UPDATED: Councilor Buckheit Files to Run for Mayor; Rossing Not Seeking Re-election

UPDATED: 10:30 p.m. Tuesday

With one day of the  in the books, there are two candidates for the Northfield City Council and an incumbent who said this is her last year.

Councilor Betsey Buckheit, whose four-year term as the Second Ward representative ends this year, has filed to run for mayor. 

At the end of Tuesday's City Council work session meeting, Mayor Mary Rossing, who was elected in 2008, said she's not seeking re-election so she can focus on some business ideas. She ran in downtown until leasing the space last summer to . She's currently involved in .

Filing for the 2012 municipal and county elections runs through 5 p.m. June 5.

Northfield offices up in this year's election cycle are mayor, the second-ward seat, third-ward seat and an at-large seat, all of which are four-year terms.

David Ludescher had previously filed as a candidate for the at-large council position, according to city clerk Deb Little. Because Ludescher was going to be away during the filing period, state statute allowed for him to file for the race early.

Candidates can file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the city clerk at  801 Washington St.

More information on Betsey Buckheit, who emailed media Tuesday morning with some information, can be found online at http://betseybuckheit.com/.

Below is the text of Buckheit's email:

I’m running for Mayor because I can provide clear vision and strong leadership for Northfield’s long-term success, especially: 

• Budget and planning.  Like all cities, Northfield is struggling to balance its budget while maintaining service levels and limiting tax increases.  We moved to a two year budget cycle, improved our capital planning, and reduced our reliance on local government aid.  As Mayor, I will lead the Council to restructure our budget in the following ways:

• Sustainable development.  Northfield’s long term economic success will require maximizing our existing infrastructure, improving our connectivity, and providing the best return on public investment for Northfield. 

• Collaboration.  Collaboration is more important than ever to reduce costs and stretch our limited resources. Partnering with the schools, arts organizations, colleges, and others will help Northfield grow and flourish. 

• Consistency.  Northfield has made real progress in the last 4 years on better budgeting, infrastructure planning and cost management, and economic development.  Right now, Northfield needs a mayor with experience to build on what has been accomplished.

• Transparency.  City government works for the public.  As Mayor I will ensure that residents have the most accessible and complete information about our actions and the costs of our choices. 

About Me:

I am 51 years old, and I have lived in Northfield since 1989.  I attended Swarthmore College, Syracuse University, and the University of MN Law School.  I have served on Northfield’s Library Board, Planning Commission, Non-Motorized Transportation Task Force, Charter Commission, Northfield Soccer Association Board, Complete Streets Task Force, Save Our Post Office group, Hospital Strategic Future Task Force, and I am currently the Ward 2 representative on the Northfield City Council.  I have been a Humphrey Institute Public Policy Fellow and I have participated in the Blandin Community Leadership Program. My husband Justin London teaches at  and our daughter Elizabeth is a junior at . 

___________________

The has been open for one hour for candidates interested in running for municipal and county elected offices, and one familiar name has already been added to the list.

Councilor Betsey Buckheit, whose four-year term as the Second Ward representative ends this year, emailed media this morning saying she has filed to run for mayor. 

Filing for the 2012 municipal and county elections opened at 8 a.m. today and runs through 5 p.m. June 5.

Northfield offices up in this year's election cycle are mayor, the second-ward seat, third-ward seat and an at-large seat, all of which are four-year terms.

David Ludescher had previously filed as a candidate for the at-large council position, according to city clerk Deb Little. Because Ludescher was going to be away during the filing period, state statute allowed for him to file for the race early.

Candidates can file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the city clerk at  801 Washington St.

Buckheit's website can be found at http://betseybuckheit.com/.

Below is the text of Buckheit's email:

I’m running for Mayor because I can provide clear vision and strong leadership for Northfield’s long-term success, especially: 

• Budget and planning.  Like all cities, Northfield is struggling to balance its budget while maintaining service levels and limiting tax increases.  We moved to a two year budget cycle, improved our capital planning, and reduced our reliance on local government aid.  As Mayor, I will lead the Council to restructure our budget in the following ways:

• Sustainable development.  Northfield’s long term economic success will require maximizing our existing infrastructure, improving our connectivity, and providing the best return on public investment for Northfield. 

• Collaboration.  Collaboration is more important than ever to reduce costs and stretch our limited resources. Partnering with the schools, arts organizations, colleges, and others will help Northfield grow and flourish. 

• Consistency.  Northfield has made real progress in the last 4 years on better budgeting, infrastructure planning and cost management, and economic development.  Right now, Northfield needs a mayor with experience to build on what has been accomplished.

• Transparency.  City government works for the public.  As Mayor I will ensure that residents have the most accessible and complete information about our actions and the costs of our choices. 

About Me:

I am 51 years old, and I have lived in Northfield since 1989.  I attended Swarthmore College, Syracuse University, and the University of MN Law School.  I have served on Northfield’s Library Board, Planning Commission, Non-Motorized Transportation Task Force, Charter Commission, Northfield Soccer Association Board, Complete Streets Task Force, Save Our Post Office group, Hospital Strategic Future Task Force, and I am currently the Ward 2 representative on the Northfield City Council.  I have been a Humphrey Institute Public Policy Fellow and I have participated in the Blandin Community Leadership Program. My husband Justin London teaches at and our daughter Elizabeth is a junior at .