Locally Grown

I see Betsy Buckheit at the top of the list and I hope she will run. There are other good names on the list, plus a couple I’d rather not see on the ballot.

Remember, Commissioners Gillen (Dist 1), Plaisance (Dist 3) and Brown (Dist 5) come up for renewal on the Rice County Board in November, as well. The fact that meetings are scheduled during the work day continues to limit the number of qualified candidates.

#1

I just blogged this: David Hvistendahl, mad as hell, announces run for mayor.

#3

Norman,
With only three seats up for reelection this year, how would you suggest going about putting the other for four councilpersons’ positions up for a vote?

#5

There are 4 seats up for election/re-election, 3 council seats and the mayor:

Mayor: Lee Lansing
At-Large: Kris Vohs
2nd Ward: Scott Davis (Southeastern fourth of town roughly)
3rd Ward: Arnie Nelson (Northwestern fourth of town including the St. Olaf campus roughly)

Maybe one of the mighty triumverate could post a ward/precinct map under this blog subject.

Jon Denison
Councilperson, 4th Ward (Southwestern/central part of town, the oddest shaped ward of them all primarily because two industrial/business parks are in it causing a smaller population base in a wider geographical area)

#7

The fourth ward is an illegally constructed, i.e.gerrymandered ward.

The three requirements are approximate numbers, contiguity, and “communities of interest”.

The fourth ward only meets one of the three requirements: approximate numbers. Contiguity is not even approximated, and communities of interest is somewhat difficult to prove, and may be an outdated concept. When the ward/precinct map was changed, the fourth ward was configured the way it was to allow two seated council members to retain their seats without having to run again.

The League of Women Voters had to decide whether to challenge the Northfield or Rice County redistricting map in court. They chose to challenge Rice County, and won, creating some case law in the process.

Unfortunately, (some might think fortunately) our (LWV) coffers have not yet fully recovered, but there may another map challenge in the future.

#9

Kiffi - that comment was actually from Patrick. We’re now working on a system to avoid mistakes like that. But I do agree with the comment made in my name. There will be enough confusion in the next election, without voting for six councilor seats. Also, as has been pointed out, there is the possibility that all four seats will turn over, changing the majority vote completely and thus in my mind nullifying the issue.

On another note, I would really like to encourage everyone seriously considering running for mayor to announce their candidacy as soon as possible. While I applaud David Hv, I know he won’t be the only one brave enough to face this challenge, and as citizens we will need considerable time to compare the potential candidates.

#11

In addition to each mayoral candidate’s top five prioritized issues, I’d like to hear each candidate’s views, including reasoning, on the following:

• Opportunities/strategies to support and build upon downtown businesses
  
• The relative importance of different avenues for growth/action, such as: the liquor store, the skate park, a kayak/canoe park at the site of the current waterfall, an industrial business park
  
• Opportunities to increase the city’s tax base
  
• City staff

#13

Kiffi. Yes; a clean slate, a vote of confidence is what is needed after this last annus horribilus (sp?).

#15

I tend put myself in their shoes, Kiffi, and consider that a vote of renewed confidence in myself and my judgments as a councilor would be just the tonic for the next two years of council work. Indeed, it would place something akin to a leadership role on the reconfirmed’s shoulders. And I think all it would take for all three to seek affirmation is just one of them to do so (Jon, Jim or Noah). I not not the mechanism but I am sure there is one.

#17

Well, you are a super confident Brit entrepreneur so you are not hesitant about putting yourself on the line. That characteristic of yours has been proven.

I just can’t imagine the three whose terms ARE NOT up, putting themselves “on the line”, for the sake of a clean slate. As I said, I doubt they think they’re part of the “clean slate problem”.

BUT, assuming they would do such a thing, (just for the sake of speculation) I also can’t think how exactly it would it would be done. Considering the dates and rules of vacated seats, it would get pretty dicey with the primary filing the 1st week of July…

Anybody got any ideas? Help Norm and I out with this one…

#19

John,

I would love to try to explain your questions to the best of my understanding, but I think everyone can tell what responses I get even when all I’m trying to do is explain or clarify what I might consider a straight forward question.

