CONTROVERSY ABOUT GROWTH - see 9/16 Northfield News p.2

COUNCIL OPERATIONS - see 9/16 Northfield News p.2

FRINGE DEVELOPMENT AND DOWNTOWN - see 9/16 Northfield News p.2

GROWTH - Northfield must and will grow, but projections tell us the pace will stay manageable. But we must manage it, not just let it happen. As an active member of the committee that is guiding the first complete comprehensive plan update in over a decade, and as one whose occupation has focused on planning as a tool for efficiently using land, money and time, I believe Northfield must build community acceptance of the new plan and implement it as soon as possible.

NEW HOSPITAL - Northfield must build on its growing status as a major health services center for this area and the hospital is central to that opportunity. It will provide services locally, build balance into our economy and create good jobs for a wide range of people. The Hospital Board and staff have worked hard to develop the current concept. If we build it, its location and the street system to serve it will be critical to its own success and to its success as a generator of related growth in the community.

RECREATION CENTER - Having just completed a major recreation center, I know how important good indoor recreation facilities are to the community. As with the hospital, I'm not ready yet to judge specific plans, financial feasibility, location or schedule, but I do support coordinating bond referendums with the school district to create the best possible climate for success.

JOBS - I share everyone's concern about the number of good industrial jobs Northfield has lost in recent years and the risk of losing others. I'm also concerned that residential growth is outpacing commercial and industrial construction. That means we're losing ground on providing career opportunities for a growing population. Creating good new jobs and business opportunities in this new economy challenges us to think differently, get smarter and plan ahead, and not to wait for the next good-or bad thing-that happens. Being sure Northfield is served by a high speed, high capacity telecommunications system is one way we can prepare to meet this challenge.

WEST SIDE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT - We will only have a few chances to get this right. Respecting traditional downtown concepts: density, multiple use development-including housing, pedestrian orientation, parking that does not dominate the landscape, useful public spaces, the river, are all crucial. Downtown, as a commercial district that is different from other commercial development, must be able to grow if it is to remain vital and relevant as the center of Northfield. Unlike many communities, where the downtown is already lost, or is no longer central to growth patterns, downtown Northfield is still the vital center. Very soon, the City must help meet parking needs on both sides of the river. I support the development guidelines adopted by the City Council, but we must make them work for both the community and business. Successful businesses have adapted to similar patterns elsewhere; they can do it here.

NORTHFIELD IS FOR EVERYONE - Northfield's population is growing and becoming more diverse. I'm excited about the chance to create a partnership of citizens, businesses and government to create affordable housing, good jobs, education, training and business opportunities that will meet a wider range of needs.