Mayor Coleman Announces Re-Election Campaign Focusing on Progress in Education, Public Safety, and Investment in Saint Paul
(Saint Paul) – Surrounded by family and dozens of supporters, Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman today announced that he will seek reelection as Mayor. The Mayor’s remarks focused on his successes in education, public safety, and investment, while pledging continued progress in Saint Paul
Mayor Coleman also announced the following endorsements today
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
Al Franken
Congresswoman Betty McCollum
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie
Former Mayor George Latimer
Council President Kathy Lantry
Councilmember Melvin Carter III
Councilmember Dave Thune
Councilmember Pat Harris
Councilmember Russ Stark
Councilmember Lee Helgen
Councilmember Dan Bostrom
Commissioner Toni Carter
Commissioner Rafael Ortega
Commissioner Jim McDonough
Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt
Commissioner Janice Rettman
Boardmember Elona Street-Stewart
Boardmember John Brodrick
Boardmember Tom Goldstein
Boardmember Anne Carroll
Boardmember Keith Hardy
Senator Dick Cohen
Senator Mee Moua
Senator Ellen Anderson
Senator Sandy Pappas
Representative Erin Murphy
Representative Cy Thao
Representative Carlos Mariani
Representative John Lesch
Representative Alice Hausman
Representative Tim Mahoney
Representative Sheldon Johnson
Saint Paul Federation of Teachers Local 28
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Minnesota State Council
Saint Paul Building and Construction Trades Council
Laborers Local 132
North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Painters and Allied Trades District Council 82
Teamsters Local 120
Teamsters Joint Council 32
United Auto Workers Local 879
Saint Paul Fire Supervisory Association Local 3939
Mayor Chris Coleman
Reelection Announcement
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
1/7/09
Today I stand before you, surrounded by family, friends, supporters and colleagues, to announce that I will seek reelection as Mayor of the City of Saint Paul.
While all of you are equally important, some are more equal than others – Connie, Molly and Aidan. They have stood by me, from the early days of the last campaign and through the long nights that have kept me away from home too often. Molly has endured the embarrassment of her dad being asked to deliver the morning announcements at school – an offer I accepted but was promptly asked to reconsider. Aidan has patiently accepted that I have, on occasion, been a wee bit late picking him up after a hockey game. And of course, through it all, Connie has been the glue that has held us all together, even as she has tried to maintain her own career in a very tough environment for real estate.
Thank you so much for being by my side and keeping me humble.
I am proud to stand here alongside my colleagues on the council, the county board, the school board and in the legislature. Together, we have formed a strong bond over the past three years. We have worked hard to make sure that Saint Paul speaks with one voice. It is a voice that proclaims — loud and clear — that our city is strong and it is moving forward. To my partners in labor, education, neighborhood reinvestment, business, the arts and public safety, I am eternally grateful for your steadfast guidance through the challenges and opportunities we have faced over the last three years.
Governing in a democracy is never easy, but the immense challenges we face in 2009 present obstacles few of us have ever seen. At times such as these, it is more important than ever that we gather around a single table and listen to those who challenge us to lift our sights, expand our vision and, when necessary, adjust our course.
As Mayor—and more importantly as a life-long resident of this city — I know that the strength of Saint Paul comes from the very people who have entrusted me to lead.
As Mayor, I opened doors that had long been closed to those seeking a voice in the governance of this city – figuratively and literally. On my first day in office, we unlocked the front door and said “this is a place where all are welcome. All who believe in the future of our great city should be at the table.” And you came. You challenged us to do more than we imagined we could. And you committed to lend your strength to our common effort.
In thousands of ways, the people of Saint Paul have kept faith with our city. Dozens of residents came together on the banks of Lake Phalen last fall to painstakingly remove hateful graffiti from a stone sculpture. Moms and dads give countless hours to coach not just their children but thousands of other boys and girls picking up a bat or tying on skates for the first time. 1200 volunteers each year enable us to operate the incomparable facilities at Como Park and hundreds of others dedicate their free time to the libraries across the city. Others fix up houses, start businesses, and form block clubs.
Saint Paul is a great city because all of you work so hard to make it so.
