Mayor Ness Talks Outlook For 2015

DULUTH, Minn. - Duluth Mayor Don Ness believes his seven years in office have helped transition Duluth into a whole new era. This week, Ness begins his final year as mayor, and he says there are plenty of loose ends he hopes to tie up before his term is over. “People are feeling more optimistic and confident about our city,” said Ness. “It's translating into job creation. It's translating into massive investments in our town.” In 2014, Duluth saw big-time investors putting their dollars into Duluth’s housing and businesses. The mayor anticipates 2015 will be even better for new development. On Tuesday, Ness said he felt energized about upcoming projects, but at the same time had mixed emotions about no longer holding the prestigious title. It's things like hosting annual events that he'll especially miss, but he is confident about passing the torch and believes someone new will continue to push Duluth into the next era."By letting go, it's actually better for this community and allows somebody with fresh energy and fresh perspective to step into the role and move Duluth forward in a way that I wouldn't be able to," Ness explained.But until that happens, a big goal of his is to resolve the issues between the city and the Fond du Luth Casino.  Ness believes it's possible to find a compromise that's a win-win for both sides.Another big project on his plate is making solid plans to re-vamp the St. Louis River Corridor."The St. Louis River Corridor is a project near and dear to my heart,” said Ness. “We're seeing tremendous progress and enthusiasm from neighbors in that area -- so really taking that from concept and then moving into some real tangible projects." Ness says he's got so many projects on the table, it’s difficult to try and wrap most of them up before he’s gone. The hard part is not taking on any new projects or ideas, and essentially setting the agenda for his successor, according to Ness.He said being mayor of the city he grew up in is the best job he's ever had.