New Duluth Mayor Don Ness recently endorsed Barack Obama for President and he’s been named one of the Illinois Senator’s state Co-Chairs for Minnesota. Ness, who was elected last fall, doesn’t plan to spend a huge amount of time campaigning for Obama, however.
Ness said he won’t be able to give much time to the campaign, and he probably won’t do any stumping for votes or fundraising. Instead, he said, he will focus on his duties with the mayor’s office.
“My focus is on the city of Duluth and the issues facing our community,” he said. “But I am still an American and I care very deeply about our country, and as a citizen I want my voice heard in this presidential campaign.”
Duluth has (more than) its share of troubles these days, so Ness’ decision is responsible, but its not enough for some people.
City Councilor Jim Stauber, for example, was surprised by the news and questioned whether the mayor should devote his time to a partisan political effort with so many issues facing the city.
“I wish the mayor would in the first few months, if not years, concentrate on Duluth issues rather than campaign and endorse a presidential candidate,” Stauber said. “I wish he would have declined the opportunity and said, no, I need to spend my time in Duluth.”
C’mon! Ness has lent his name to some press releases and will probably show up at a few events. Its not like he’s commuting to Chicago and planning direct mail hits.
Give me a break!
If Ness’ critics can show that he is neglecting the city in favor of the Obama campaign, thats one thing. But if they can’t (and I would be shocked if they could) this smells like nothing but sour grapes to me.
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So, let me get this straight. The last mayor got a DUI just outside Superior while in route to Chicago on city business. He shared a confidential document with the Duluth News Tribune and fired his city administrator via a post-it not on his door (then he left for yet another work related trip out of state).
And Ness supporting Obama is a big deal? Donny has been a major player in the DFL for many years. In fact his presidential endorsement, while a lowly city councilor, was highly sought after four years ago.
Gotta love Dulth politics. What I want to know is why
would any politico in Duluth support a candidate that wants to curb global warming?
Let me get this right - Council member Donnie Ness did nothing to help stop the massive debt owed by Duluth taxpayers due to the cities o so generous health care benefit give away to AFSME. Was not present for the vote, negotiated by Mayor Bergson, which substantialy cut that future taxpayer debt. Said he was in Minneapolis opps sick in Duluth and could not be present. Signs on for Obama but says he cant do anything for him. Look out Duluth another big city politician who wants to be in charge but doesn’t know why.