Sep. 30--The first official Duluth City Council candidate debate of the general election was an amicable affair Tuesday that allowed candidates to give brief insight into their views on everything from job creation to tax increases to street repair, but didn't allow the candidates to address each other directly.

A crowd of about 50 at the Lakeside-Lester Park Community Club was told by all of the candidates that keeping young professionals in the city was a necessity, as was bringing and keeping jobs. But few were able to provide specific plans of action.

"How do we keep young professionals? It's jobs," said At Large candidate Becky Hall. "That's exactly the kind of experience I have." She referred to her previous experience as an economic developer with the Minnesota Department of Economic Development.

Fellow At Large candidate Dan Hartman said changing the attitude of the city would help bring more jobs.

"We have to do a better job of showing off what is so great about our city," he said. He also said city offices could make it easier for business to develop.

At Large candidate Beth Olson said she felt it was important for the city to provide more senior and youth services.

"We need to make sure these things are a priority for our city government so they can provide services for all people. Not just some people, but all people," she said.

Two-term At Large incumbent Jim Stauber said the council needs to stop increasing taxes, pointing to when Gander Mountain moved from Duluth to Hermantown because taxes were lower.

"This isn't really rocket science," he said. "We have to do what's best for our businesses to keep them healthy, and the jobs will be created."

The candidates split on whether certain public utilities should be privatized. Hall said it's an option that should be considered.

"I'm a big supporter of private enterprise," she said. "However, I hate to see assets let go if we can manage them properly."

Other candidates felt that selling public utilities would be a bad idea.

"On average, Superior citizens pay 10 to 12 percent more," said 2nd District candidate Patrick Boyle. "It goes back to the government not being able to regulate it."

His opponent, Robert Wagner, agreed.

"I was disappointed to find out when we did move to Duluth that Comfort Systems was the only utility we could use for our home," he said. "I don't think we should sell the utilities, because if it was privatized they could charge whatever they want. And I do believe monopoly is illegal."

Fourth District candidates Kerry Gauthier and Gordon Grant were invited to take part in the forum, but because Grant could not attend, Gauthier only read a statement at the end, where he said he would run to bring living wage jobs to the city and would be dedicated to "making sure the fire department has everything they need, and the police department has everything they need."

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