Candidates Put Their Two Cents In

By Bryce Haugen
Staff Writer

The High Plains Reader emailed candidates for Fargo mayor, city commission, park board and school board and asked a few questions to help educate voters ahead of Tuesday’s election. Nine candidates are angling for five seats on the school board; five are vying for three park board positions; four are fighting for two city commission slots; and three challengers are looking to unseat the incumbent mayor. Each term is for four years. West Fargo citizens will also vote Tuesday on equivalent positions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, including voting locations, check out the county auditor’s web site at http://www.casscountynd.gov/county/depts/Auditor/elections/Pages/PollingLocations.aspx.

CITY COMMISSION:

Tim Mahoney (I): Surgeon, Chief Medical Officer for Divisions and Strategy at Innovis Health

Brad Wimmer (I): Co-owner of Wimmer’s Diamonds

Melissa Sobolik: Great Plains Food Bank executive, Fargo Historic Preservation Committee member

Larry Bosma: Businessman, owner of Bison Properties

What are your priorities for Fargo?

Mahoney: Permanent flood control is number one since we have a deadline. We need to maintain a balanced budget and support smart growth for Fargo. Work on the new Family Health Care building project and address downtown parking issues. Work on job growth and keeping young people in the community.

Wimmer:  Number one is to get the Diversion behind us. This will take another one to two years of careful planning and financing. I think the ND plan is good and we’d like to get the federal cost share up a little higher. Along with the diversion, we are getting 15 mini projects completed along the river corridor to enhance our flood fighting abilities in the next six to 10 years before the diversion is completed.

Sobolik: As a young professional woman in this community, I have a vested interest in creating a vibrant, stable and healthy city for not only today’s residents but tomorrow’s as well. I want Fargo to be everyone’s hometown of choice and to become a naturally magnetic community that attracts a workforce, businesses and leaders. 

Bosma: My priorities are to represent the hard working men and women and the small business owners who often feel they don’t have a voice.

What are your views on sales taxes and other mechanisms to fund flood protection and city projects?

Mahoney:  When the final project is selected funding should be in a shared manner. The Feds should pay 65% of cost and then Minnesota pay $150-200 million, ND State may have to come up with $350million; city of Fargo has $200 million sales tax that Cass County will match with $200 million. The watershed district then could assess maintenance cost to the areas that benefit. It will be a shared cost in which everyone helps out in some way. There also has to be funding for downstream effects and upstream retention.

Wimmer: I’d like to see another half-cent sales tax from either the county or city to help us further fund our share of the diversion.  We also will be utilizing the state funding, of which we have acquired 75 million to help our flood fight. Remember we will be fighting floods for another six to 10 years before the diversion would be completed, even if we start construction next year! Property taxation and special assessments will be other tools that will be scrutinized for their abilities to help fund the diversion and flood control. No one funding mechanism will be 100% popular, the challenge will be to find a balance that is fair and gets the job done. We no longer want to be throwing sandbags in the city as we have done the last 40 years!

Sobolik: I believe the voters should be given the chance to vote on issues such as this. The voice of the people needs to be heard and listened to while governing.  If they grant permission, great, if not, we need to find innovative and creative solutions. 

Bosma: I’m very much in favor of a sales tax in that it is a consumption tax. Those who consume in our community whether they live here or not are benefiting from our infrastructure and should help bear their share of the costs.

What ideas do you have for improving downtown and the riverfront?

Mahoney: We have had good growth in the downtown area; now we need to work on parking and riverfront development. It has to become a destination and have a variety of businesses. HPR has always championed the downtown parking issues and it has to be worked on.

Wimmer: Ideally and in a perfect world we would bring in two to three major business-office tenants, another two to three major retailers, three to four restaurants, and two dozen new specialty shops. This will hopefully happen in the next 20 years, along with a renovation of city hall and the land along the river to the east of city hall. Downtown has had a remarkable turnaround, but isn’t close to where we really would like to see it. More hard work, luck and innovation in getting tenants will be needed. We will continually be looking at improved biking and walking lanes downtown and education on our availability of parking. What we currently have in place downtown is working, we just need more of it! Third Thursday, the street fair, Fargo Theatre and Theatre B, the new and old bars and restaurants along with the different shops make downtown Fargo one of the best in the region, more of the same formula will be good.

Sobolik: As a historic preservation commissioner, I’m very interested in maintaining the historic beauty of our buildings, while finding modern and creative uses for them. One of the great opportunities downtown is to make the area more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, and an education campaign on the downtown parking options. 