*******************
I seek reelection at a time of great uncertainty. The severity of the economic crisis becomes more apparent every day - mounting national debt, ponzi schemes and predatory lending practices - encouraged by short-sighted political strategies threaten the very foundation of our community.
A bungled response to Katrina and inadequate responses to financial crisis across the country have shaken our national confidence.
One of the most significant failures is the failure to invest in our nation’s cities. Our metropolitan areas drive our national economy and hold the key to our ability to compete in this new century. I have stood with Mayors across the state and country to advocate for critical investments in education and job training, infrastructure and innovation, new forms of energy and the historic character of our most beloved neighborhoods.
When politicians said they support public safety but then took resources away from the local governments that provide it, I stood with our police officers and fire fighters and the people who depend on them.
When leaders proclaimed they want Minnesota to compete in a global economy but withheld the resources necessary to educate our children to succeed in that economy, I stood with our students and their teachers.
When others called our efforts to expand economic opportunity and protect the environment ‘wasteful spending,’ I stood for the future of our city.
What began as a whisper on the national stage three years ago reached a crescendo on November 4th when millions of Americans cast their vote for change. While that word means many things to many people, I believe that, at its core, the change that people voted for in November was a change in tone and a new level of accountability.
Three years ago, it was clear that it was
* time to rebuild our community by investing in our infrastructure, including a first-class transit system anchored by light rail,
* Time to renew our economy by growing green industries powered by new sources of energy;
* Time to shift from short term strategies to long term solutions; and
* Time to recommit ourselves to the age-old values of education and hard work.
We were told the City had no role in education. But we know there is no greater responsibility for any society than the education of its children. Today we are providing early childhood education scholarships for hundreds of children. We are extending the learning day with new opportunities at libraries, recreation centers and with community partners.
We have even tackled the transportation challenges that were keeping far too many kids away from services critical to their success.
Three years ago, victims of domestic abuse had to navigate through a maze of law enforcement, medical and advocacy services for themselves and their families. Working with a broad coalition of agencies, we crossed jurisdictional lines, sought partnerships, and got the job done. Today, Bridges to Safety offers a warm, welcoming and safe one-stop for services that help address a serious threat to the public safety of our community.
For three years, we have fought hard to make sure Central Corridor becomes a reality. With our County and Regional partners, we have fought line-item vetoes, challenging funding formulas and disagreements among partners to move this project forward. Construction of the corridor will begin next year. Our city will take full advantage of the nearly billion-dollar public investment. With our philanthropic partners, we have sown the seeds for the type of neighborhoods we want to grow. We will make sure that the communities along the corridor thrive; and that we create new opportunities for the people who live and work there.
In spite of tough economic times, Saint Paul is moving forward.
* The Union Depot will not only be the first stop on the light rail line, but, it will host passengers boarding a new high speed train to Chicago.
* On the East Side, the 3M site is being re-envisioned as a campus for 21st century jobs
* Pop, Meritage, and The Bulldog are but three of the exciting new places to go downtown.
* The Concrete and Grass and McNally River Rocks music festivals have drawn huge crowds and critical acclaim in just a few years.
* Rice Street boasts the new Winnipeg apartments with one of the city’s first green roofs while Payne Avenue sparkles with new vitality.
* No news has been more exciting recently than the announcement that Lund’s/Byerly’s plans to open a store in the new Penfield development.
Some of the challenges we have tackled are not fully resolved. But we have made important progress. Three years ago, we faced a massive structural budget deficit. We knew that it was time to stop kicking the problem down the road for someone else to fix. We asked for solutions from our residents and city staff. We sought advice and gained perspective from business, community and labor leaders. We didn’t just continue to do things because that’s how they were always done.
We found ways to deliver better service at a better price. When it was clear we would have to stop programming some of our recreation centers, we didn’t post a notice on the front door saying “sorry we’re closed.” We forged new partnerships with organizations that could use the facilities to provide better services to our residents.
Most importantly, we kept our word to be honest with the people of Saint Paul. We didn’t make false promises. We told the truth. We made tough choices. And our residents understand the need to build a strong foundation for the City we love.
