Q. Please list any present political offices you hold. (If none leave blank)

A. Mayor of Northfield 2017-2020

Q. Please list any past political offices you've held (if none leave blank)

A. At Large Councilor 2008-2016, League of MN Cities Past Board Member and Past President 2010-2018

Q. Please list any civic, community, or professional organizations/clubs your a part of. (if none leave blank)

A. Northfield Rotary Club, Regional Council of Mayors, Minnesota Mayors Together

Q. What inspired you to run for office? If you running for reelection why do you want to stay in office?

A. Our community needs consistent steady positive leadership that works for the good of all our citizens. During my term as mayor, we have made strategic improvements in creating a multi-year policy road map, developed a more collaborative board and commission recruitment and appointment process, improved communications through the State of the City Program, and in general changed the tone of local government in our community. The multi-year strategic plan in particular was a major culture shift in how local government operates in Northfield and is still in its infancy stage. It needs further effort to establish it as the norm so we can move forward strategically together.

Q. What is something that you would like to accomplish while in office?

A. Spearheading the strategic planning process gave the City Council an opportunity to speak with one voice rather than individually on a policy road map that spanned multiple years. This clearly communicated road map gave other entities an opportunity to see where they could partner with the city to accomplish the policy agenda. Going forward, we have a long list of improvements – both at the policy level and in terms of basic municipal management-- that I would like to make progress on. For example, I want to see us come up with a sustainable source of funding for maintaining and improving our park system. And I’d like to see us be more consistent and progressive in our infrastructure improvements, from streets to fiber. Supporting and growing our local businesses, strategically advancing our hospital, and growing our commercial tax base are also important for the community’s long term health. I’m particularly enthusiastic about the possibilities with our climate initiatives, especially solar and forestry; and the progress we can make on affordable housing and racial equity issues. Maintaining and growing a culture of collaboration through building relationships remains a priority for me, as well as increasing the transparency and accountability of local government. At the same time, we have yet to see what the full impact from COVID will be. Northfield needs to be prepared to pivot, supporting organizations, individuals, and businesses who are being hit hard by the pandemic, without losing track of our long-term values and goals.

Q. State and Local government often go unnoticed, how would help the public learn about what's going on?

A. I have emphasized improving city communications, bringing news of what’s happening in the city to the people through a free State of the City Event, POLCO questions, KYMN radio shows, Northfield News articles, Facebook, video communications, and more. Over the course of the last 3.5 years I’ve made time to talk with local organizations, Girl Scout troops and schools. I’ve attended Night to Unite events and designed, convened and facilitated an Elder Collegium Course on local government. As citizens, this is *our* government, and I encourage everyone to stay informed on local issues via radio, print, social media, and the information provided on the City website. Your elected representatives are reachable and there are multiple ways to make your voice heard.

Q. As Mayor would you ever support a tax increase?

A. Yes. We have to maintain over 170 miles of sewer and water pipes, 78 miles of municipal streets, over 564 acres of park land, 64 miles of sidewalks, 23 miles of trails, 22 playgrounds, 9 municipal buildings, 27 stormwater ponds, etc. Costs are not likely to go down over time. While raising taxes is never an easy decision and one that has been done with great care, we must take the necessary steps to ensure our community is adequately funded and our infrastructure is adequately maintained. The tax levy is the primary tool used to fund municipal government services, and accounts for about 52% of the general fund. Compared with our thirteen comparable cities in the state, Northfield continues to have one of the lowest total tax levies.

Q. What does being a leader mean to you?

A. A leader leads by example, lives by the golden rule, seeks to serve rather than be served, puts the needs of others above their own, and ensures that all voices are heard.

Learn More About Rhonda:

Q. Please list any present political offices you hold. (If none leave blank)

A. N/a

Q. Please list any past political offices you've held (if none leave blank)

A. City Council representative twice - 5 years total, Charter Commission member - 6 years.

Q. Please list any civic, community, or professional organizations/clubs your a part of. (if none leave blank)

A. Lions - member and past president, Chamber of Commerce, member and past president, Knights of Columbus, member and past Grand Knight, St. Dominic Church, member, past trustee, and past Finance Committee member and chair.

Q. What inspired you to run for office? If you running for reelection why do you want to stay in office?

A. The desire to have a Mayor and Council who honors and obeys the Charter, who listens to all voices, and one which exercises honesty, prudence, and courage in social and fiscal responsibilities.

Q.As Mayor would you ever support a tax increase?

A. Another one? For what purpose? I think most people, especially the bottom half of our population is feeling the effects of COVID, and it would not be good to raise taxes on those who can least afford it. Our property tax system is the most regressive type of taxation there is. And, the property taxes are burdening our local businesses, who are experiencing a tremendous struggle to survive as a result of COVID. We need to remember that the 9% tax increase from last year would still be a 9% increase for next year - even if taxes were not raised further. Tax increases compound on top of each other.

Q. What does being a leader mean to you?

A. Public officials need to stop thinking of themselves as "leaders", and start thinking of themselves as "public servants". As a Lion, Chamber board member and president, trustee of the Church, and Grand Knight, I "led", but it was to serve others, not myself. This meant doing more work, not less, and putting the others needs before mine. So, I think a better question is, "What does being a representative of the people mean to you"? That question answers itself.

Learn More About David