The News Tribune asked the same five questions to each of the 10 finalists for the open Duluth City Council seat. We'll run one set of responses each day, going alphabetically. Today we have the responses of Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma's Marathon.
Q: The city is facing another budget shortfall next year. How would you handle it?
A: We can find more reductions in our $80 million budget, but first and foremost we need to develop a "stop-spending" attitude in City Hall. Perhaps the quickest way to accomplish a balanced budget is to consider a 36- or 32-hour workweek for the majority of the city employees.
Q: How would you have voted on the 14 percent levy increase?
A: It is extremely difficult to put more tax burden on the citizens of Duluth to balance our annual budget. We need to be more efficient in our general operations and commit to reducing our expenses. I would not have supported a 14 percent levy increase, although I would have considered supporting a much smaller increase, up to
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6 percent.
Q: How would you have voted on the monthly fee for street lighting?
A: I would not have supported it. Out of an $80 million budget, we need to, and can, find alternative efficiencies and reductions in expenses. The street lighting fee has upset a large portion of our homeowners and people are losing confidence in our city leaders.
Q: What do you believe are the most cuttable city expenditures?
A: It is imperative that we develop clear, comprehensive strategies to reduce operational expenses. We need to go over every line item expense in our budget and then make some difficult choices. We can't continue to be desperate and reactive to budget shortfalls. Reducing payroll hours for city employees may be the answer.
Q: If appointed, would you run for election in the fall? Why/why not?
A: No. I have the experience and desire to help the city in 2009. I would not use the appointment to further any political aspirations.
