Ness addresses Duluth property taxes at Chamber forum

Mike S.
Duluth, MN     11/03/2009 3:48 PM

Yeah Donny, it's all the state's fault. None of it falls upon the city who for decades has barricaded good paying jobs out of the city. None of it falls upon the city for going into ridiculous endeavors. And none of it falls upon the city for bringing in people and organizations who contribute nothing to the city coffers, and instead consume taxpayer dollars like air. Yeah, it's all the state's fault.

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Gardner E.
11/03/2009 3:47 PM

Donny, where do you think the state funds come from? That's right, the taxpayers. So what's your point, Mr Economics? Typical Liberal irresponsible ploy... if not a downright lie. Distorting the facts and misusing scare tactics doesn't work any longer. We the voter are informed now and will not tolerate this kind nonsense any longer. Blame you, your predecessors and their shortcomings for not having a clue about how to manage a simple budget. Do you think we are that stupid, and have forgotten this continued incompetence? I have to manage money at home, would you like a lesson in how to do this? I'd be happy to teach you. First, you can start with the welfare people. And how about cutting some of the freeloaders off the other social agendas, liberals tend to support. Maybe if you cut these programs, we wouldn't need a new police station to deal with increased crime as a result of these ridiculous programs. Or maybe you can have prisoners do something instead of sitting on their behinds watching TV's all day. Oh excuse me, I forgot.....civil liberties violations. How could I be so stupid? Would you like me to go on, or can I assign some homework, for "extra credit"? Why didn't you blame it on George Bush....that seems to be the fad, when a political leader can't do the job they were elected to do.

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Grant .
11/03/2009 3:28 PM

More proof that Donny boy doesn't comprehend budgeting and fiscal responsibility. The citizens of Duluth keep voting for ignoramuses and then the citizens wonder why their taxes and fees skyrocket. If Donny boy was truly a man he would accept responsibility for the state of the City rather than finger-pointing. So aid (from the state) gets cut...so what? Why can't Duluth exist on its own tax base? When an individuals' income decreases, they must decrease their spending, or go bankrupt. Maybe Donny boy should cut expenses to be in line with income WITHOUT increasing taxes. He is simply passing the pain on to the taxpayers rather than doing what he should do, ie: cut to core activities only. Maybe Donny boy should put the new police station/doughnut shop on the back burner for a couple of years. See what kind of fiscally irresponsible fools get elected when the voters vote along party lines or follow the union endorsed ticket like lemmings.

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Jay S.
Duluth, MN     11/03/2009 3:26 PM

How fitting that he placed blame on the Governor while speaking at the Technology Village, which was built in large part with local tax dollars and is a proven waste. I don't believe it was a Republican governor who chose to waste that money, or waste money on the Great Lakes Aquirium, or the downtown movie theater. I could go on, but it's too easy.

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John A.
Duluth, MN     11/03/2009 3:21 PM

Ness sounds like a Republican when he discusses financial matters, and he sounds like a Democrat when he discusses social responsibility. I for one am happy we have a balanced, thoughtful and articulate Mayor for a change.

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P N.
Duluth, MN     11/03/2009 3:17 PM

I don't understand blaming the State and Tim Pawlenty for years and years of poor city management - Pawlenty earned recognition nationwide as one of THE best government managers.... I just don't get it...

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Peanutgallery L.
Duluth, MN     11/03/2009 3:05 PM

pass the blame Ness. Why don't you save some money by scaling back and building a new headquarters in say... the Old St Louis County Jail that has been for sale. Sometimes there have been opportunities that would be adequate, but not what someone else envisioned. In times of economic downturns the City needs to put plans off or change them to something that works and doesn't bankrupt the citizens.

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Gary B.
11/03/2009 3:02 PM

Of course the boy blunder is going to blame the state and Gov. Pawlenty. Isn't that what the DFL does? Don't accept your own local responsibilities, blame the other party, no matter what!

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