Bosma: One of the challenges of the downtown area is parking and we need to address that area. We also need to focus on bringing business and shoppers back to the downtown area. The primary focus of the riverfront needs to be bringing the dikes in compliance with the requirements of the flood insurance program requirements (raising dike east 2 feet to keep the neighborhoods out of the flood plain). We also need to put in a floodwall or permanent dike along 2nd St. to avoid having to build a dike and block off the street every time there is a flood. We do have bike and walking paths along the river that we need to maintain.

What would you propose to make Fargo more attractive for business and tourism?

Mahoney: We have had steady growth of businesses and need to see if there are other incentives we can work on to attract a variety of jobs to the community. Tourism is something ND state could work with us and develop areas of interest for people; the arts community is offering studios downtown and more options for people.

Wimmer: Fargo is becoming a diverse and attractive environment for both of these, the business climate is actually growing and quite stable. Tourism in our climate, with a lack of lakes, mountains and large attractions will always be a challenge. Not to say we can’t work on smaller scale venues and large ones such as the Marathon and street fair. What we do we do well. We should continue in that vein and keep what’s working going strong. That would be the RedHawks, events at the Fargodome, Zoo, Trollwood, Air shows, DT events, Red River valley fair, High school tournaments, etc.

Sobolik: We need to become a magnetic community; one that attracts people, workers, businesses and tourists. We can create that by investing in the arts, continue revitalizing downtown, strengthening our neighborhoods and making sure we have ample job and extracurricular activities. 

Bosma: I feel that private industry in conjunction with the Visitors and Convention Bureau is doing an excellent job of promoting the city. We are a regional geographic center but with our location it’s hard to make it a national destination center. The marathon is doing a tremendous job in bringing national attendance to our community regarding this event.

To what degree would you fight blight and discourage sprawl?

Mahoney: We are now getting blight and we need to work on cleaning up our neighborhoods so people are attracted to go to a variety of places throughout the city. Walking neighborhoods are important because it makes for a healthy community.

Wimmer: We’re trying to fight signage blight, especially in the neighborhoods. Sprawl is a tough one as it is market driven and I think it’s not right to discourage development for entrepreneurs and builders in new areas. Remember, we have to also try to give some incentives to keep development in the older sector, filling in vacated blocks and buildings. Through TIF districts and the Renaissance zone this has been very successful. Fargo was dealt a long and narrow footprint. We will always struggle a bit trying to fill in areas of underdevelopment as we move south.

Sobolik: Encouraging strong neighborhood associations will help keep our neighborhoods looking their best while enhancing relationships between the city and its residents. Fargo needs to ensure it can accommodate and afford to grow at its current rate. The city can continue to grow without sprawling beyond control. 

Bosma: Efforts must be made to encourage a sense of pride in the neighborhoods which will help with the blight. I would like to make the programs that exist easier to access and eliminate some of the bureaucracy. We have a Planning Commission whose job it is to overlook the overall planning of the city. I believe that the City Commission needs to be very aware of what is going on in the planning of the city so the planning commission is not overstepping its bounds and getting in the way of progress. Private industry has a vested interest in both the short and long-term well-being of our community. Responsible citizens and small businesses are what make our community a great place to live.

Which human rights issues, if any, does Fargo need to address?

Mahoney: The Human Rights Commission is doing a good job on this and has a variety of events and meetings to address issues throughout the community.

Wimmer:  Continually trying to be inclusive to all our citizens. We are on the right track with our homeless housing, senior housing and working with our social service organizations to work with vulnerable population. Again, the city will never have the proper funding at its disposal to champion all of these issues. It is our job however to get the right agencies and organizations at the table to help where it is needed.

Sobolik: As the city becomes more and more diverse, we need to ensure we are an open and welcoming community; a place that everyone can call home. Working at the Great Plains Food Bank, with Habitat for Humanity and Metro Youth Partnership, I know the challenges many residents face. 

Bosma: We have all sorts of rules and regulations in place to ensure the rights of minorities. Along with the enforcement of those rules and regulations we need to assure that we don’t infringe and trample on the rest of the population. We have been a very generous community in providing opportunities for relocation and jobs to many individuals from a variety of cultures and locations.

What do you offer that other candidates don’t?

Mahoney: I offer experience and positive leadership. I listen to people’s concerns and try to come to a decision that best serves the needs of the community. I have good connections with the federal delegation and can work collaboratively on issues we have. In the flood fight we all worked together and had a good outcome. Finally I work hard to help Fargo in its growth and transition to a larger urban center.

