David's Blog

A Tax worth Paying

You and I have heard the opposition to the proposed DECC Arena expansion. Some business-savvy residents of Duluth have let it be known they are voting against the Arena because they are against any tax increase. No new taxes – for anything, for any reason, at any time - is their mantra. While I respect these individuals and can understand their view, I respectfully disagree with their logic.

If Arena opponents are successful and the referendum is voted down, then what? Will there be reason for celebration? No. We will have simply returned to where we were prior to the referendum: trying to compete in the big-time with a small rink. UMD will be forced to continue playing in the oldest and smallest rink in the WCHA. We will continue to lose out on opportunities to attract larger national entertainment to our too-small DECC. Two years of construction jobs, for up to 200 of our brothers and sisters in labor, will lay dormant. Our local economy will forgo the millions of dollars that would have been gained through the shopping, lodging and dining activities generated by attendees at a larger DECC.

Ian Sinclair, a British author, said it well: “An involuntary return to the point of departure is, without doubt, the most disturbing of all journeys.” If the referendum is voted down, the DECC’s leadership will involuntarily return to the point of their departure: to an outdated, undersized Arena. For them, it will be the most disturbing of journeys. Opponents of the DECC Arena will get what they deserve – 6 cents more in change from their lunch tab. Enjoy it.

You won. Keep the change. Spend it wisely. Do the right thing: add the 6 cents to your tip.

In contrast, the Chamber’s board of directors hopes the referendum is passed. The board voted unanimously to support the proposed DECC Arena expansion. It did so because it understands how the DECC contributes to the local economy. It understands how the DECC contributes to our community’s tax base by virtue of attracting visitors (and their money) to Duluth. The merits of an expanded DECC are detailed on the web site: www.arenayes.com.

The Chamber’s board of directors encourages you to vote yes for the Arena on Tuesday, February 28.

Yours in support,
David

Irish poet Brendan Kennelly said it well: “To go fast, row slowly.” I was a member of the Duluth Rowing Club one summer, long ago, so I fully appreciate Kennelly’s statement. What appears to be a contradiction is, in fact, true – to go fast, one must row slowly. I would offer some additional advice: pull hard on the oar, never hesitate, and establish an unwavering cadence.

I am convinced that what works well in rowing also works well in advancing the City’s comprehensive planning process.

Those of us serving on the City’s Comprehensive Planning Committee have been rowing slowly, effectively, in cadence and without pause for the past eleven months. In that relatively short amount of time, we have made swift and noteworthy progress. Now we are convinced that the completion of our work will come at an ideal time: our community urgently needs the direction the comprehensive plan will provide.

As change places greater demands on our beloved community, we must ensure that Duluth remains – and expands on – all that is good here. The comprehensive plan provides a policy framework to guide both development and land use activity (e.g., housing, transportation [commercial and industrial], and recreation, in addition to the use of open space, natural resources and public facilities). Plans of this nature are generally valid for about twenty years. Duluthians will now have an opportunity to have their voices heard regarding issues that will affect not only today’s adults, but their children as well.

Specifically, the plan will be the fundamental tool used to provide guidance regarding such activities as overhauling the city’s outdated Zoning Ordinance; permanently protecting open space; prioritizing transportation and utility improvements; and locating areas suitable for development.

The time is soon approaching for Duluthians to review the status of our progress. Duluthians can determine if we have been doing a good job at the oar. The comprehensive plan will be completed this June, just five months from now. Before the plan is submitted to the Planning Commission and the City Council for approval, the Comprehensive Planning Committee members welcome citizens’ perspective and feedback.

Committee members are preparing drafts of our work. Goals, policies, and maps will be ready for dissemination at community forums scheduled for late February and early March. Citizens will soon be made aware of when and where to attend one of the community gatherings. Until then, they can stay apprized of the process by attending one of the Comprehensive Planning Committee meetings. Meetings are open to the public, and meeting dates are posted on the City of Duluth’s web site at www.duluthplan.com.

As a service to our Chamber members, we have arranged to have Bob Bruce, the city’s director of planning & development, present an overview of the comprehensive planning process at the Chamber’s March Economic Development Member Meeting. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 1 from 7:30am to 8:30am in the Technology Village’s Playground Theater, located on the Village’s lower level. Bob Bruce will illustrate how the business community will be impacted by the comprehensive plan. You will be glad you took the time to attend this timely and informative meeting. You can register by emailing inquiry@duluthchamber.com or by calling 722-5501.

In summary, I encourage all Duluthians to pay attention to the comprehensive planning process as it unfolds. Duluth is one of the most beautiful, panoramic cities in America. We enjoy an enviable combination of people, businesses, neighborhoods, woods, water and vitality. Moreover, Duluth is the regional hub for health care, higher education, tourism, retail and other industries. We must treasure what we have, while we carefully plan together for the future of our Zenith City.

We must not miss the opportunity to have our voices heard in this moment of decision.