Positions

Northlanders are the most valuable asset in this region. We have a strong work ethic and believe in spending our money locally. We appreciate the value of good customer service and shop at local small businesses.

 

Our exceptional colleges and academic institutions provide young people with educations and develop them into the professionals of tomorrow. However, there aren’t enough jobs in Duluth to provide these talented graduates the careers they deserve. They need more opportunities.

 

Let’s build a better tomorrow by retaining and expanding existing businesses while creating more jobs for our college graduates. Let’s end the “Brain Drain” to the cities.

 

Duluth has a rich history and thrived during the industrial revolution. We’ve since transitioned into an economy primarily based on tourism and the service sector, but there are other growing business sectors.

 

Jobs in the medical industry continue to rise and the Seaway Port Authority is still going strong. Companies like Cirrus, Aero Design and Manufacturing, and Duluth Pack are good examples of successful manufacturing businesses based here.

 

However, there are simply not enough good jobs to go around. We need to support small business owners and encourage them to hire more full-time employees. Moreover, we also need to be proactive in attracting new companies to Duluth. 

 

As your city councilor, I’ll focus on creating jobs through business retention and expansion. I’ll work with organizations like the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, APEX, the Greater Downtown Council, The Lincoln Park Business Group, Northspan, The Western Area Business and Civic Club, and others on implementing this initiative.

 

I support DEDA's efforts and would proudly serve on the Duluth Economic Development Authority. Let's utilize the resources this commission receives to spur economic growth.

 

Let’s focus our economic development efforts on attracting new businesses and entrepreneurs to the region. Business developments on the Iron Range and in the surrounding cities will have a positive impact on us too.

 

Let’s build a better tomorrow by proactively promoting the benefits of doing business in Duluth.

 

If we are to build a better tomorrow, our streets, sidewalks, bridges, and bike trails all need to be improved. Duluth’s infrastructure has been neglected for far too long.

 

A bridge in Lincoln Park is in such poor condition that the city must close the park in the winter due to the weight of snow-plows. Many roads in Piedmont and Duluth Heights have potholes and don’t even have sidewalks. 

 

Retaining walls throughout Lincoln Park are falling apart and the park, with beautiful Miller Creek flowing through it, needs more maintenance. 

 

I support using all of the Community Investment Fund monies to repair our streets, sidewalks, and other infrastructure.

 

Let’s build a better tomorrow by developing plans to repair our streets and sidewalks.

 

As executive director of the Lincoln Park Business Group (LPBG), I’ve learned about working with the city and how to get results.

 

We presented the benefits of having Superior Street resurfaced and now it will be completed this year. Approximately 2.1 miles of West Superior from Garfield Avenue to 40th Avenue West will be resurfaced.

 

However, we still need to get street lights, benches, garbage cans, and repair sidewalks that aren’t safe to walk on. 

 

The LPBG is building a monumental entry-point sign to welcome visitors. We also formed an infrastructure committee to discuss issues and develop an action plan for Lincoln Park by the end of 2009.

 

We’re working with officials from the Duluth Engineering Department, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. 

 

A bicycle and pedestrian corridor along 29th Avenue West is one of our priorities. Kids at the new skateboard park and the proposed new western-middle school above Wheeler Field should have a safe route to bike or walk to the Duluth Heritage Sports Center, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Children’s museum.

 

Let’s build a better tomorrow by providing safe routes of travel within our neighborhoods.

 

Crime is an issue throughout Duluth and needs to be addressed comprehensively. Statistics and crime-mapping software identify trouble areas that need more attention, but we can’t focus all of our resources on just those areas. 

 

Duluth’s Police Department needs increased funding for more officers and equipment. Extra patrols in more areas will provide us with a safer city. We should also encourage participation in neighborhood watch programs like the Lincoln Park Citizens Patrol. 

 

I supported the special assessment for public safety as did the LPBG Board of Directors. We sent a letter of endorsement to the entire city council.

 

The Duluth Fire Department also needs more funding. We can’t neglect the services that protect our families, pets, and personal property. 

 

Let’s build a better tomorrow by investing in the police officers and firemen that protect and serve the public.

 

The abundance of green space in Duluth is one of the reasons that make living here is so great. Our parks provide recreational activities for nearly everyone. 

 

Lincoln Park has Miller Creek running through it with several bridges and waterfalls to explore. There’s a playground for kids and picnic tables for family barbeques. A hiking trail goes all the way up to Skyline and connects with Enger Park. 

 

Duluth’s parks need more maintenance and they all deserve equal attention. 

 

Our community centers are also struggling. In Lincoln Park, we almost lost the Harrison Community Center due to a fire. Residents, businesses, and agencies united and raised more than $20,000 to “Save the Harrison.” Now, it is a self-sustaining facility utilized by the entire community. 

 

I helped lead the “Save the Harrison” campaign and was recognized at the Harrison’s Grand Opening with the 2008 “Spark in the Park” award.  I have many fond memories of the Harrison Community Center while growing-up in Lincoln Park.It was a lot of fun for me

 

Let’s build a better tomorrow by providing the Parks and Recreation Department with enough resources and by working with residents to keep these community assets here for future generations to enjoy.