Newsroom

October 22, 2007

NESS CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP

Former Mayor Beaudin, Judge Heaney will co-chair in home stretch

With two weeks to go until the general election, Don Ness’s mayoral campaign has picked up support from two key leaders – former mayor Bob Beaudin and long-serving Judge Gerald W. Heaney.

“Mayor Beaudin and Judge Heaney represent the very best in public service, they both have had a historic impact on our community and are two of Duluth’s most respected leaders,” said Ness. “Their expertise will provide us a real boost during these final weeks.”

Judge Gerald Heaney served on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for 40 years before his retirement in 2006, and earned a reputation as a champion of social justice. Duluth’s federal building/courthouse was recently renamed the Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building and United States Courthouse.

“Don Ness is among the best of a new generation of leadership for Duluth,” said Judge Heaney. “He offers many qualities that our city needs in a mayor – energy, creativity, determination. Don has earned the trust and confidence of the people of Duluth – I’m proud to be among those who support him as the leader of our community for the next four years.”

Beaudin served as Duluth’s mayor from 1975 to 1979. His leadership broke a stalemate on the Interstate 35 extension plan. Beaudin created a Citizens Advisory Committee dedicated to the issue and found a compromise on the course the freeway should take through the city.

“Leadership is about finding common ground,” said Beaudin. “Don Ness has demonstrated his ability to work with diverse interests for the good of the entire city. Don would make a very good mayor.”

The general election is November 6, 2007.

October 18, 2007

Ness Campaign Launches ‘20 Days of Innovative Ideas’

Innovative Ideas posted on campaign blog website through Election Day

Duluth, MN—Today marks the first of 20 Days of Innovative Ideas on the Ness Campaign’s Duluth Advantage blog. Through Election Day, the campaign will post one new innovative idea per day to give Duluthians an opportunity to learn more about Ness’ spirited ideas for Duluth City Government.

“The 20 Days of Innovative Ideas initiation is yet another example of our campaign’s commitment to an ideas-based campaign. Innovation holds the key to breathing new life into old, inefficient government systems that no longer meet modern community needs,” said Ness.

During his eight years on the Duluth City Council, Ness has seen many opportunities for innovative improvements. Don has been a strong leader for many years on innovative projects such as energy efficiency, workforce development, and retiree health care.

The first post addresses the possibility of implementing an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system in Duluth’s gas and water system. Cities across the country have begun to implement these systems which automatically send the meter readings back to City Hall via wireless internet. Some cities have seen a 10-20% cost savings in energy management due to this accurate and energy-efficient system, and Ness believes that Duluth could be next on the list for AMR. Rather than going house-to-house collecting data, Public Works employees will have more time to address other needs in their department.

In addition to the daily content, citizens of Duluth have an opportunity to share their own ideas with the campaign. They will be able to comment or post their own comments in response to each idea.

“A community discussion about the potential of innovation in government will grow to a new approach to public service—one grounded in the spirit of cooperation and creativity,” commented Ness. “We look forward to hearing the comments and suggestions of the citizens of Duluth.”

October 11, 2007

Ness Campaign Releases "Policy Report vol. 1"

Detailed campaign literature with issue focus - available to the public tomorrow

The Ness Campaign is ready to go back out in Duluth's neighborhoods, armed with the "Policy Report vol. 1". Unlike any other piece of campaign literature Duluthians will find wedged in their doors this campaign season, this booklet has eight pages and over 3,000 words. The campaign will be blanketing Duluth with over 20,000 copies over the next two weeks ensure voters understand Don's in-depth plans for some of the most pressing issues facing Duluth.

This lit piece has a direct focus on the complexity of the issues that matter in Duluth, including Retiree Health Care, Environmental Sustainability, Streets and Infrastructure, Public Safety, Zoning Code, and Workforce Development. The document also outlines Don's constructive approach to City Hall and plan to capitalize on the Duluth's advantages.

Don is committed to run a campaign based on the strength of his vision for our city's future and specific ideas. Over the past 6 months, the Ness campaign has created over 20 different pieces of literature, each with a focus on policy and innovation.

“Our campaign has been, and will continue to be, focused on the issues facing Duluth and my vision for city government. I don’t believe in campaigns based solely on name recognition, personalities, and simplistic slogans – I want to earn voters confidence and support through a discussion of Duluth’s most challenging issues.”

The Ness Campaign invites the public and members of the media to view this latest piece and engage in a discussion on these policy issues. Here are the details for the event:

'Policy Report' Release Event

Friday, October 12
12:00 noon
Ness for Mayor Downtown Office
31 W. Superior Street
Corner of First Ave. W. and Superior Street

August 31, 2007

NESS CAMPAIGN HITS 50K MARK

Over 500 individuals have contributed to date

The Don Ness for Mayor campaign has raised over $50,000—$50,357, to be precise. That figure represents over 500 individual contributions, 300 of which were under $100.

"There are lots of numbers we’re proud of, and this is one of them,” said Ness. “We've had over 200 individuals volunteer on behalf of the campaign, and we have over 600 lawn sign locations. We've visited all 36 precincts twice and dropped 50,000 pieces of literature on the doorsteps of Duluthians.”

Many of the campaign’s core volunteers and supporters have never been involved politically before, and Ness is pleased to have gotten more people excited about public service and our city’s future.

"No matter what happens on September 11, I am extremely proud of our team, and I’m am excited about the potential of more Duluthians building a positive, forward-looking vision for Duluth," he said.

