Mayor Bruce Hagen endorsed Brent Fennessey for mayor on March 23rd in Council Chambers

Mayor Hagen Endorses Fennessey

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Hagen Favors Business Approach to City Management

Just twelve days before the upcoming mayoral election to replace him in office, Mayor Bruce Hagen came out in support of City Councilor Brent Fennessey over County Commissioner Jim Paine. In the February primary election, Paine received 44% of the vote to Fennessey’s 28%. Kalee Hermanson and Mike Herrick rounded out the field with 15% and 12% respectively.

The text of Hagen’s statement appears below the video.

Mayor Bruce Hagen endorses Brent Fennessey for mayor of Superior.

Posted by Explore Superior on Thursday, March 23, 2017

Text of Mayor Bruce Hagen’s Statement

“Thank you for attending this press conference.”

Mayor Bruce Hagen endorsed Brent Fennessey for mayor on March 23rd in Council Chambers

Fennessey and Hagen at March 23rd Endorsement Press Conference

“For me, and the people of Superior, this day is a defining moment and an honor for me to be here in support of Brent Fennessey as our next Mayor.”

“Over the past year or two I have stated and truly believe that it is time and important for Superior to embrace a new Mayor, a young Mayor, and a young professional Mayor.”

“Why? Not to short change the skills and experience that I and my predecessors offered to the community. More than that is my belief that we need new vision, energy and a Mayor with a commitment to change, a change that will offer the measures to grow our community.”

“We also need to consider experience, knowledge of municipal government, the issues before us and the proof of successful experience that is necessary not in just any leadership role but one that has the responsibility for guiding a city of 27,000 residents, a budget of sixty million dollars entrusted by the taxpayers and a steady hand that will balance the vision, needs and desires of a community of people holding diverse opinions as to what our community should be.”

“While some will not agree, or see it this way, we are talking about a very large business. A business that requires extreme due diligence applied in the expenditure of continually very limited revenues in a which to supply even basic services.”

“I have followed this campaign for Mayor very closely and with intent on the qualifications of each candidate. Referring back to the attributes and qualifications mentioned earlier, it is clear to me that Brent Fennessey has worked very hard to attain these qualifications through a wide range of experiences necessary to lead Superior into the waiting future.”

“Managing is one thing. Leadership is an entirely different set of skills; skills that can only be acquired and refined through experience. We need a mayor that will be ready to lead on day one. Brent is that person to begin on day on  to address the most compelling issues that hold our community back.”

“What are they? Jobs? Fortunately we have a very strong and talented workforce. We have an employment rate higher than ever experienced since WW II. We have and continue to attract diverse employment.”

“So what are the issues and why is Brent the candidate that will address them with experienced expertise?”

“The answers are housing and retail/commercial growth. We are failing in these categories. Both absolutely require a commitment by the public and private sectors. Without these two measures of the economy growing, there is no growth in a community.”

“This my friends is where qualification, experience and business acumen not just comes into play – but is essential.”

“Brent Fennessey is THE candidate and THE only candidate that has these qualification and proven experience. He understands business requirements as he works with businesses daily. The business services that he provides are integral to business growth. Brent’s opponent has no experience in working in the business community or experience in growing this factor of community or experience in growing this factor of community. We don’t need and cannot afford to have the Mayor’s Office as a training ground for learning the balance between and with business and this necessary component for growth.”

“Brent Fennessey is THE candidate and THE only candidate that understands the balance, understanding of the public sector role in assisting the development of housing by and within the private sector.”

“Think about it! In this crucial category of community there is a very distinct divide between Brent and his opponent.”

“Brent believes that Superior is in great need of private sector market rate housing through the private sector. Brent’s opponent has repeatedly stated that we need subsidized housing and low interest loans from/through the city for residents that may not even have the ability to pay the loans back.”

“This is the distinction between the candidates. Brent does not believe that the public sector is capable of solving private sector housing issues. outside of what the public sector role is and can afford. Brent’s opponent seems to believe and profess that the public sector is, can and should provide such resources that clearly are not available and in some cases even legally acceptable.”

“No, government needs to get out of the way, but assist where it is proper in assisting the private sector to grown and succeed.”

“The clear distinction between the candidates is that Brent will work with the private sector, individuals and provide community services. While his opponent believes that the public sector is the answer to issues that may not be in the public interest, but in the growth of government.”

“That philosophy doesn’t work, hasn’t worked and has had repeated examples of only leading to either greater government control and/or very costly to the paying public.”

“We, all of Superior, needs to focus on solving these issues in concert and cooperation with the private sector. We should not, and cannot be the singular solution at the expense of the taxpayers.”

“Only one candidate understands and grasps the winning components that will move Superior into a positive future. Brent Fennessey is that candidate. Brent Fennessey has the steady hand to work with and balance all factors that are necessary to be your Mayor.”

“Like you, I deeply love and care about Superior and the future of the community. And hopefully like you, I strongly and unequivocally endorse Brent Fennessey for the position of Mayor.”

Paine Responds

Explore Superior reached out to Jim Paine requesting a formal response to Hagen’s endorsement of Fennessey. That response can be viewed HERE.




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