One the eve of the election 3 thing we know

By Tony | Published: November 1, 2010

At this point of the campaign, I can tell you this, (1) we have worked hard to focus on fresh ideas, (2) a fresh approach to government,(3) I do the hard work to honor those I represent.
This is one part on why we earned the DNT endorsement and this morning they have published their endorsements. I am honored to be included with many outstanding people and I understand I have to work my tail off for you and for Northern Minnesota.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/182835/

One the eve of the election I am asking that you help our small budget campaign in sharing today’s DNT endorsement page with your friends , family and neighbors. This isn’t about arguements this is only to share who the new guy is and hopefully that may be enough to get them to exercise their right to vote.

Attached is the link, if you can post it to facebook, to e mails today that would be a true grassroot effort.
Your help is really needed and appreciated

We are relaxing at Mr D’s Tuesday evening at 8 PM or so if you want to stop by.

Thank You for everything
Tony and Kristi Salls
and family

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Prioritize our Spending

By Tony | Published: October 27, 2010

A moment with Tony Salls :
I drive up the North Shore nearly everyday.  The massive road construction projects were a part of my daily commute. Over the course of the summer the inconvience was a little time, not a big deal. With all the projects, I know many people were working and many companies shared in the numberous projects.
With that said, another observation has materialized from the commute. The Lester River bridge has been reopenned since the 6th of September. Safe for our cars and trucks to travel freely across, yet 50 days later we are still working on this project. You see, the facade, the beauty of the bridge, is still in progress. While I do not know to the cost today of the beautification project, I do know that in 2006 when the bridge had its facade repaired after damage from a semi trailer, that cost was close to half a million. Today I imagine the cost to be between half a million and a million plus.  Again, in the realm of road construction not a lot of money. In terms of the listed MNDOT bridge replacement cost, about 50 % of the cost of the replacement of the bridge is the facade. That is if I read their forms correctly in the Duluth News Tribune.
In my world its time to build the best , safest bridges without the distractive beautification projects. I look at the hundreds of bridges in need of repair and assume spending the same amount of money in repairing / replacing 30% more bridges as smart investing.
Next up:  They rejected Commissioner Jeff Johnson’s proposal to cancel the county’s policy of automatically setting aside 1 percent of a library’s construction budget for art to decorate it.
Again, a well intended idea which is now a luxury in which taxpayers no longer can afford. As leaders we have to be good stewards of the public trust to bring value to their money.
This isn’t about art, this is about prioritizing art ahead of the taxpayer, the unemployed, those without a job, those without a home.
This art is beyond the realm of government and I would suggest that art for public libraries can be a fundraising project, or a rotating display of consignment art from local artists. It is not an issue of art or no art it is an issue of prioritizing our investments and how to best prepare ourselves for the next generation.
At one time this may have been well intended and even very supportable by many, but that was before a recession, before the housing boom became a housing bust, before we discovered that we may not be able to pay for everything.
When we talk about balancing the budget, when we talk about cutting out the waste and duplication, when we talk about having layers of government work better together more efficently, these are  examples of opportunities to improve.
This is a small example that together we can

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The Big Society Win Win

By Tony | Published: October 21, 2010

With more explanation, let’s take a deeper look at Little Cottages and why this is a key opportunity for all of us in the next decade.
Reminder: A Little Cottage replaces the 2 car garage. These little cottages are around 500 square feet.

Termed a best practice from across the country, these Little Cottages can address many of society’s challenges.

1. Affordable Housing. For many the prices of houses in markets and the combination of tightening credit markets have left a huge gap between potential buyers and potential sellers. Even those who have invested in rental property with their higher mortgages are forced to raise rents to levels that are not sustainable for the working poor. These Little Cottages can represent a stepping stone by allowing people to get into these Little Cottages at a fraction of the cost of a “house” whether it’s ownership or as a rental.

2. Jobs. While these Little Cottages are not for everyone, everywhere, within each community there is a place and a need. The Little Cottages do not create the same job creation that the housing boom brought, it in itself allows the opportunity in the industry to get back on their feet. Of course, with housing investment, comes consumer investment in other items such as furniture, appliances, etc. which stimulates our economy.

3. Aging Population. Throughout Minnesota our population is aging as “baby boomers” are reaching retirement age. The next decade will see a record number of retirees. In many cases the 3-BR, 2-level home becomes a obstacle for daily living. The Little Cottages become an opportunity for our seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle.

