Doing a good job for Duluth will take more than one term

While Duluth Mayor Don Ness is certainly not happy with the current economy, he has concluded that this is the perfect time for him to be mayor. And, despite stresses that have introduced some gray hair to his 30-something head, he’s not thinking the job is half over. In fact, during a 90-minute interview with the Budgeteer last week, he confirmed that he is planning to run again in 2011.

“I’ve decided to run for re-election because I love the work,” he said. “I could do without the role of being ‘The Mayor’ and the formal roles that come with that, but I love the challenge of the job and the chance to improve the city.

“People look at me funny when I say this, but I prefer to serve during tough times. It’s allowed me to focus my time on reform, operations and finding solutions to massive problems. If times were good, I would probably have to spend more time at social events — I know most mayors love that, but I’d rather be at my desk working on policy.”

Not to mention the fact that Ness likes to save his weekend and evening time to spend with his wife, Laura, and their two young children.

However, one term won’t be enough to get the job done, he said.

“My goal is to take on every significant issue facing city government and to come up with long-term solutions,” he said. “It’s an ambitious goal and we have a long way to go — that’s why I’ll be running for a second term.

“My goal will be to give the next mayor a chance to run the city with a lot fewer problems. Hopefully that person will be someone who enjoys ribbon cuttings and cocktail parties.”

Tags: budge news, budgeteer, ness, duluth