July 12, 2007

NESS HOSTS OPEN HOUSE AT CAMPAIGN OFFICE IN WEST DULUTH

Two-term councilor will file for Mayor on Thursday

At-large city councilor Don Ness is hosting a grand opening & open house at his West Duluth campaign office above Beaner’s Central (324 North Central Ave). The open house will run from 4-6pm and will feature live music from Jamie Ness on the Beaner’s stage.

Ness will file paperwork to confirm his candidacy for Mayor of Duluth earlier in the day on Thursday.

"I’m more determined than ever to honor the spirit of those Duluthians who want nothing more than what is best for our city," said Ness. "We’re connecting with people in the neighborhoods with the goal of earning each vote, one person at a time, with our positive and hopeful message. It’s been very rewarding and I’m looking forward to the coming months!"

During his time on the council, Don has been a leader on issues such as retiree health care, workforce development, reducing carbon emissions, redevelopment in the core city, and in supporting local arts. Don also is Chair of the Property Tax Study Program which advocates for property tax relief for homesteaded property in Minnesota.

A two-term councilor and two-time council president, Ness was first elected to the council in 1999. He works as the Director of Programming and Policy for the Zeppa Family Foundation. Don is married with two children, the Ness family lives in the Hillside neighborhood.

June 22, 2007

NESS CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF SUMMER FIELD CAMPAIGN

The Ness for Mayor campaign just wrapped up a successful spring, delivering literature to every precinct in Duluth through the help of over 180 volunteer hours. Now, summer is upon us, and Don Ness’s mayoral campaign is taking advantage of the beautiful Duluth weather.

From mid-June to early September, Don will crisscross the city from the easternmost homes in Lakeside all the way west to Fond du Lac, listening to voters and attending community events.

“This is one more way we’re bringing the conversation directly to the voters,” said Ness, “We want to do more than campaign—we want to start a community dialogue. What makes our city great? What do we need to work on? I’ll be out to listen and learn.”

The summer campaign visit schedule is as follows:

Jun 23: Lakeside / Lester Park
Jun 30: Woodland
Jul 7: Congdon / Hidden Valley
Jul 14: Kenwood / Chester Park / Endion
Jul 21: East Hillside
Jul 28: Central Hillside / Park Point
Aug 4: Duluth Heights
Aug 11: Lincoln Park
Aug 18: Piedmont
Aug 25: West Duluth
Sep 1: Morgan Park / Gary / Fond du Lac

April 13, 2007

NESS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES "36 PRECINCTS IN 36 DAYS"

Mayoral candidate to visit with voters all across the city
beginning Sunday, April 15

At-large city councilor Don Ness will begin an extensive tour of the city this Sunday, speaking with voters from each and every precinct over the next several weeks.

During “36 Precincts in 36 Days,” Ness and his staff will be delving into each neighborhood, talking to residents, visiting local businesses and creating 36 different short videos, which will eventually be posted on the campaign’s web site, www.nessformayor.com.

Ness added that he plans to visit each neighborhood at least three times between now and the primary election in September.

Below is the schedule for precinct visits.

Sunday, April 15 — Precinct 36
Monday, April 16 — Precinct 1
Tuesday, April 17 — Precinct 12
Wednesday, April 18 — Precincts 21 & 22
Thursday, April 19 — Precinct 23
Saturday, April 21 — Precinct 6
Sunday, April 22 — Precinct 11
Wednesday, April 25 — Precinct 24
Thursday, April 26 — Precinct 4
Friday, April 27 — Precinct 5
Saturday, April 28 — Precincts 2 & 3
Sunday, April 29 — Precinct 25
Wednesday, May 2 — Precinct 7
Thursday, May 3 — Precinct 8
Friday, May 4 — Precinct 9
Saturday, May 5 — Precinct 26
Sunday, May 6 — Precinct 27
Wednesday, May 9 — Precinct 32 & 33
Wednesday, May 16 — Precinct 10
Thursday, May 17 — Precinct 13
Friday, May 18 — Precincts 14 & 15
Saturday, May 19 — Precinct 34
Sunday, May 20 — Precincts 28 & 29
Wednesday, May 23 — Precinct 16
Thursday, May 24 — Precinct 17
Friday, May 25 — Precincts 18 & 19
Saturday, May 26 — Precincts 30 & 31
Sunday, May 27 — Precinct 20
Wednesday, May 30 — Precinct 35

March 28, 2007

NESS WILL SEEK THE MAYOR’S CHAIR

Council veteran to announce via the world wide web at 7:00am today; pledges “a new kind of campaign”

At-large city councilor Don “Donny” Ness will confirm his candidacy for Duluth Mayor today, via an internet video on his campaign web site, www.nessformayor.com.

A viral video announcement is a first for a city election, and Ness, 33, states that it’s just one way his campaign will take a different approach.

“It’s my intention to run an uncommonly positive campaign,” he said. “I will not resort to negativity or personal attacks. I trust the voters to make their own decisions, based on their own evaluations. I’d like to see other candidates further this idea. If we all do this, no matter what the outcome, the citizens of Duluth can’t lose.”

Even after the formal announcement, the nessformayor.com web site will be an important tool in fostering the type of community discussion that will shape the campaign. Ness sees the site, which will contain a detailed biography and position papers on a host of topics, as a way to help voters be even better informed—and a way to engage a new generation of civic activists.

Ness cited love for his hometown as his primary motivation to lead.

“I am a product of Duluth,” he said. “This is where my strengths developed, and where I grew from a shy, skinny kid into a public servant. Because my city made me who I am, I want to give back to my city. I’m seeking this responsibility because I believe in Duluth—I believe in Duluth so deeply that it defines who I am.”

Ness was first elected to the council in 1999, and, at 25, he was the youngest-ever member of Duluth’s governing body. He and his wife, Laura, have two children: Eleanor and James.