4. Health Care. You bet, I said health care. As time has shown, our aging population that moves into assisted living and nursing homes brings with it a significantly higher cost than another few years available to them in a Little Cottage.

5. Environment. Very quickly said, this program protects our green space. More importantly, this keeps us from the urban sprawl of developing new roads and services which we are already struggling to pay for.

6. Tax Value. With the recession, property values have decreased. This is negatively impacting local government and school board budgets. By adding Little Cottages to a property, we are now enhancing the value of that propert and increasing its tax value. A benefit to our local government and schools.

7. Employment Boom. In the next decade Duluth will be faced with the challenge of replacing thousands of retiring workers. This will cause an influx of workers needed to replace these that are retiring. This influx will create a need for new, affordable housing.

8. Family. As I age, I would like to have the opportunity to develop my 2-stall garage into a Little Cottage for my Wife and I to retire to while we hand over the big house to one of our children who, I hope, is most willing to help us as we continue to age.

THE BIG ONE: It is what it means, but it may not mean what you think. Little Cottages by themselves are only going to be one tiny piece of a big puzzle that stabalizes our economy and addressing our social concerns while moving forward. Most importantly, this is not a government program. This is an opportunity for private investment in their own property which can have a transforming result. As loud as I can say, this is the moment that government needs to look at its regulations which are road blocks for this type of development. The difficult part with St. Paul in a partisan government is when we say, “redesign regulations,” the most common response is another “Gulf Oil Disaster.” Perhaps now that this is written for public view, those that can, will. And those that shant, will stay home.

This election isn’t about party. It is about electing the right people, supporting the right ideas, no matter where they came from.

I, Tony Salls, approve this message.

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Very honored to receive the Endorsement from the Duluth News Tribune

By Tony | Published: October 12, 2010

In a political world that has become as frustrating as it can be dysfunctional — with members of the two major parties routinely refusing to let the other side succeed — a common-sense candidate who espouses good ideas, rather than tired rhetoric, actually comes off as refreshing.

Tony Salls of West Duluth, the food and beverages manager for Ledge Rock Grille in Larsmont — and the father of 10 children — comes off, too, as an anti-partisan, solutions-focused candidate. He’s also the best choice on Nov. 2 to replace Roger Reinert as representative of State House District 7B, which encompasses western and central Duluth. (Reinert left the post to run for state Senate.)

“We can and need to do things better. We can by working together,” Salls, an Independence Party candidate, said in an interview with members of the News Tribune editorial board. “There are lots of great ideas out there — from both sides. What is good for the people: We must do that.”

What is good for Minnesotans, and most pressing, is creating jobs, Salls said. A report last month that one in four in Duluth is living below the poverty level is unacceptable. It needs to be fixed.

“The more people we have working, the fewer people we have straining the budget,” he said. “We need an entrepreneurial revolution.”

That can happen; jobs can be created if government removes regulations that are roadblocks to successful business, making it easier for people to use their own resources and their own ideas to succeed. To further encourage job growth, Salls wants to expand tax incentives for small businesses.

A healthier state budget will help, too. Salls supports higher income taxes for wealthier Minnesotans, some of whom have said they’re willing to pay more. He’d tax clothing and services like massages. And, he said, he’d work to find ways to stop snowbirds for skirting their financial tax responsibility.

Budget cuts are necessary, also, Salls said — but not to education or health and human services. Those areas are too critical to our future. Cutting them would negatively affect quality of life.

“There are layers of government that could work better together to be more efficient,” Salls said. “Maybe it’s time for government to focus on reforming government. If we can make government sustainable, living within its own means, then things like education and health care would benefit.”

As a manager for small businesses, Salls has learned how to listen to customers (constituents), how to set goals and achieve them, how to develop relationships, and how to work cooperatively, even with those who may not agree with him. All those qualities will benefit him in St. Paul.

“I’m here to represent the people,” Salls said. “My vote does not belong to any organization. My vote belongs to the people. To me that’s the most important thing. Government is for the people. It still can be done that way.”

At tony4duluth.com, Salls wrote: “We are a nation that has prided itself on providing better opportunities for the next generation. Yet our policies coming out of Washington and St. Paul do not reflect setting ourselves up for a better tomorrow.

“Like many of you, we have become frustrated with the two-party system which seems to reflect the far left and the far right and ignore a majority of us that sit in the middle.”

Salls is ready to work for all.

And he has nearly as much political experience as his DFL opponent, Kerry Gauthier, a labor-buoyed party activist and a city councilor of less than one year.

