FARGO — The idea of transforming Fargo’s current form of government from a city commission to a city council format was brought back before city leaders last week.
The informational-only discussion was brought forward by City Commissioner Arlette Preston after reading a
Forum article highlighting
a recent North Dakota State University survey that showed Fargo voters might be open to the switch
from at-large representation
to a City Council format where officials represent specific districts within the city.
“This piece of information is important for us to consider,” said Preston, noting recent disengagement from residents when it comes to speaking with commissioners and voting in local elections.
The topic over the city’s form of government has been discussed before, Preston said, expressing a hope that this newest survey could spark a conversation among residents about what they’d like to see from their city government.
Forum file photo
Dr. Nick Bauroth, a professor of political science at NDSU who researches state and local politics, said the city of Fargo is unique.
“We’re pretty much the largest city with this sort of commission system right now,” he said. Neighboring
Moorhead utilizes a council form of government.
The university’s survey revealed that 49.4% of Fargo residents are supportive of considering a council switch, while 19.9% are opposed to the idea, Bauroth said.
“Most voters were content with city services,” he reported, however residents were “a little less satisfied with the Fargo City Commission.”
Respondents said they felt elected representatives from their own neighborhoods would be more understanding of their specific needs.
“It’s not necessarily that there is hostility to a city commission system,” Bauroth said. “It’s just that it seems as if the council sort of approach has peaked interest as something they like the sound of.”
Back in 2021,
members of the Fargo City Commission voted 3-2 not to put the option of switching to a council format on the ballot.
Preston voted in favor of a public vote back in 2021 alongside former City Commissioner Tony Gehrig, while Mayor Tim Mahoney, Commissioner John Strand and Commissioner Dave Piepkorn stood opposed.
Mahoney said if anything, the survey could be best interpreted as residents saying they feel disconnected with Fargo commissioners and unable to share neighborhood concerns.
“The reality is is…that all the commissioners are easily accessible,” Mahoney said, adding the survey showed that the city needs to communicate better with residents about how to reach elected representatives.
Fargo’s newest commissioner, Denise Kolpack, felt the idea wasn’t a priority given other city projects.
“It’s an interesting conversation but I would hope that we would keep our eye on the ball,” she said. “Overall citizens are happy about the services they are receiving from the city of Fargo”
Readers with thoughts about this issue can
contact their elected officials,
write a letter to the editor
or email Forum reporter Melissa Van Der Stad at
mvanderstad@forumcomm.com
.
Local government reporter working the night shift 👻
