Duluth Chamber favors cronies for council Bill Brakken DPPA member Letter to the Editor - Duluth News Tribune - Sept. 6 2001 Last spring in this newspaper I was a bit critical of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce for favoring politicians who seem more interested in serving their friends and political cronies than the broader public interest of our city. Now Chamber President David Ross has done it again. On a local talk radio station, Ross warned listeners that some candidates running for City Council would ruin our city if they won. These candidates, all members of the Duluth Public-Policy Alliance, are "working against everything the Chamber is working for,'' Ross proclaimed. Rather surprising from a guy whose frequent contributions to this newspaper are brimming with platitudes about building bridges and seeking common ground among diverse interests. But it gives you some insight into the inner workings of the good ol' boys and girls club that controls the chamber. Fear mongering, ridicule and intimidation are their weapons of choice as they desperately seek to maintain their ever-weakening grip on our community. So how would DPPA members go about ruining Duluth? Quoting from the group's mission statement: "To work with all levels of government in Duluth to build an open, responsible, and accountable democratic process. To bring together neighborhood and other citizen groups to create a clear voice for public participation in city government. To promote sustainability and sound environmental practice. To promote the kind of sound urban policy that represents the needs and desires of the whole community. To promote a comprehensive plan that fosters sustainable land use and retains the uniqueness of Duluth.'' If that's opposed to everything the Chamber of Commerce is working for, doesn't it make you wonder what the chamber's real agenda might be? DPPA members who are City Council candidates are Nancy Nelson, Herb Bergson, Roger Reinert, Pat Spott and Greg Gilbert. Please vote Sept. 11. Save armory from demolition Mickey Fields Public Letter to the Editor - Duluth News Tribune - Jan. 25 2001 Out with the old, in with the new. Duluth is at risk of losing what makes it one of the unique cities in the country. Its old architecture adds charm and grace. Do we really want Duluth to end up looking like two of the most unattractive cities in the country south of us? With all respect, I don't think so. Give the Duluth Armory a chance. An arts center would be much nicer than a continuation of the London Road sprawl across from the rose garden. If a group of citizens wants to spend their time and energy for this effort, I salute them. And please use my tax dollars. These articles are retained on the web for historical interest and do not necessarily reflect the views or goals of DPPA today.