Born and raised in Duluth Mayor Don Ness has a great appreciation for his home town and Duluthians seem to appreciate him, electing him twice to lead their city.
But they are not the only ones looking to pin their hopes on this popular political leader. Power brokers in Washington D.C. are also interested in Mayor Ness.
"The city of Duluth makes me very proud," says Ness.
In just nine short years Don Ness went from a first term city councilor to Mayor of Duluth.
He has never lost an election or his vision for his home town.
"I believe Duluth has the potential to be one of the great mid sized cities in America."
Popular Northland politicians are historically courted by their party to climb the ladder to higher office and Ness is certainly popular.
During his most recent campaign he ran unopposed, the first Duluth mayor to ever hold that distinction.
"This is the political role that fits the strengths that I have."
Achievement combined with authentic humility provided Don a connection and standing among his childhood friends. It's a model he's followed all the way to the mayor's office.
"He lets me do the job as police chief," says Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay. "In many cities you know...there is often friction between the chief and mayor."
Ness loves being mayor because he can see a problem, craft a solution and implement it.
"He can sit and chew through a problem and find solutions that don't always occur to others," says Ness' wife Laura Ness.
For Northlanders, weary of Gridlock on Capitol Hill, problem solving would be a welcome change. The DFL party believes that change will start with a new 8th District Congressman.
Republican Congressman Chip Cravaack is up for re–election this year.
His victory over the Incumbent, James Oberstar was a significant blow to the DFL party. The party has made it their mission to reclaim the seat.
"This is probably for the local party here this fall is our top priority," says Debra Taylor, a DFL Central Committee member.
"There's an opportunity right now for me to run for congress," says Ness. "I've had folks from DC fly to Duluth and try to give me a hard sell to run for congress and I said absolutely not."
The Mayor's decision did not surprise local DFL'ers, who recognize the city's progress under his leadership.
"The Mayor has had to make some tough and unpopular decisions," says Taylor. "But through the mess we did manage to keep the streets plowed, fire and police protection going and the budget is now coming into balance."
Now into his second term, the only office this mayor wants to hold is located just a short drive away from his East Hillside home.
"I believe even more strongly that decisions should be made at a local level, because that is where officials are most connected to their community."
Putting rest to speculation that he could run for the 8th District, Mayor Ness recently endorsed his friend, DFL'er Jeff Anderson for congressional seat.
Michelle Lee
mlee@northlandsnewscenter.com
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