As many of you know, the seat formally won by Kerry Gauthier, is being filled soon, and will be up for re-election this fall.  I am putting my name in the running for the seat.  I am seeking the seat to help bring integrety, openess, and common sense back to the city government.  Below is the letter I will send off to the council.  I wanted the citizens of the fourth district to know my intentions, I also believe that if a candidate is open  with the public before being elected, they will be more open after.  I will be asking for support in the coming month, as I know I have a huge hill to climb.  However, I do not believe in an unwinnable fight, the only fight we are promised to loose is the one we never fight.  So I am asking for your help, your support, and your prayers in the coming months.  God bless each of you.  Please stay with the blog, as I will be updating it regularly, and seeking your input, and opinions on where the city of duluth should go.
Pete MacInnes

To the Duluth City council, and the citizens of the 4^th district;

            I would like to start out by thanking the council for taking the time to consider me for the vacant 4 district seat. I understand that this can be a daunting task, so I thank you for your careful consideration.   My name is Pete MacInnes, I have lived in Duluth for most of my life, and I am a fifth generation Duluth citizen. I believe that having deep roots in the community helps me know and understand the issues the city is facing today, and where we have been over the years. I have a passion for the city, and the people of the city, and I am seeking this office out of a desire to serve, I believe all government should be responsive to the will and wishes of all the citizens and not only that of the economic and social elites of a society. I am a graduate of Duluth Denfeld (class of 1995), I was also a communications/ theater major at UMD, unfortunately due to economic hardship was unable to complete the degree. I have been involved in a number of civic organizations over the years; I was an active member in Key club during my senior year of high school, a boy scout for many years, performing many community duties. I was a member of the National forensic league (speech and debate teams across America), and attended the NFL’s student congress two years in a row, and also competed in the national qualifying tournament for speech in 1995. I have been involved in a number of community outreaches through my church and other ministries in the area. I also have been involved in the local theater community, having performed in shows at the Duluth playhouse, the shack supper club in Superior, and a number of productions with Hermantown Community Church. I am currently a district chair and delegate for my local republican precinct, and have been involved in local campaigns here in Duluth, and in Bloomington. Finally, I do photography, video production and some graphic design work. I have a production company, Arisen studios that I hope to get off the ground, and so far most of my work has been on armature basis in order to build up a portfolio. A sample of my work can be found on the following web link, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duluth-MN/Arisen-Studios/133397403367575. My desire is to be a fully fledged production company, including making Christian films locally. I do have a great love for all performing arts, and desire to see our local scene thrive and grow in Duluth.

            The question that has been raised is; “What can I bring to the city council?” The reason I am running for this seat is first and foremost to serve the people of Duluth. I do not believe in career politician, or people who want to use the council seat solely as a stepping stone to a higher office. This is not fair for the people of the district who expect those elected to serve out their whole term. I will bring a passion for the area, and a passion for serving.   I believe the role of government is to assist where needed and not to be a burden on the people or local business. I have worked in the service industry for many years (as a cook, and also in sales and retail management.) There are many of us in this community, that work in retail, and hospitality businesses that feel that our voices are not heard on the council, and at times that the local government has even ridiculed, or made light of those jobs. I will bring an honest and straight forward approach to serving. I believe in integrity, and standards, I also believe that all standards must be applied to everyone equally, making no exceptions for economic or social standing. I will fight to end special interest influence on the council, will work with other councilors to make Duluth an environment that welcomes and works with businesses, plus actively seeks out new employers to come to Duluth. I will work to restore responsible government; I do not believe the city should be in the golf course, or ski resort business. As a Christian, I would also represent the religious community on fiscal and social issues facing the city. Far too many Christians in this city feel as if our voices are not being heard or respected by the city government as a whole. I believe the most effective agent of change for a city comes from the church community, and believe that where non profits can perform a service more efficiently and productively they should be allowed to do so instead of the city programs. I will fight to restore a common sense approach to government, one that does not hinder growth, or lays undue burdens on its citizens. I would fight for a temporary freeze on all new discretionary income, while calling for a review of all departments and programs for efficiency and to eliminate waste. In a time of economic hardship, while the people of a city are cutting back on spending, and are living within their means.   I believe it is irresponsible for any level of government not to do the same. We must cut local spending, lower taxes, and reduce the burden of government on the local people. By doing so we allow them to do what they do best; work and grow our city. I do not believe growth comes from the government, but from the people being allowed to live their lives in freedom, and not in economic tyranny. We need a local government that listens to the voice of the people over that of the campaign donors, and the big money interest. We need responsible government, and representatives that do not look down at, or minimalises the will and opinions of the people. That is what I will bring to the council, a voice for all people, from all economic and social statuses, from all walks of life, and all professions. I will bring a servants heart, as one who desires to serve and not be served. I will be a councilor that works with the business community, is willing to listen to their concerns, and will fight to make Duluth an easier place to do business. I will be open and will listen to the people, by holding monthly town hall meetings in the district every month to hear the concerns of the citizens, the business leaders, and the religious community of Duluth. I do believe our city is at a crossroads, and if we continue down the same path we have been going, the outlook is not good. However, if we are willing to reign in the government and to lose the people, I believe we have a great future ahead of us. Like I said earlier, the best asset we have, are the people of Duluth and not the government of Duluth. It is time for government to get out of the way, and to allow the people of Duluth to rise up and make it the jewel we know it is, and can be.

