I know, I know, my headline is a play on words but honestly friends and neighbors, this Ten Commandments issue has gone too far and it is time for sensible leadership to take charge. Let the chips fall where they may and let's move on to a number of legislative issues that will determine the future of our fair city.
I pray such a thought will progress through the hallowed halls of the White Castle located here in the Kingdom called Duluth.
Our illustrious King Herb of Bergson seems to be in exile on this issue and that's too bad, because he alone must unfetter his sword and lead the charge of responsibility and dignity as our peasants seek refuge and protection from the politicians, barristers of record and special interest fanatics who would take away the very freedoms that built this great nation.
Duluth is at a crossroads as we enter the 21st century. Our declining population may have subsided. Potential development concepts generate a new era of potential prosperity for a seaport too often, in the past, forgotten in the scheme of economic possibilities. We're tired of people ridiculing our city as too cold, too windy, too anti-business, too hilly, too dominated by one political persuasion and too easily intimidated by those who would attack independent thinkers that would invest in the economic foundations that bring prosperity and stability here.
In recent years, Duluth city councils seemed to have severed responsible ties with the administrative leadership established in our city charter. The strong mayor form of government, established here in 1956, was intended to move city government out of the dark ages. It worked very well for a number of years, but then something happened, as if a spell cast on city government generated infighting, chest pounding and a political atmosphere of challenge and contempt between the council and the administration. Because of this continual harangue, responsible government took a beating. Sister governments throughout the area were sideline observers, and many regional concepts simply didn't get off the ground for lack of interest or connection.
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We sense Bergson would like to change that, and we wish him well. But with intent comes the most important ingredient, leadership backed up with purpose.
The Ten Commandments issue should be resolved quickly. This foolishness can serve no purpose. The plaque was given to the city 47 years ago, and for the Civil Liberties Union and others to be fussing about it nearly a half century later is ridiculous. However, wasting the taxpayers' money doesn't seem to bother the establishment these days.
The real issue here is to look at the major challenges facing our city and area. A plaque somehow doesn't fit into this equation.
There could be a resurgence of mining on the Iron Range and that would help Duluth, but it cannot be considered a long-term stabilizer. We need to explore other growth industries and fine-tune existing industries re: health, education, tourism, transportation, retail and others yet to focus. We have the tools and we have neighboring communities that can render more than lip service to economic development in all of northeastern Minnesota. That's where Duluth's future lies, so isn't it time to stop this procrastination and get down to business?
Herb Bergson deserves a chance now to lead as a strong mayor should. Let's see what happens.
Dick Palmer is the former editor and publisher of the Budgeteer News. He may be reached by telephone at 729-6470 or by
e-mail at rpalmer@duluth.com .