“I’ve been a party activist forever. I didn’t make the decision to run lightly,” Gauthier told the News Tribune editorial board in July. “I happen to believe in government.”

Salls’ Republican opponent is Travis Silvers, who works in construction.

“I believe I’m the only candidate who is pro-life and for marriage between one man and one woman,” Silvers said. “Those are the core issues for me.”

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One Solution Profit Minnesota

By Tony | Published: September 23, 2010

Our State tangles with the question of how  to address the 5.8 billion dollar deficit. A deficit which equates to $1200 for every man, woman and child in our state. That is just the deficit, not the budget.
  With that said, we need more than Government to come up with solutions, and solutions that can ease the burden every Minnesotan will experience due to the spending problem in St Paul.
   The Best Minnesota is the one that works together to find solutions. Real solutions that can build a better Minnesota not just for today, but the next decade and beyond.
   True leadership is not carrying a bandaid, but finding new and better paths. True leadership values the partnership of private and public sectors. A true Leader values that relationship which is not based on excluding a portion of our society but including all for the benefit of our generation and those to follow.
   When one solution comes forward which has a positive impact not only on the budget problem, but addresses the work force and charities at the same time, it is at that moment when you, the voter, begins to understand what kind of Leader you want in your corner. The one advocating solutions or the one that is willing to substitute leadership with money.
PROFIT MINNESOTA is providing innovative solutions to our state’s serious fiscal problems. We can’t simply tax our way out of this problem or continue slashing essential social services affecting the quality of life in Minnesota that we so cherish. With an out of control $6 billion budget deficit in Minnesota, we need to find NEW REVENUE NOW! 

PROFIT MINNESOTA advocates for state-regulated gaming.  A creative, tax-free solution that will provide new revenue for the state, funding for youth programs and veterans groups, additional funding for public safety in communities throughout our great state, and much-needed capital to help small businesses begin hiring again.

The hospitality industry accounts for 10% of Minnesota’s workforce. Over 220,000 of those jobs are produced by licensed bars and restaurants that help to make up our coalition. Unfortunately, this industry has experienced a great negative impact in recent years. Profit Minnesota aims to help save and create thousands of jobs , jobs that will exist in every community throughout the state. With a struggling economy, we all understand the importance keeping jobs in our backyard, and Profit Minnesota will work to make sure this happens!

Please visit Profit Minnesota.org to educate yourself about this solution for Minnesotans across the state and in our back yard. A partnership of business and state which benefits the work force, charities, and communities throughout our state
 
  AnJoy this day

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JOBS, Jobs and jobs

By Tony | Published: September 20, 2010

Let’s spark the fire.
Let’s qualify first how the world is changing. Today women account for 50 % of all Entrepreneurs, and their company’s employee more people than the Fortune 500 companies.
Now let’s talk about the best practices from around the Globe which have changed areas, regions and countries.
We need to create a culture which nurtures and sustains entrepreneurship. To be successful a number of things should be done. Such as: Entrepreneurship and personal finance need to become part of our school culture.
Homegrown, making use of the local area.
Engage the private sector early (Angel financing),
Favor the high potential,
Get the big win and in Duluth we have many ‘big’ wins.
Tackle cultural change head on, one must stay the course.
Government really needs to getting out of the way, free people of the roadblocks, partner for their successes, by reforming regulations, and legal frameworks.
Honor the effort and creativity of our people and let them thrive.
This isn’t a road map to be used just during a recession. This is a road map that can help empower people to work their way out of poverty.
Fresh ideas, best practices, better leadership by doing what is Right rather than who right.
We face many challenges moving forward, each idea to create more opportunities need to happen.
I will support all great ideas for job creation, entrepreneurship, to provide opportunities for all people. We can make Duluth and Minnesota better together.
I, Tony Salls support this message

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Here is my application

By Tony | Published: September 16, 2010

  In many ways I am applying for a job, this is my interview and you, the voter, are my employer - that is if you hire me.

  Perhaps it is around the softball fields of the neighborhoods around Duluth. With 6 children playing on 4 different teams from Merritt / Memorial we had plenty of opportunities to visit many of our community parks. As a coach, my two favorites to visit is Chester Bowl and Morgan Park.  Both amaze me.  We have such a beautiful city in what many refer to as a Metro area.  

  Not your game?  Perhaps the frozen floors of outdoor hockey. While it has been a few years, we had a great time with friends, neighbors, and family enjoying not only the games but the traditions of outdoor hockey and the innovation of transforming jeeps into Zamboni’s.