Wimmer: I have 12 years of elected public service. Eight years on the Fargo park board and four years as a city commissioner. Through these 12 years I have learned most of the big issues that face our city. I work hard not to be adversarial in my approach, knowing there are always two sides to an issue. I am a good voice for Fargo and continue to communicate by phone, email, in-person etc whenever a citizen has a concern. Fargo is being run very efficiently and our staff does a wonderful job, not only in flood control, but in all aspects of keeping a city safe and with proper infrastructure. I am proud to call Fargo home for the past 56 years (my whole life), and will continue to be a strong advocate for Fargo and this region.

Sobolik: I bring a new point of view of young professionals & leaders, women and the non-profit sector. I also know firsthand what it takes to choose a hometown. I moved to CA and chose to come back; a job opportunity will bring people in, but it’s going to take more than that to keep them here.

Bosma: I have a background of experience in business both building a business and maintaining and controlling expenses and holding the line in business. Also I have a background in dealing with all levels of people from the extreme downtrodden to the extreme affluent. My goal is to represent all hardworking citizens and small businesses.

MAYOR:

Lenny Tweeden: Retail salesman

Dennis Walaker (I): Mayor, retired public works director

Ahmed Haji: Community organizer. Unable to be reached by phone or email.

Robert Gates: Unable to be reached by phone or email.

Why should you be (re)elected Mayor?

Tweeden: To change the city’s image to that of a more progressive place that will be attractive to young professional people.

Walaker: I am the best qualified candidate.  My experience in Public Works and Engineering certainly are beneficial in understanding the complexities of our community. In addition I have been the Mayor of Fargo for the past four years and have significant insight into the management of our community’s needs.

What is Fargo’s biggest flaw and how would you fix it?

Tweeden: Fargo is a great place to live but we need to improve our image to attract young professional people. We need to use modern day media like Facebook and Twitter both of which are very cost effective.

Walaker: First of all I don’t believe Fargo has flaws that aren’t being addressed. Residents and visitors alike feel our city is in the higher percentage of offering opportunities to the people. Government should not be oppressive but provide basic services at reasonable costs and the opportunity to be successful.

What are your proposals to improve Fargo’s liveability and business climate?

Tweeden: Fargo should follow Moorhead’s lead on a domestic partnership registry.

Walaker: Our business climate is presently very successful.  If the surveys that have been taken are valid, then our City is providing an opportunity to be successful.  In regards to liveability, our schools K-12 and our university’s are of the highest quality.  I personally applaud our school system for the quality education that is provided.
 

What is your philosophy on city taxes and fees?

Tweeden: People work hard for their money and we need to always look at ways to lower property taxes and to not add new fees.

Walaker: I believe our tax system is fair. As Mayor we continue to hold our mill levy.  In fact presently we are at 1 mill below what we were before I became Mayor. Our goal of maintaining property taxes below 2% of value is being held.  You cannot have services without providing funds to operate.  The recent reduction in property taxes was roughly 15%.  That is good for all of us. What should be done is to continue modest reductions and place most of the states surplus in escrow and utilize the interest.  Fees should represent costs. Our movement in that regard is noteworthy.

How should Fargo pursue permanent flood protection?

Tweeden: I support a diversion in Minnesota but we need to get all the information in on a diversion and its effects downstream.

Walaker: Our pursuit of permanent flood protection is a two part system.  Since 1969 the City has moved up our flood protection from 32’ to 37’ which is significant.  The only real problem is the flood levels have also increased. We continue to make improvements with the funding that is available. Our second tier is permanent flood protection, which is presently underway.  We have never come this far in the history of our City, and if we succeed and there is no indication that we won’t, this will solve a big problem for many years to come.

SCHOOL BOARD:

Dinah Goldenberg (I): Full-time volunteer and community worker

Linda Coates: F-M Symphony Orchestra executive director, former city commissioner

Kris Wallman: Educator, writer, non-profit co-founder

Michael Jablon: Director of Strategy and Business Development at a biotechnology company

Dan Fremling (I): President of Fremling and Associates, an employee benefits company

Jon Offutt: Artist and community activist

Don Faulkner (I): NDSU architecture professor

Rusty Papachek: West Acres Shopping Center general manager

Rick Steen (I): Certified Public Accountant. Reached by phone, Steen said he would be unable respond by press time.

Why are you running?