I again thank you for your consideration for the fourth district seat. 

Sincerely;

Peter MacInnes

As we leave one election cycle, we here in Duluth are about to enter another.  This year we will be voting for 6 council seats, including the special election to fill the seat left by Kerry Gauthier.  This is a turning point election for the city, we have all seen the numbers and it doesn't look good.  For instance; we have the third highest poverty rate in the state, the central hillside has been named the 5th worst white ghetto in America by US News and World report, we have a median income that is now below $33,000 a year while the state median income is $52,000 a year.  You add in the dwindling population, and we have a recipe for disaster in Duluth.  We can not afford to keep electing the same people, with the same policies, we need a change in Duluth, and St. Louis county.  We all know that this area has been a DFL strong hold for decades, even in local elections.
        You might ask. "don't we have a non-partisan council in Duluth?"  I would argue, no.  While we don't have party affiliation listed on the ballets, there is a clear divide, and has been for many years.  The city council has been DFL controlled for over forty years, it is their progressive, and left leaning policies that have hindered growth, seen our city loose nearly 30,000 citizens since 1970, seen jobs go elsewhere, potential jobs lost (Ford in the seventies, Saturn in the nineties, even recently with Oreck vacuums) it is their actions, and their continual support of special interests over the interest of the whole community  that has brought us to this state.  Even now you can see a clear divide, and I would say disrespect by the DFL councilors, towards the more conservative members.  So what do we do?  I believe we need a change in direction, let's not vote for someone simply because of party affiliation, or because of what some special interest group tell us.  we need to hold the left accountable for their decisions, we need a conservative majority on the council.  I would encourage you to lift the veil of non partisan, let's see what's really going on, and hold those accountable for their mistakes. 
          The truth is, if we continue to vote for people with the same ideology, we will continue to get the same results.  So stand up and demand a council that will work with businesses, that will lower taxes, and limit government.  A city government that will get out of the aquarium business, and get back to a common sense approach.  It's time for a new direction, it's time to take our local government back from the elitist, and the special interest.  It is time to hold the DFL accountable, it is time to elect a conservative majority in Duluth.

I have said it before, and I will say it again.  I'm back!  This blog will be going through some changes in the coming weeks.  I am hoping to add some more conservative, and christian writers who wish to discuss local, state and national issues.  We are coming up on a very important election cycle.  I encourage everyone of you.  If you are tired of the direction this city and county have gone in, if you are tired of the lack of jobs, the high property taxes, and programs that only create more problems.  Then vote for conservative candidates on the county board, and at the state and federal levels.  I am endorsing Chip Cravaack for US house, keith Macdonald in 6b against mary murphy, Carnida Horton for state house, there are several more strong conservative candidates.  The DFL has been in power for too long, they have failed in their policies and it is time for a new direction for the city, county, state and the nation.  God bless you, remember to get out and vote, if we don't excercise our rights, we soon won't have any.
Peter MacInnes

You have got to read this article, the now infamous climategate emails, were in fact leaked to the press and not stolen in the first place.  Who would of thought that the left lied again.  This is the biggest scandal of the last 30 years and no one is covering it, makes you ask why?


