My campaign platform is comprised of three planks, one of which is Building Community. The main tenant under Building Community is to “renew our focus to be the best stewards possible of our finances and public holdings”. I have attended city council meetings for five years and my opponent and I have differing viewpoints on what are sound financial expenditures and these are fundamental leadership traits that must be considered.
Most of us are aware of what is commonly referred to as the “Hole” beside the Red Clay Theater. During the August 26th Work Session the topic of what to build on this property took up a considerable amount of time. Those in attendance heard my opponent say, regarding a structure on the property, “I do not have a problem spending up to $1.5 million”. My viewpoint is unless there is a financial return on investment or an overwhelming benefit to the citizens of our community you do not spend $1.5 million on a 4500 square foot building.
A second differing viewpoint on spending our tax dollars was brought to light during the Candidate Forum. The question was asked about a hotel in downtown. Based on the hotel study results the city would have to fund in some way this project to make it financially profitable for the private investor. Let me be clear, I believe some projects warrant public sector funds to support private sector investments. In the case of the hotel I am not convinced that this is one of the projects the city should fund. My opponent however thought funding the hotel was a good idea. Her reasoning, the citizens of Duluth could buy a membership and utilize the hotel swimming pool.
Find out what's happening in Duluthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
With the advent of the “Master Plan for Downtown Duluth” there is a possibility the council will be faced with significant public investment decisions. In this case I believe I will be the best steward of the city’s finances going forward.
Please give me the opportunity to make a difference, vote David Cossette on December 3rd.