  Okay maybe you have seen or heard of that family, the lady with all the kids in the front of the church… and they behave. Or the story about our daughter Angelica Joy.

  Hmm, perhaps its Ledge Rock Grille or the 10 years at Chi Chi’s, or Perkins. Maybe its the bike drive with KQ, selling candy bars for kids, or  ringing the bells for the Salvation Army.

  Maybe it is the story of Proverty in the Northland, the Smoking Ban, an Economic Task Force, a meeting, or just the late night entertaining walkers of Grand Ave.

  Life experiences have been a great teaching tool that I try to apply while sharing those lessons.

  One lesson in life is to dive in.  When opening a new restaurant you are there all the time, open to close, knowing that hard work in the beginning will result in positive long term results.

  I will apply those same principles in St. Paul.  I will work hard every day building relationships, studying the best practices, and applying them into the day to get long term results.

  You are the boss, I am the employee, I expect a lot out of myself, I certainly hope your expectation is having someone work hard for you.

  Some of the fun in campaigning is trying to find unique slogans, the right message, the right combination of words. In fact in elections some Parties pay big money to survey words. Interesting as that may be I am far from big money so what is a person to do.

   (In walks the girl)

   I was having a great conversation with a father of 2 wonderful and bright young girls who are full of life, energy and my new Motto:

“Y NOT TONY”

… and when you really look at it … Y not send a message … Y not expect the best effort and results … Y not support principles … Y not be Independent and free

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Campaign Finance

By Tony | Published: September 4, 2010

I accept campaign contributions of individuals only. I accept volunteer assistance.

    With honor and integrity as I am responsible to family,faith, friends, neighbors and community. I take action on promoting election reform by walking the walk. I will not compromise the honor you have entrusted to me.

A very serious and concerning question that keeps comes up during this campaign is Campaign Finance.

     I have been amazed at how many letters come in promising votes and money and forms of endorsements in exchange for positions. They tell me I won’t win without their money, some say it is necessary evil, others are impressed with Integrity to say no.
     In Finding Solutions Together I expect that there will be compromises on the way to developing policy that works best for Duluth and Minnesotans. But one area which can not be compromised is the Vote of the people, which the voters of 7 B have entrusted me with.

      As  Representative, it is my job to work for you, the People. I have been entrusted by those I Represent to use their vote for the benefit of the People. This is an inclusive policy.
           A number of organizations are willing to spend lots of money to secure Votes in St. Paul , so they can get more of your  dollars.  If you want to control spending  use your Vote to send a message.

   A Better Government begins when we cut the strings that control our decisions.

          AnJoy this day ;)

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The Great State of Minnesota

By Tony | Published: August 24, 2010

One of our family highlights is taking a week in August to head to Ortonville Minnesota.
There you can find us on Big Stone Lake, the 10th largest lake in Minnesota and also the headwaters to the Minnesota River. In a family cabin, simple and very comfortable we enjoy simple family time.
The family has enjoyed this little retreat for over 50 years now. Mostly a host for family gatherings, this week being Cornfest Days was a perfect time for many to gather along this 1 mile wide, 30 miles in length lake. From Branson, LA, Dallas and Duluth.
If you get a chance to get some fresh Sweet Corn, I can attest that this may be the best crop that I have ever tasted.
To the Farmers all I have to say is WOW you have outdone yourselves this year. Record crops are projected in Corn, Soybean, and Wheat. Certainly says alot.
Our economies are much different within our own State. It is very interesting and very evident that the best solutions are not going to come from one party or one person. It is going to come from like minded individuals that are open to sharing and learning of various life styles and the economics that go with it.
In Ortonville the Parade was busy this year with many candidates just as in West Duluth, the difference though is our concerns. Understanding that one size does not work for all is an important lesson to bring to St Paul.

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Representation for the people by the people in Duluth

By Tony | Published: August 8, 2010


Being ‘ Inclusive’ means allowing all citizens to be engaged in seeking solutions. Being inclusive means being able to put down the megaphones that seperate us and be able to build with that which we share. I walk through the parade growing more aware how much people want solutions for their families. Those young at heart, full of love and grace willingly accepting every gift with kindness.
Life seems to have a “what comes around goes around” scenerio. We are at a place right now in which we have to practice balance about morgaging the future of those young citizens for one day we will all be in need of their assistance, one way or another. If we hand them a world which we cared more about us and less about them and their lives we are undoubtedly setting ourselves and them up to fail.
Together we can, seperated we won’t
Use your Right to Vote with courage and wisdom.

See you soon

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