By Rich Larson
As Northfield prepares for significant turnover on the City Council next year, one of its newest members says the experience has been both rewarding and enlightening.
Councilor Chad Beumer, who has served just over a year, said he has embraced the responsibilities of the role and encourages others to consider stepping forward as three longtime councilors — Jessica Peterson White, Davin Sokup and Kathleen Holmes — opt not to seek re-election.
“I actually really enjoy it, believe it or not,” Beumer said in a recent interview, describing a role that blends public service, constituent communication and careful deliberation.
Beumer said a central part of his approach has been responsiveness. He regularly fields emails, phone calls and text messages from residents across the city and works to reply to each one. “I do my absolute very best to respond to all of them,” he said.
Transparency has also been a priority. Beumer uses social media to share meeting agendas in advance and post detailed recaps shortly after council meetings. In those updates, he explains his votes and the reasoning behind them — an effort he says helps residents better understand council decision-making.
“I always try to explain why I voted the way I did or why I asked the questions that I asked,” he said.
That approach has guided him through complex and sometimes controversial issues, including the city’s ice arena project. While Beumer said he was not personally inclined to support the project at first, he sought feedback from residents across his ward. “At the end of the day, most of the people supported it,” he said, noting that their views ultimately shaped his stance.
He has also not shied away from criticism, particularly in discussions surrounding a proposed solar energy project that could have yielded significant long-term savings for the city.
Behind the scenes, Beumer said the job requires steady preparation. He sets aside Sunday evenings to review council packets — often hundreds of pages — and arrives at meetings with notes and questions. “It takes some time, but generally in a couple hours I can get through most of it,” he said.
With three council seats opening, Beumer said he hopes new candidates step forward. His advice is simple: “If you’re thinking about doing it, do it.”
A military veteran, Beumer said service remains a driving force in his work. “To me it’s rewarding. I like to serve people,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the council.”
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