They have made it clear they put a high priority on protecting our homes and our children. They depend on our parks and our libraries. They count on us to protect the institutions that make this a great place to live.
Our work in Saint Paul can be instructive to the Governor as he and the legislature struggle with the $5 Billion problem the State faces. Look deep within your own structures to revamp how you do business. Ask tough questions. Don’t be afraid to talk to the men and women who do the work of our state, and listen to their advice. Be honest with the residents of Minnesota. Don’t tell them we can cut our way to greatness or they can have something for nothing. Understand that our State has been at its greatest when we have invested in our children, our infrastructure, and our quality of life. If we simply stare at our feet as we move forward, we shouldn’t be surprised when we run into a wall. But, if we plot a course to the horizon, Minnesota and cities throughout our State will achieve great things.
Many people have asked me what I enjoy most about being Mayor. I can honestly say it is the people I have met throughout Saint Paul.
There are many, many people and many stories that come to mind. But there is one incident I often reflect on—a moment that helps me remember what this job is all about.
A year or so ago, I was walking through my lobby to a meeting. There was a father standing there with his ten year old son. I introduced myself and asked him what was up. He told me that he had been called to school to get his son because he had gotten in a fight. After picking up his son up, he drove him to the corner of Franklin and Chicago where people were up to no good. Then he brought his son down to City Hall to see the Mayor’s office. He wanted his son to understand that there were two paths to choose from: one would lead to the streets, one to the heights of his community. I brought the young man into my office and had him sit in my chair while his dad proudly snapped pictures.
As they left, it was clear by the smile on the boy’s face that he would be heading down the right path. Having been shown a better way, he was going to take it.
Like the young boy, we know that there are two paths we can take. In the next several months, decisions made a mile north of here will determine if Saint Paul continues down the path to greatness.
In the midst of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt understood the incredible power of investment to move this country forward. In two weeks, a new President of the United States will take the oath of office – one who understands that investing in cities across America is the cure to the economic crisis facing our country. We in Saint Paul stand ready to do our part.
For the last three years, I have tried to lead this city by being honest with the people of Saint Paul and asking all of you to help me get where we need to go. I ask for reelection as Mayor because our work together is not finished. We have been tested and will be tested again. But we will stay the course….and our city will reach great heights.
Thank you.
###
Good, go Dems! PS, anyone who rains on Coleman’s parade with RNC negatives is really helping Repugs to win. Not that anyone would rain on his parade…
Whoa, a lot of early endorsements.
After what happened to the RNC protestors, who needs this guy?
Wow. What a lot of BS in that speech.
And, since we will not see this in a blog post, just a frinedly reminder that The One (TM) has now broken his “no lobbyists in my admin” pledge, the same pledge that a few folks here got a bit persnickettey about a few weeks ago when I noted that his transition team was full of them…….
“WASHINGTON (CNN) — President-elect Barack Obama, who campaigned on lessening the influence of lobbyists in government, has chosen a defense expert who is currently a vice president and lobbyist for one of the country’s biggest defense contractors to be his deputy secretary of defense.”
About his many pledges, Queen said it well………
“And another one down, another one down, another one bites the dust”
It sounds like he doesn’t feel too confident about his prospects for the DFL for Gov in 2010, and it’s probably a good call, considering the crowded and capable field. He’s only the first of many to realize staying put is often more preferable than trying (and possibly failing) to reach the next office.
So, Holly, you’re OK with what happened during the RNC? You think that Chris Coleman has behaved like a good DFLer in that regard? You think he should be supported? Please explain your thinking.
@ Really:
““WASHINGTON (CNN) — President-elect Barack Obama, who campaigned on lessening the influence of lobbyists in government, has chosen a defense expert who is currently a vice president and lobbyist for one of the country’s biggest defense contractors to be his deputy secretary of defense.””
So which one is a registered lobbyist? Really?
Jeh Charles Johnson, General Counsel
Michèle Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)
Robert F. Hale, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
William J. Lynn III, Deputy Secretary of Defense
None of them are. You are a liar.
Hi Charley,
Chris Coleman was largely liked before the RNC? Yes? Or no?
