Here are my responses to a Mayoral Candidate Q&A published in yesterday's Northfield News. The questions came from News readers, staff, and the League of Women Voters.
1. Given the tensions of the last year between some councilors and mayor what, specifically, will you do as mayor to improve communications between council members and ensure the council works towards common goals?
As mayor I will sit down with each of the council members individually, inviting them to share their goals and what they want to accomplish during their tenure. The best way to understand the group dynamics as well as how to best make use of each council person’s unique skills is to understand their motivation for serving. This will set the groundwork for a council that respects each other’s opinions even during difficult discussions.
2. Northfield’s charter describes the mayor as the city’s “chief executive officer”. Given that, how do you view the mayor’s role as a city leader?
The mayor has no independent authority but needs the approval of the council to move issues ahead. However, she has the responsibility to guide policy by setting the agenda, and by recommending board and commission appointments. The mayor is the main connection between the council and city staff and is also the voice of the city in communications with area governments. She must be able to articulate the city’s vision to the larger community.
3. Given rising costs, levy limits imposed by the legislature and the presumed decrease in the tax base, how, specifically, should the city keep its spending in check? In what areas should cuts be considered? What shouldn’t be considered?
Before making cuts in essential services we must reduce excess spending. We must operate more efficiently in every department, in every facility, including cutting energy use. Efficiency is also important for the council—use of staff time, legal counsel and consulting hours all cost money. Furthermore, discussions about spending should never be held without asking and answering the questions: What will it cost, where will the money come from, and what will be the impact?
4. Earlier this summer, the city released a draft 2008-2012 Capital Improvement Plan. Is it realistic to believe these projects can be accomplished in the given timeframe, particularly given the costs and projected impact on taxpayers?
The Capital Improvement Plan is a rolling five year plan. It is not a given that these projects have to be completed within the five year framework. Some projects might be better accomplished by being phased in over a longer period of time. Meanwhile we need to meet our street and infrastructure and building maintenance needs. Further expansion must be carefully weighed against necessary maintenance of our facilities, especially when faced with limited resources.
5. What is the biggest issue facing Northfield? Why? What do you propose to do about it?
The biggest challenge facing Northfield is fear—of change, of committing to new ideas and of limited resources: money, energy and land. It is scary to grow and change, but I truly believe that the best days for Northfield are ahead. Exciting opportunities, once realized, will make us a stronger and better community. My job as mayor is to provide vision and leadership while together we find creative solutions to our many challenges.