FARGO (KFGO KVRR) – Two former Fargo city commissioners say they’ll work to change the city’s form of government.
“There are neighborhoods with very different needs and concerns, and the city survey even showed that people just don’t feel like they’re engaged very well with the city, have trouble providing input into the decision-making,” said former commissioner Arlette Preston.
In the survey Preston referred to, 43% felt they are not able to provide input, and 33% said they would like to see a seven-member council instead. Preston said that gave her a reason to push forward with creating a petition to switch from a city commission to a city council form of government where those elected would serve specific sections of Fargo. She’s been joined in the effort by former commissioner Tony Gehrig.
“People would get to know their council member and know who they could contact if they have a concern, and then expect a response from them, and that accountability between the elected official and the neighborhood becomes stronger,” said Preston.
“I would hope that people would see this as a step towards being able to engage at a more meaningful level. It’s tough when the decisions are being made in the city to determine when and how the public gets involved and oftentimes it’s so late in the process,“ said Preston.
The petition is at the city auditor’s office for review. Preston says she hopes by next week, the petition can be shared with the public with a potential public vote in the future.
Mayor Tim Mahoney said going to a ward-system may hinder unified growth and limit voter choice. He said he would favor adding two more seats to the commission.
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