It is good to hold our elected officials accountable. If you really didn’t like him, and you don’t see he’s listening, it’s surely fair not to support him.
I think he’ll run, be endorsed by the DFL, and then face an opponent. Scathing words are often repeated during campaigns.
I am tired of losing to Republicans.
I suppose there is not a way to support him and still ask for change on his part (ask for what you are looking for… what are you looking for? Openness? Protection of freedom of speech? Etc.) OR is there graft or budgeting problems or what…
He sent Christmas cards all over the state to people who’ve never met him. I figured it meant that he has aspirations.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Coleman has statewide aspirations. He comes from a political family. His father was Senate Majority Leader from ‘73-‘80, a candidate for Governor in 1970, and came close to running for the U.S. Senate in ‘78.
Chris has run for quite a few local offices over the years. He ran for Ramsey County Attorney in ‘94, losing to Susan Gaertner. He got elected to the City Council in ‘97 and re-elected in ‘99. He ran for the 4th CD seat when Vento retired and placed behind McCollum and Novak in the primary. He got bored on the Council and retired in ‘03, citing a desire to spend time in the private sector and be with his family. He rediscovered an interest in public life after Randy Kelly endorsed Dubya. This electoral career suggests a certain restlessness, that he’s someone who doesn’t like to stay in one place for too long and always has his eye on the next opportunity.
As for his record in office and his positions, well, he was typically an ally of the Chamber of Commerce on the Council, supported the Twins stadium referendum in ‘99, endorsed Randy Kelly over Jay Benanav in 2001, supported Kelly’s budgets and other agenda items, etc. During his Congressional race in 2000, he was pretty much within the party mainstream of the moment, nothing especially interesting or any bold departures, left or right, from the party consensus. In 2005, Coleman ran for mayor on 1)”I’ll be nicer and more inclusive than Kelly” 2)”Got a special program or project you want? Sure, I’ll check off your wishlist” and 3)”I’ll pay for all this by convincing the state to give us more LGA. If that doesn’t work, then mumble mumble cough cough.”
Once in office, we’ve seen a much more left-wing version of Coleman than I would have expected based on his Council record. He made good on his pledges regarding signing the smoking ban and the living wage ordinance. Property taxes have exploded while services have been cut. Given Coleman’s relatively unexciting personality, the fact that after Kelly endorsed Bush a sack of cement with a “DFL” after its name could have been elected mayor, and the fact that he’s pissed off a lot of homeowners, business owners, smokers, and peace activists, you’d think he’d be pretty vulnerable against a good candidate. But who? Looks like most of the local elected officials are sitting this cycle out. Some “mad as hell” small business owner could mount a decent populist campaign if they were good on camera and could raise some money. Probably still wouldn’t win, but they might get enough of the disgruntled vote to put a scare into people.
I think you are right about him looking for the next opportunity. He was visible at the convention in Rochester and I don’t know anyone other than Franken and Dayton who sent out family pictures on Christmas cards all over the state.
Weird how the RNC debacle may haunt Chris Coleman and Susan Gaertner down the road.
lojasmo,
(CNN) “We are aware that Mr. Lynn lobbied for Raytheon and are working with Mr. Lynn to craft a role for him that is consistent with the president-elect’s high standards while balancing the need to fill this critical national security position,” Vietor said.
Oh, that’s Obama transition spokesman Tommy Vietor.
Read it all.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/08/defense.appointments/index.html
lojasmo, Obama’s spokessman and CNN called him a lobbyist. Do you know something they don’t? You can spin it all you want - like adding “registered” in front to allow you to try to squirm out of it.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA….another one bites the dust!
I believe Obama’s guidelines called for some time between lobbying and serving in an Oba administration. When was he a lobbiest?
@ lojasmo.
Don’t know the guidelines, but I do know that Obama’s own SPOKESMAN admits that it is an issue. CNN, the in-house media organ of the DNC admits it’s an issue and actually writes about it. Your attempts to argue otherwise are pathetic.
Let’s play a game everyone - guess which “promise” The Obamessiah will break next.
