By Rich Larson, KYMN News
After just over a year on the Northfield City Council, Councilor Chad Beumer says the experience has been not only positive, but better than he ever expected.
Beumer reflected on his first year in office and admitted that he initially approached the role with some nerves. “I wasn’t sure what to expect going in,” he said. “But it’s actually way better than I thought it would be.”
What stood out most to him, Beumer explained, was the level of preparation and thoughtfulness his fellow councilors bring to the job.
Beumer praised the council’s culture of collegiality, noting that meetings are marked by respectful discussion rather than heated conflict. “Everybody does a great job coming into the meetings prepared,” he said. “We have great discussions, nobody gets riled up, and there’s a lot of thought that goes into everything we do.” In a time when political bodies are often associated with division, Beumer said Northfield’s council has been a refreshing exception.
One of the biggest adjustments during his first year, he said, was learning how to navigate the massive council packets that can sometimes run hundreds of pages. While no one realistically reads every word, Beumer said he takes the responsibility seriously, carefully reviewing consent agenda items and disbursements and asking staff questions when something catches his attention. “You kind of learn how to skim read,” he said, “but you want a working knowledge of what you’re talking about.”
Beyond the policy work, Beumer said one of the unexpected benefits of serving on the council has been the relationships he has formed. He described developing friendships and having meaningful conversations with fellow councilors, the mayor, and city leaders. “We have great people on the council,” he said.
Looking back on his first year, Beumer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and confidence in the council’s approach. For him, the role has reinforced the value of preparation, open-mindedness, and collaboration — qualities he believes ultimately serve Northfield residents best.
