“As a member of the Northfield City Council, I will honor and respect the City Charter.” - Adam Wale

“America is connected as the United States by a shared vision of individual freedoms, liberties, and civil and human rights structurally formed as a constitutional federal republic.  That national identity of freedom and liberty is enshrined in our core documents like the Declarati on of Independence, the U.S. Constitution & Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and the Northfield City Charter.” - Adam Wale

Select Northfield City Charter sections below:

CHAPTER ONE. - PREAMBLE

One of our nation's most cherished qualities is freedom. There can be no freedom, however, without responsibility and order. Written documents governing our nation and state governments clearly declare the right of all persons to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Accompanying statements spell out the responsibilities and order that make freedom possible. It is proper that cities also spell out the freedoms and responsibilities of their citizens that make for good order.

Be it hereby declared that no person in the City of Northfield shall, on the grounds of age, race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, marital status or status with regard to public assistance or disability be subjected to discrimination in any form. Human freedom and human rights are indivisible. If anyone is denied equality, no one is free. The following charter is a declaration of the public policy of the City of Northfield to fulfill its responsibility to treat all of its citizens equally and with good order.

Section 3.1. - Form of Government.

The form of government established by this Charter is the "Mayor-Council" plan. The council shall exercise the legislative power of the city and determine all matters of policy. The mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the city government, accountable to the council for oversight of the administration of the city.

Section 9.1. - Council to Control Finances.

The council shall have full authority over the financial affairs of the city, and shall provide for the collection of all revenues and other assets, the auditing and settlement of accounts, and the safekeeping and disbursement of public moneys, and in the exercise of sound discretion shall make appropriations for the payment of all liabilities and expenses. The council may contribute city funds to any entity to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the city, if the gift does not have as its primary objective the benefit of a private interest.