Union Love Lost: Why Mayor Jim’s Hand-Picked Crew Can’t Score a Hard-Hat Hug
What the Letters Actually Say
The gas plant risks “serious harm to health, safety, economy, and cultural heritage.” – Jim Paine, in his official NTEC objection letter
The project “only creates risks for the community without benefits to offset the risks.” – Councilor Garner Moffat
“Even though NTEC may decrease overall CO₂ in MISO, the city would see an increase in CO₂ emissions.” – Councilor Nick Ledin
Three letters, all Mayor Jims chorus: Gas bad, jobs meh. Way to support your district.
Why Unions Rolled Their Eyes
1. 350 Union Paychecks Vaporized
NTEC’s build phase meant about 350 union construction jobs. You trash the plant, you torched peoples wages.
2. Copy-Paste Messaging
The mayor pens a doom scroll, his favorites echo it word-for-word. Hard hats can smell an orchestrated talking point the way a welder smells burnt insulation.
3. Contrast Candidate Records
| Candidate | Stance on NTEC | Trades Council Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Fennessey | Voted “Let’s build and get to work.” | Yes |
| Weston Morris | Publicly backed the project. | Yes |
| Nick Ledin | Signed the anti-jobs letter. | No |
| Garner Moffat | Ditto. | No |
When labor asked, “Who’s guarding our paychecks?” the mayor’s crew pointed at a PowerPoint about carbon.
The Political Math
Hard-hat endorsement = volunteers + yard signs + checks.
Anti-plant letter = viral kudos from College Professors.
Election Day reward system? Still strictly cash and shoe-leather.
SoupNutz Mic-Drop
Mayor Jim’s voting bloc chose a megaphone over a toolbox. The unions chose people who bring lunch pails, not speeches. Funny how that works.
Page 26 for Quotes
Soupnutz Add-On: The Weird Stuff In Mayor Jim’s Office Budget
Superior’s mayor’s office budget is costly, featuring unique line items like overtime and a Chief of Staff, raising questions about taxpayer value.
Pick The Bumper Sticker That Hurts City Hall’s Feelings
We’re putting the bumper stickers to a vote, because democracy should occasionally do something useful between potholes and press releases. Pick the one you’d actually slap on your car, truck, laptop, beer fridge, or emotionally damaged snowblower. The winner gets printed, and yes, City Hall can have one too — assuming they can find room between the excuses, title plaques, and the taxpayer-funded jazz hands.
Superior’s Paine Premium Strikes Again
Superior’s mayor’s office budget outpaces peers, costing residents more for less. Explore the spending disparity and its implications.
Mayor Jim Paines Re-Election Platform Is Direct Deposit
Local politics morph into a lifestyle as teachers and city workers keep communities running while politicians evade regular life.
178.5 Hours of Overtime and Not a Pothole Filled
Discover how the city’s desk job transforms into a lucrative overtime role, turning public service into a money-making sitcom. Follow the money!
