OUR ENDORSEMENTS

Covey right man to lead in this time of transition

This just in: Northfield residents disagree about things.

Maybe that is such a startlingly obvious observation that it need not be mentioned. But even if it is as much a part of Northfield as Bridge Square or Defeat of Jesse James Day, disagreement is not synonymous with division. Today, Northfield isn't just in a state of disagreement. It's divided.

The current mayor has said the only people who claim Northfield is divided are those who lost the big-box battle. That may be, but the reason isn't Target alone. It's process.

Though it is not a sexy issue, it is the critical difference among Northfield's three choices for mayor. Which candidate has the greatest ability to bring people together and help move the community forward? For the Northfield News, that question is easy to answer. Keith Covey's skills befit Northfield's needs.

As the former mayor of Northfield, Covey has as much mayoral experience on his resume as the incumbent. Covey's work in the private sector is equally impressive. For 16 years he has managed a staff and a budget not unlike the city of Northfield's. For decades he has coordinated planning and development for projects to suit various people with differing needs. He has used inventive methods to bring people together for the purpose of reaching solutions. In at least one campaign event Mayor Bill Rossman said he was not convinced that Northfield's current climate of contention was unhealthy. Covey has a more positive outlook on Northfield. So should anyone else who has chosen to lead.

Will all Northfield residents agree on all issues or even one? Almost certainly not. No one person in any single seat can spark universal agreement, and that isn't even a worthy goal. But in this tune of transition it is essential Northfield have a leader who makes process a priority. Rossman, fond of saying that in the Northfield Public Library there are stacks of good but unexecuted plans from city councils past, is neither skilled at nor particularly interested in the kind of open, deliberate process Northfield residents require from their government. During Rossman's term even some members of the City Council have not been brought into the loop-on certain issues. And if a member of the council is not included in the process, what hope is there for residents? How good can they feel if their representative on the council isn't being heard?

There is also no reason to subscribe to the thinking that a pro-process mayor must also be anti-growth or anti-development. As Covey demonstrated -- in the private sector and in his first two terms as mayor -- it doesn't have to be one or the other. It is possible to move forward while driving a big bandwagon.

Rossman has made Target a big part of his campaign. If he is responsible for that accomplishment, he is also responsible for the fallout that ensued. Remember most Northfield residents wanted a Target type store. That need was identified. But starting from that rallying point Northfield was somehow still left divided. That rift not a sign of strong leadership.

Of course, this decision is more about the next four years than it is about the last three. It is time to move beyond Target and look ahead. So, let's do just that. Northfield is in the process of deciding whether to build a new hospital. It is 1ikely voters will be asked to build or renovate a middle or high school. There is a need for recreation facilities, including an ice arena. A decision will need to be made on whether to swap The Key with the municipal liquor store. The west side needs to be developed. There is a long list of issues that easily could divide Northfield in the next few years without a consensus-builder directing the process. Northfield needs a mayor with a broad vision -- not one that is focused only on the finish line or the bottom line. Covey would not stall growth. He'd work to make sure it's done properly.

During candidate forums, Lee Lansing's passion for Northfield was evident. However, Lansing hasn't demonstrated a breadth of knowledge of city issues that should be expected of a mayor. His skills in the area of planning, development and inclusion -- on a citywide level -- also have not been determined, let alone in the pronounced way Covey's have been.

Covey demonstrated his inclusive nature during the campaign. No invitation was needed to stop by and ask questions of raise concerns during a lengthy series of informal sessions in homes throughout the area. We hope his idea is only the beginning. After all, those "Coffee with Covey" signs could easily be changed to "Coffee with Mayor Covey."