Leno Jokes About Duluth

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By KBJR News 2

Story Published: Jul 23, 2008 at 6:19 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 6:19 PM CST

NBC talk–show host and comedian Jay Leno thought Mayor Ness's proposal made a good punch line

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Leno Jokes "In Duluth, Minnesota, they want to charge you for sending a fire truck to your house...about 50 bucks. Don't we already have that? It's called 'taxes.'"

But Mayor Ness says it wasn't Leno's monologue that spelled doom for the ordinance...instead he says the ordinance was "confusing" and "lacked definition."
In an e–mail to city councilors today, Mayor Ness asks for the ordinance to be removed from the upcoming agenda.
Ordinance 55 would have authorized the city to charge citizens for emergency services like fire suppression, accident investigation and vehicle extrication.
Some critics, including several councilors pointed out, that residents already pay for those services through property taxes,
The idea originated with Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and Fire Chief John Strongitharm.
They say the idea wasn't original...they say several communities across the country are doing it.

"It did seem like we were the only city that was going to do this. It's been done for years across the nation, it's done regionally and what caused it to get to this level I think is mis–information."

The controversial charge was part of Mayor Ness's plan to balance the city's books.
Mayor Ness has requested that the City Council schedule a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the ordinance with Chiefs Ramsay and Strongtharm.

Yes. After the committee of the whole meeting, the administration will have the opportunity to reintroduce the ordinance.