‘Disturbing’ email sent to Northfield officials leads to added security at TIF meetings

The community discussion around whether to install tax increment financing in Northfield has at times grown tense.

Local schools have applied pressure against the plan. Some neighbors wear hats and buttons with no-TIF icons. Multiple community members have threatened the Village with litigation.

But the tension reached new heights Oct. 28 when Village trustees received an anonymous email with a cartoon and message that Village President Tracey Mendrek called “disturbing” and “disappointing.”

The Record obtained a copy of the email and the included image and has decided not to publish the image. The content expresses opposition to TIF, and the image depicts Mendrek pulling four of her trustees and the village manager on leashes as they all run away from an angry mob, led by Trustee Charlie Orth, that is carrying pitchforks and torches.

The text of the email singles out Mendrek and includes comments such as “We are watching,” “more to come” and “you are all going to be put on the record November 9th,” the day of the TIF public hearing.

Mendrek and other village leaders brought the email to the attention of the Northfield Police Department, which reportedly agreed to provide added security at upcoming TIF-related public meetings on Thursday, Nov. 5, and Monday, Nov. 9.

“There was enough concern that we felt like we needed to at least have a police presence at TIF meetings,” Mendrek told The Record, “not out of fear but making sure all residents could participate.”

Mendrek, who also addressed the email via a social media post, said about the image, “It’s disappointing. It was clear that it suggests a large group of people are out to get me and our board. It’s just so disappointing that someone thought this was OK to send to their neighbors — because we are all volunteers and all neighbors.”

The scene seems to satirize perceived TIF voting blocs with Mendrek leading in support and Orth in opposition.

Orth, who in the image appears angry and wields a pitchfork, condemned the email, calling it “ridiculous.”

“In no way do I support it and in no way am I behind it,” he told The Record. “I don’t condone this and wouldn’t make light of it.”

He added that while it shocked him to see the message and image, considering the state of the TIF conversation in Northfield, he was not surprised.

“I don’t think it’s funny and think it paints me in a light that isn’t fair … but it doesn’t surprise me with everything going on lately,” he said.

The email was sent to the Village Board’s general inbox, which officials have been sharing to collect resident feedback about TIF.

The image contains a watermark from Buffer, a social media management tool that also offers AI functions to build images and posts. The email address is through Tuta, an email server known for its security and encryption.

Mendrek said actions like the email, as well as some behavior during public sessions, have resulted in a chilling effect on an important conversation.

“We all should be able to express our views on any issue without feeling intimidated and I think that’s what’s happened,” she said.

In her social media statement, she added, “Respectful disagreement is a healthy part of our community’s decision making and we want to hear every perspective. Threats have no place in that process.”

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