Please feel free to call me at 507-412-1259 or email me at jon.denison@ci.northfield.mn.us anytime.

This goes for anyone!!!

#21

Tracy,

The link is helpful, but does not help me determine how many seats on the PZC are coming up for change?

As a member of the PZC, you know there are 7 members. How many members will be selected by the new mayor, and confirmed by the council after the next election?

Term expiration dates are not listed on the City website. Can you help?

#23

Kiffi wrote: “When the ward/precinct map was changed, the fourth ward was configured the way it was to allow two seated council members to retain their seats without having to run again.”

Kiffi, could you let us know what year this was and who those two councilors were?  I think some folks might infer that this involved current council members.

FYI, for others, info on the lawsuit Kiffi’s referring to: Hilary Ziols v. Rice County Board of Commissioners.

#25

Just to be perfectly clear, I have no intention to run for public office, or the PZC.

I am more curious about the change of command of that particular commission, and will go and find the information.

Thanks Kiffi.

#27

Jon D. I assure you that we would all benefit from the clarification that you are offering on a one-to-one basis to John T and others. Its rare and precious when a councilor gives us the benefit of their particular knowledge, understandings and insights, for you are privvy to much that we are not. So, by all means please share these and ignore the brickbats.

#29

Tracy… Thank you so much. That helps.

#31

I’ve spoken to a couple people who are trying to convince Margit Johnson to run for Mayor.

#33

Alright!  Alright!  Stop calling me!  Stop the constant barrage of pleading e-mails and pigeon-delivered telegrams.  Stop.

 I’ll do it.  I’ll run for mayor.  O.K.?   Happy now?!

Here’s my proposed motto: “Brendon Etter: Mayor-y Me”

or — “Brendon Etter: He’s Less Stupider Than You Might Think”

or — “Brendon Etter: Ribbed, For Your Civic Pleasure”

or — “Brendon Etter: He Know Things About You And Your Family That Your Vote Might Help Keep Under Wraps”

or — “Brendon Etter: Probably Fighting Terrorism”
 

I just need a campaign manager… Tracy? 

#35

Britt, I hope you would volunteer your time.  Enthusiastically.  This is about civic involvement!  Fighting for a cause much greater than yourself:  Myself.

#37

All kidding aside, Margit Johnson and Paul Hager are both strong names I could support.

#39

Back in # 18 Felicity asked: How, Norman would you construct a clean slate since three Councilor seats are not up for election — each of those having 2 plus years remaining in their terms.

Very easily accomplished … if the councilors in question were inclined to face the public mid term.

Felicity wrote

Norm, I’m not at all sure a mechanism exists to do what you suggest. The charter (or perhaps code, can’t recall which) clearly specifies terms for each seat. If all six councilor spots were put to vote this time, how would they then cycle in the future?

Here’s how. Each of the three : Denison, Pokorney and Cashman submit resignations today …. effective the day of the election in November ‘08 … Nov. 4?

Having made that move, their respective seats are then up for election for the remaining part of their original 4 year term — from November ‘08 through December 31 ‘10.

Having announced their resignations, the full council then sets the rules (By Charter, their prerogative) for the seating of the to-be newly elected Councilors to the three vacated seats. The other four seats of regularly scheduled elections, hold their office through Dec. 31.

Those seeking office file for the seat of their choice. This is likely to include all those who submitted resignations.

So, the three seats effected by the resignations are included in those voted for on Nov. 4 and the winners of those take office immediately upon the canvassing of the vote by the remaining four outgoing officials.

Assuming some or all of those who resigned sought re-election, they might win … and be immediately re-seated, losing no time on the job.

Those who do not vie for or win election, vacate per their earlier resignation.

So the question of the cycle of terms, is not interrupted. Wards Four, and Two and one At Large seat run again in two plus years, Nov 2010.

RESULT: The scalawags faced the voters and took their chances.

