Story Published:
Mar 25, 2008 at 10:16 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Mar 25, 2008 at 10:26 PM CDT
If you had the Duluth Mayor's undivided attention for ten minutes what would you tell him?
Several residents had that rare opportunity tonight at city hall.
LeAnn Wallace has more on the Ness Administration's first "Mayor's Night."
"I just feel like I want someone to hear my voice."
And that's exactly what Mayor Don Ness did tonight.
Community members signed up and waited their turn to have their one-on-one chat with the Mayor.
A variety of different topics ranging from city concerns to school board issues were brought to the table.
''I have some very deep concerns about the Red Plan and the use of eminent domain being used in the lakeside area and what actually will happen with our homes.''
"The future bonding for the city with the taxes going up, what is our bond rating for our city going to be if in fact they have to make major repairs to sewers, streets, the over flow system?"
"I'm really unhappy with the permit department; me and my daughter have essentially been living with family or in a hotel."
"Each person was given 10-minutes to talk with the Mayor in his office. Mayor Ness says despite the sometimes difficult or sensitive topics, he's enjoyed the conversations."
"Make sure that citizens know they have the right and opportunity to come speak their mind, and share with us their concerns or their ideas for how we can improve city government and so far I've really enjoyed the conversations, people bring great ideas and great insight."
Mayor Ness says having an open door policy like this one is something he wanted to implement early in his term.
In Duluth, LeAnn Wallace, the Northlands NewsCenter.
Future ''Mayor's Night'' will be scheduled on the last Tuesday of each month at City Hall.
Mayor Ness and his senior city staff will be available to visit with residents a first come first serve basis.
