mn
Councilor Julsrud,
I was a bit shocked at the comments you made at the end of the 4-28-14 council meeting, so much so that it has taken to long for me to be able to write you in a some what respectful way.
You said about the street fee issue. I am excited to bring this to the council level and see what there thoughts are. For those citizens we have heard you, I ask that relax a bit. Later you said me and the councilors will figure out a solution. Please note these are not direct quotes but they are close.
What happened to civility? The council is suppose to be all about. I guess it is okay for you to say to the Duluth citizens just relax, translation go away and shut up. We will take this issue, I (Julsrud) don't care what you have to say.
Must I point out that you and the other councilors where elected by us the citizens, I think you should listen to what we ask of you. It is clear by your comments that you are not willing to listen. You want what you want. The arrogance of you comments can not go un-noticed. Councilor I will never go I will never shut up, nor should any Duluth citizens and for a council to make that type of a comment is sad.
By implying you don't want citizen involvement ( unless they agree with you. Then it okay for them to say something.) you have done a huge dis-service for the people of the 1st district and all of Duluth
Thanks
John Rathe
Duluth Mn
Street fee talk from reader's John Ramos.
I like to pick the reader weekly, I don't many times agree with there stands however I like reading it because they have a lot of things you don't hear else where and now they have added a number of new people one of them is John Ramos.
I have always respect John and well we don't always agree his knowledge of city issues are second to none. He is one of the best in reporting because he takes the time to find out what is going on and he not just use press release and little snippet's. He is one of the few that goes out and does the work when reporting on issues.
In his first reader column he talks about spirt mountain it is a great commentary and ask you all check it out, but he also writes about a couple of other things in there one is the street fee and he takes on a councilor, Howie Hanson.
He says that Hanson is not a team player why? Well because he has came out and said he will not vote for a fee or a tax on the street issue. This makes him a enemy according to Ramos, because he is not a yes man to the Mayor on this issue(team player).
Really Mr. Ramos I contend that Hanson is in fact a team player, he is team Duluth, he is standing up for the people he said he would, unlike the Mayor and some other councilors. Mr. Ramos also is trying to charitize Hanson as some one who is mean and demanding because Hanson feels the city should already have the money for this as it is a essential service of the city.
I have always respect John and well we don't always agree his knowledge of city issues are second to none. He is one of the best in reporting because he takes the time to find out what is going on and he not just use press release and little snippet's. He is one of the few that goes out and does the work when reporting on issues.
In his first reader column he talks about spirt mountain it is a great commentary and ask you all check it out, but he also writes about a couple of other things in there one is the street fee and he takes on a councilor, Howie Hanson.
He says that Hanson is not a team player why? Well because he has came out and said he will not vote for a fee or a tax on the street issue. This makes him a enemy according to Ramos, because he is not a yes man to the Mayor on this issue(team player).
Really Mr. Ramos I contend that Hanson is in fact a team player, he is team Duluth, he is standing up for the people he said he would, unlike the Mayor and some other councilors. Mr. Ramos also is trying to charitize Hanson as some one who is mean and demanding because Hanson feels the city should already have the money for this as it is a essential service of the city.
More on the street fee.
Yes the street fee has been my main focus as of late, but it should be. People are outraged about this issue and they should be. Again the city lead by the Mayor, Jennifer Julsrud and council president Linda Krug are asking citizens to pay 8.50 a month fee to improve and do street upgrades. This is something the city should provide with tax dollars. They say they don't have the funds, but in reality they do. They just chose not to except this. How you ask does the city have enough money? well that is a good question.
Listen the city loves to fund pet projects that use tax dollars, these projects are not an essential part of the what the city should provide. They also now have more administration help then ever before. Our Mayor has recently hired a new position, this position is a duplicate of another they already have filled. We find this a lot in the city. We also have a human right commission. Why when the State already has this we don't need to offer it here in the city, any issues can and in this case should be taken up at the State provide office.
There are places we can cut but the city refuses to look at them, and I am in the process of going threw these to give ideas.
We have a fee's already to Parks and Recreation/ Libray, street lights, water and gas and electric. Many of these fees are well over charged and have a surplus's. Why not take those surplus's and add it to the streets?
This added fee if it was to happen would but a further burden on those the the city councilors and Mayor pretend to defend and care about. Senior citizens, young adults raising a family and those that have fixed incomes because of disability. These are the once you hurt the most by making a new fee, these people struggle daily to make ends meet yet you want to add a fee for streets. It makes no sense but you continue to run people out of Duluth.
I ask that you look at not creating dog parks, more bike trails, fund pet projects and such until you come to the citize3ns with a real plan that fixes the streets.
Listen the city loves to fund pet projects that use tax dollars, these projects are not an essential part of the what the city should provide. They also now have more administration help then ever before. Our Mayor has recently hired a new position, this position is a duplicate of another they already have filled. We find this a lot in the city. We also have a human right commission. Why when the State already has this we don't need to offer it here in the city, any issues can and in this case should be taken up at the State provide office.
There are places we can cut but the city refuses to look at them, and I am in the process of going threw these to give ideas.
We have a fee's already to Parks and Recreation/ Libray, street lights, water and gas and electric. Many of these fees are well over charged and have a surplus's. Why not take those surplus's and add it to the streets?
This added fee if it was to happen would but a further burden on those the the city councilors and Mayor pretend to defend and care about. Senior citizens, young adults raising a family and those that have fixed incomes because of disability. These are the once you hurt the most by making a new fee, these people struggle daily to make ends meet yet you want to add a fee for streets. It makes no sense but you continue to run people out of Duluth.
I ask that you look at not creating dog parks, more bike trails, fund pet projects and such until you come to the citize3ns with a real plan that fixes the streets.
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