By: OnlytheFacts on 10/31/09
Mayor Rossing has become a big disappointment. Before she became Mayor she was a loud voice for shop local, and now she is nothing but a hypocrite. I will never shop at her store again, and I hope other people will stop as well.

By: Townie on 10/31/09
Hypocrite is correct; 'shopping local' will have lost it's meaning beginning if this decision stands. Yeh, the hourly rate is lower with these out-of-town attorneys, but what are we getting from the out-of-town attorney's versus Swanson & Morisette? Will these out-of-towners look out for city matters in the same way Swanson & Morisette have? I see much compromise for Northfielders on the horizon, if this moves forward and am still not entirely clear on the reason. Maren Swanson has had to make some tough decisions no-doubtedly not making her popular by some, but this is no doubt part of the deal for any attorney. Why this particular firm? Is someone ketting an under-the table benefit by choosing these guys? Shop local? Bah humbug; not me, now.

By: TJ on 10/31/09
With Judge Johnson resigning in January, maybe Tim can become a district judge.
He would be very fair and impartial.
Tim, maybe this works out for you. I hope so, you've always been approachable and I enjoyed working with you and Maren. Northfield is making a terrible mistake by not retaining your office. This will cost the city a large amount of money in the long run.

By: dapa2 on 11/1/09
Yeah their hourly rate might be lower but do they charge mileage to come to Northfield? Mileage to go to Faribault for court? Will they be available and accessible to council, various boards and staff during meetings, special meetings, other times other than by email or telephone. In the end depending on the contract it could cost a lot more depending on how things are worded in the contract.

There is no doubt that these things should be put out to bid but it is not just the lowest price that makes a contract and anybody that does any type of commodity or service bidding knows that.