#41

Here’s how. Each of the three : Denison, Pokorney and Cashman submit resignations today …. effective the day of the election in November ‘08 … Nov. 4?

Victor,
Very clever, but I don’t think calling our elected Councilpersons “scalawags” is going to help convince them to follow your suggestion. And I see no other reasons why they should.

They’ll be up for reelection when their terms end.

#43

They could. They have little incentive to do so.

#45

The clean slate requires two extraordinary things. First, a group of four who come to the table as a ready-made “clique”, or they will end up forging (or being cajoled) into joining with the “Residual Three (TM)”. Second, a group of four strong minded and knowledgeable people, NOT knowledgeable about the issues, but knowledgeable about the workings of this city’s staff.

First, as a ready made clique they might be able to avoid some of the pitfalls of small group coalition dynamics. Anyone can run for office, even a populist demagogue. But it takes a politician to change things (using politician in the non-derogatory sense).

Second, one of the primary shortfalls of “term limits” as a strategy for keeping the elected officials from becoming entrenched insiders is that the full-time staffs they rely on become the center of power because of their long-term memories of where the skeletons are. Heck, the new guys sometimes can’t even find the closets! And we’ve seen the sorry state of the relationship between staff and council in Northfield.

#47

Oh no, Patrick, not you too - with this ’small but vocal minority’ nonsense. Why not just bow out of this particular discussion without firing that last futile, baseless, broadside aimed at no-one in particular, no stated issue, no iteratable (?) comment, if fact nowt of substance at all. C’mon Partrick!

#49

Patrick, you’re doing it again and y’er following the lead of Rudolph the Red’s groupies..the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

No-one has said throw the bums out. I, and others have said that it would be good for the community and the group of three if all seven were to throw their hats in the ring. Civilized, critical, constructive, debatable. And raised as a point for discussion which can be addressed in interesting and unique ways…and eventually let go of - or not.

You characterize it, as others have done on so many issues, as a witch-hunt and as such send us all to our corners to either come out fighting, or fire a broadside and disappear into the crowd, or just plain sulk. It bothers me immensely that this particular tactic is oft deployed as a stopping tactic to prevent further important and relevant and articulate discussion on issues that some of us will not simply allow to disappear or be swept under the carpet for the sake of avoiding further unpleasantness or embarrassing some erstwhile pillar of the establishment.

You imply that the 6 or 7 speak only for themselves and that the vast unspeaking and unheard majority are somehow or other in a different camp entirely and in fact are with you, or him, or her, or Rudolph, or the NNews, or the attorney, or the the government employee who has no axe to grind, or the expert who receives a bag of money for his unbiased, non-partisan pronouncements or some other ‘not-the six-or seven’ who see things clearly, rationally and dispassionately.

Who the are these ‘not 6 or 7′ and what the hell do they actually think on the issues. The issues, Patrick, not the U or not-U, the trouble-seekers and -makers…. the issues!.

#51

C’mon, Norm. Play by your own rules. If you want the councilors to stand for a vote before their terms are up and you have the numbers behind you, organize recall elections for all of them. That’s what the mayor’s supporters told the many, many people outraged by his behavior over the last year. If you can’t prove you have the numbers, you speak for yourself — and the councilors answer to the very real people who actually elected them, not an uncounted, anonymous, amorphous group of critics who may or may not exist.
Happily, the charter gives you the perfect way to bring the hordes of critics to the ballot box — and you’ll have such wonderful weather on your side as you circulate the petitions.

#53

So if the councilors split there’s unhealthy contention and conflict and if they agree there’s unhealthy bloc voting? Hmmmm…

#55

After watching the first half of the city council work session last night, the hastily and “imperiously ” called meeting with the Charter Commission, I am more than ever convinced that Norm’s idea of needing a “clean slate” is a valid one.

What I call the “dynamics” are just not good. There’s no clearer way to say it.