http://homelandsecuritynewswire.com/climategate-leak-not-hack

I have returned from a long, long, time away.  I thank you all for bearing with me.  If you are on facebook look me up, Peter macInnes, also I have started a facebook group entitled; jail before obamacare.  if you are opposed to forced coverage, and a government threating people with jail time, then join this group.  Washington needs to understand, we will not stand for tyranny any longer.  Let the conservative revolution begin.
Peter

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=fl_1136443294618#/group.php?gid=250958625929&ref=nf

Many people have been asking, what direction should the Republicans take? I believe the answer is clear and direct, we must be the party of freedom, and liberty. We have to be the party that will fight for personal choice, not government mandates, the party of personal responsibility, not the of government bailouts. We have seen that under the Obama administration, our freedoms have been slowly taken away. Now the government will tell you what kind of car you can drive, how far you can travel, what foods are allowed, what type of TV you watch, even how and where you get your energy. Some would argue that this is only the government working for the greater good, I say it is government on the verge of fascism. This is not the America I knew growing up, where you had the right to choose to live your life how you saw fit. Now we have a government that will take halve or more of you paycheck to protect gnats in California. This is why we need to fight for freedom from tyranny and oppression, we need to defend our constitution, and the principles of our country; freedom of choice, freedom to live your own life, personal responsibility, the right to voice your religion without being threatened or arrested in the name of tolerance. This is the new republican party, the new federalist movement, with one voice we cry, "give me liberty or give me death!"

as some of you may know, the DFL is getting ready to introduce legislation that would legalize homosexual marriage in Minnesota.  I believe this should be put before the people, and that it should be a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.  I have started an online petition to be sent to the state capital.  I urge everyone to go to the address below and sign the petition.  I am hoping to get at least 1 or 2 million signatures and to hold a rally and march in St. Paul to deliver the signatures to the capital.  Please join me in protecting marriage in Minnesota.  thank you and God bless you for standing for truth and righteousness.
Peter MacInnes
Bloomington, Mn

http://www.petitiononline.com/mm2009/petition.html

   Some of you might be asking yourselves, " we have conservatives in Duluth?"  Yes, we do have conservatives, and even republicans in Duluth.  For more than forty years now, the liberal elites have run, or should I say "ruined" Duluth. They have allowed special interest groups to dictate the direction of the community.   They have looked to the economic and social elites for policy.   They have put the interests of a few over that of the majority.  Well I am here to bring an end to this.  I am here to start a revolution, to bring change to the city and county governments, to see corruption ended, to bring accountability and transparency, to bring an end to the tax and spend policies that have destroyed Duluth and its future.
        For to many years the left has hid behind the veil of bi-partisonship, they claim to be for the people, but continue to look after the interest of big money.  For too long, the elected officials in Duluth have used their positions to start political careers instead of serving the citzens of Duluth and St.Louis County.  I am here to say the time has come for real change in Duluth,  I believe we must push aside the liberal policies that have dominated local politics, we must return to sound government.  That means; cutting taxes, lowering property taxes, incourageing growth not hindering it, cutting spending, eliminating waste from the top down.  These are basic principles that work, instead we have some of the highest property taxes in the state, the third highest poverty rate in the state, ever increasing unemployment, and workers that are making far less for the same work done through out the state.   I believe it is time for the people of duluth to take back our local governments, to vote out those who care more for the top 1% than they do for the other 99%.  It is time for elected officials to tell the special interests, and the lobbiest to take a hike, everyone in the city has the right to be represented by their elected officials not just the elites.
     So the time has come for the conservative revolution to begin in Duluth.  I don't care if you are a republican or a democrat, if you believe that government must learn to live within its means, then join our fight.  If you want to see better jobs, and higher wages, then join our fight.  If you want to see a city council that encourages businesses to move to Duluth instead of pushing them away, then join our fight.  We need all of you.  We need you to talk to your friends and family, to talk to your coworkers, to get involved in the process.  One person can not do this on their own, we need all of you, we need grandparents and mothers, teenagers and college students, rich, poor, young and old, white and black, we need everyone to get involved, to make this your fight.  We need to send a clear message to candidates and politicians, "if you are only interested in a political career, if your vote is for sale to special interests, if you look only to big money for your policy, then we have two words for you,' YOUR FIRED.' "  The time for change is here, and together we can change the direction of this community, and see common sense return to local government.