Really?,
He’s the Obaminator, not the Obamessiah. Get it right, dude.
Really? MSNBC is our network. CNN is for the seniors- who vote for us too.
Chris Coleman has done an excellent job of managing where the citizens have demanded more services (more cops and bigger fire budget) and the state and feds have targeted to dry up funds.
Charley, you’re a good guy as were most of the protesters, you were not watching your back very well and got caught up with some bad players. The mayor has a job to watch out for the city, all of us, even the Republicans.
You’re welcome to try and take him down for this one infraction but, who has enough panache to run?
He’ll be re-elected.
Hey Charley: Maybe send Chris your ideas of what you’d like to see him work for regarding freedoms and power, and where you thought he let you down.
Good Golly Miss Holly,
I guess he is also an Obamanation.
=====================
DJZ - your choice of MSNBC just goes to show that most young lib/lefties act on emotion and not on facts.
Does it bother you (and it should if you belive what you say) that GE, the parent of MSNBC, has a huge military business?
=====================
Really?
Nearly EVERY traditional media outlet has ownership that is deeply invested in the military industrial complex. That’s part of why most every editorial board is slanted rightward.
Really?, he’s not the Obamanation, we’re the Obamanation.
I think every media outlet except NPR and PBS. (and I read Slate.com and BBC).
Really?,
He’s not the Obamanation,
we’re the Obamanation.
I think every media outlet except NPR and PBS. (and I read Slate.com and BBC).
lojasmo,
Forgive me if I do not believe you, so, for my edification, please list the defense businesses of the NYT, LA Times, Wash Po, CNN, CBS and ABC.
Really?
Are you embarassing yourself again with the name calling trollisms?
Have you forgotten that your ideology has completely failed?
Have you forgotten how the Minnesota Republican trolls like you have been on the losing side of every issue, and have failed to correctly predict the outcome of any policy or legislation?
Have you forgotten how you trolls have fallen out of public favor, because people don’t trust Republican talking points anymore?
Judging by your behavior, apparently so, but to quote the strong, bold, steady Republican leader that was so promoted by Minnesota Republican trolls like you for SO many years, as he stated today:
“It’s very important for our party not to narrow its focus, not to become so inward looking that we drive people away from a philosophy that is compassionate and decent,” said Bush.
It kinda sounds like Bush’s not really getting in touch with people like you, Really?
Maybe you should start agreeing with Joe the Plumber on every issue from now on.
Lordy lordy,…do you need some smelling salts now, Really?
Let’s be glad there’s a differing opinion and investigate to see how it came to be. Let’s agree to disagree, or talk it out and really listen to each other. Otherwise this site gets boring, and people think they are right without listening to the other side.
Nitro,
Since I respect your opinion and insight, can you please show me where in this discussion I called anyone here a name?
The only people who have used name calling as a crutch for lack of facts or weak logic are you and lojasmo.
The One (TM), The Obamessiah (TM), and the Obamanation (TM), and a tip to Holly for The Obaminator (TM), are all terms of endearment for our Beloved Leader (TM).
Amazing how Republicans think we are as stupid as they are? Maybe Fox News does cause brain damage? Or is it just that GOPers are incapable of speaking the truth?
“Troll” is what bugs me.
I just heard MPR say “support comes from… the Fox network… CSI airs on…” No joke.
Ack! Fox and NPR together! I guess I missed that in the holiday rush.
www dot huffingtonpost dot com/2008/12/10/npr-announces-layoffs-sho_n_150001.html
Really?
What is sad obout your reply to my comment about your trollishness is that you deny using name calling trollisms in a thread where you use name calling trollisms.
I guess in your typical right wing world, what you write doesn’t count as insulting name calling if you think it’s not insulting name calling.
Here’s my name for you, because I’m a pathetic leftist who supports an Obamanation, the Obamassiah. (to use the terms you claim are not name calling).
You are irrelevant.
Nitro,
Once again, please indicate in my posts here where I called you or any other poster a name.
Please. Just. Do. It.
You have shown a complete lack of ability to post a comment without personal attacks on the commentors here. Again, typical behavior of those with weak argmuments and poor logic.