Two lawyers were brought down from St. Paul to discuss the “roles and responsibilities” (ubiquitous term) of the Council and the Charter Commission. Well, I don’t believe for a moment that each of these groups doesn’t know, as well as any ever do, what their “roles and responsibilities” are. This terminology has become a euphemism for someone thinking someone is out of line.

After 45 minutes or so of beating around the bush, the real situation was brought to the table by Ms. Buckheit, newly appointed to the Chart/comm.
I can’t quote her exactly, but the essence of what she asked was: why are we having this quasi-educational meeting when the real questions/struggles/ conflicts(?) that brought us together tonight are not being addressed?

Well, it was theatre, in the true sense of the word. The two attorneys sat back, and watched , barely containing wry smiles, as the conversation began to take on a more realistic direction. And a lot of barely concealed animosity came out, and not just on the specific subject at hand.

At one point, C. Vohs, turned to the NFNews reporter and said that people should not believe everything they read in the paper, or should recognize that it might not be the whole story, and that the newspaper had been a negative influence in the town’s process. Harsh words; how was it specifically related to the issue at hand?

One of the matters to be settled between the two groups is the issue of the use of the city attorney’s services. That very real problem , one that needs definition, was barely touched. But why is it such a problem now, when this has not been in the past? “Advocacy”, dollars billed, what’s the real quandry?

Accusations about the Charter commissions intentions, based on the reading of their minutes were made by a councilperson, and defended by the commission’s chair. Although council members constantly reiterate that the Chart/comm is an independent body, they seem to want to control even the parameters of the discussion that occurs at that commission.

If the council wants to have the citizens believe that they are always acting in the best interests of the community, they need to have the same level of expectation of trust for the individuals , who have been picked by the district chief judge, to manage the upkeep of the city’s charter.

#57

School board member and former mayor Paul Hager is running for mayor again, according to this article in the Nfld News.

#59

I wonder if the Charter Commission could put forward a change to a strong mayor system ? I think a strong mayor could act to fix obvious problems like the dangerous traffic jam at Division and Jefferson by quickly redirecting resources. I also think a strong mayor would go along way to enhance political decision making. The internet and blogs like locally grown are solid tools to check the worst impulses of a strong mayor system. Anything has to be better than what we have going now.

#61

Griff, maybe you can move the whole section? Otherwise they will be out of order as we cut and paste each one.

#63

Back to the original topic!

I saw Jessica Peterson tonight at her show at Grezzo Gallery and she said, after weighing all the pros and cons with her fiancee, she’s decided to NOT run for mayor.

#65

Thanks Martha. That is very sweet.

#67

Not sweet, Mary, just wishful and practical. You are a huge promoter of Northfield, you are fair, you have a gift for defusing tense situations. You are the RX for Northfield’s recovery! Vote Mary Rossing!

#69

please find a qualified mayor anyone but jon denison we can do much better than what we have now. we need a leader to heal our rifts and differences maybe someone like victor summa eh would be ideal he understands process

#71

Regardless of who runs, and who is elected, the most important thing will be to change the dynamics at City Hall.

In my opinion, the entire fault does not lie with the elected officials. Much of it, not all … unless you want to say that they must take charge of the Senior Staff, which of course they should, but have shown virtually NO inclination to do. The bare, red-faced, aggressive body english challenge to the Mayor at Monday’s meeting was completely unacceptable. An employee is not to be denigrated for being an employee, rather than elected; but the authority is simply not the same. An employee should bring their professional skills, if they have them, to bear on a difficult situation, rather than initiating a conflict. More management skill, less raw aggression expressed as concern for other staff, especially those who are able to take care of themselves.

I am not the only person who thinks this was a serious violation; several other people of what I would consider to be of widely divergent general views, have expressed the same concern in the last two days.

This is a situation which demands high leadership skills; maybe the only way to manage it is by rigid adherence to procedural rules.

#73

Crap, Britt, I only got 80% too. (But that’s okay, because I don’t want to run either.)

#75

Don’t count yourself out until you’ve tried!

#77

Oh my!

Well, Bright’s endorsement will likely stop this thread. Everyone R