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Mayoral candidates press public safety, budgets and housing in League of Women Voters forum
Summary
At a League of Women Voters–AARP forum in Fargo, five mayoral candidates debated downtown safety and policing, city finances and housing affordability. Candidates offered sharply different fixes — from reinstating loitering rules to task forces and 0‑based budgeting — while several urged more community engagement.
The five candidates for Fargo mayor debated public safety, the municipal budget and housing policy at a League of Women Voters–AARP forum that was livestreamed and recorded for TV Fargo 56.
Sen. Josh Bochee opened by emphasizing his 14 years representing Fargo in Bismarck and said his campaign has focused on listening to neighborhoods. Denise Kolpak, who serves as deputy mayor and commissioner, framed her approach around fiscal discipline and 0‑based budgeting. City Commissioner Dave Pepcorn highlighted property‑tax relief, promising a 1‑mill reduction and cuts to utility fees. Candidate Koo Surleaf and Michelle Thornburg also emphasized community engagement and restoring reliable city services.
Why it matters: Candidates’ competing approaches signal how the next…
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