Goldenberg: I am running for re-election to ensure Fargo schools continue to provide an excellent education system while maintaining efficient use of funding.  I believe that education is a right for all children and that providing a high quality education for all students throughout the community is essential.

Coates: I am passionate about the value of quality education, and I believe the Fargo school system is facing significant challenges ahead. My leadership experience as executive director of a non-profit arts organization, city commissioner, small business owner, teacher and parent will be helpful in service on the school board.

Wallman: About a year ago I started attending school board meetings to decide if my skills could be put to use in the service of Fargo’s schools on the Fargo Board of Education. As the months passed I began engaging city leaders and residents in dialogue about the school district’s decisions and have continued to get an ear full in every neighborhood of Fargo.  It became apparent that the ways in which resources were being allocated did not reflect the values of the people of our city. Through research, observation and discussions with community stakeholders I have found that our district and city are at a crossroads.  Our city is changing and we need leaders willing to work hard and look at the myriad factors impacting our system of education today. By diversifying our current board membership we can make more informed decisions. Today’s student body is changing. We expect teachers to meet the needs of students who are gifted, challenged and everywhere in between. My husband and many of my friends and neighbors attended Fargo Public Schools 20 or 30 years ago and received a great education, but we need new, more relevant strategies if we are going to ensure that same quality education for today’s changing student body.

Jablon: As a parent of three young children, I could no longer stand by when I firmly believe our children’s futures are at stake and that I can do a better job.  A communication and trust gap exists when we build a new high school and it creates a backlash.

Fremling: I care about every student in the classroom; I don’t believe we should have any special interest groups advocating for a specific group of students, I am running to represent every student.

Offutt: For several years, members of the school board have encouraged me to run, and I think it would be a great way to repay the community for the excellent education I got as a Fargo Public Schools student.

Faulkner: Want to make sure that the students in the Fargo Public Schools do not lose the opportunities that they currently have to pursue a meaningful and broad education. There are groups in the community that would like to cut education spending which would result in fewer programs in larger classes which is unacceptable to me.  I also believe that smaller, neighborhood based schools are important for the students and for the community.  We have to be diligent at protecting our smaller schools and our smaller class sizes.

Papachek: I am seeking the school board position to provide input into the most valuable tool for our children.  I currently have two children in the Fargo Public School system and I believe the education they are receiving is tremendous. Being a board member would provide a way for me to give back to the community and ensure that our educational opportunities continue to move in the appropriate direction.

Do you support giving the public an opportunity to vote on new facilities?

Goldenberg: I think past decisions the board has made regarding construction have been correct but if the public now demands voter approval, then that is the direction that should be taken in the future.  The challenge will be informing the voters of all options and their consequences before ballots are cast.

Coates: Yes.

Wallman: Yes, voters should approve the building of new schools. I trust the voters; we have voted to tax ourselves for schools, new libraries and infrastructure regularly.  Restoring citizens’ ability to cast binding public votes before new schools are built in the Fargo School District will help regain public trust, enhance citizen participation and improve transparency and accountability. Fargo values education.  We chose to move back to Fargo to start a family in part because of community support for an outstanding public school system. Though a high percentage of Fargo’s residents are retired and no longer have kids in school, I have heard time and time again that they are willing to support the same great public education their children received in Fargo’s public schools. But they want to know where their money is being spent and so do I. It’s time for voters to vote and for greater accountability and transparency in spending.

Jablon: A sustainable system needs voter support. The board cannot publicly say they garnered full support of the public and later express fear of a vote.  We need to give all stakeholders a voice and earn back their trust by better communicating that we are making good decisions.

Fremling: I support giving the public the opportunity to vote on additional taxing authority. The fact is the public doesn’t vote on buildings, but instead the taxing authority of the school district. The public will vote on the taxing authority of the district by 2015. This is an opportunity for the school district to showcase and it’s an opportunity for the public to vote on the taxing authority of the district.

Offutt: The public doesn’t actually get to vote for or against new facilities. They can vote on whether to tax themselves to provide funding. I am in favor of revisiting the way the Fargo Board of Education utilizes the Building Authority that the public voted to give the board in the ’90s.

Faulkner: I do not, for two reasons.  One, the voters of Fargo have already noted to support school buildings.  That vote, in the early 1990’s has proved to be a very enlightened approach to school facilities.  Two, school board members are elected, within our representational democracy, to set the direction, create the vision, and make the difficult decisions related to the school district.  The functions of the school board always need to be done in clear view of the public and with a considerable amount of public participation in discussing the issues.  I have always insisted that the board of education get input from the citizens of Fargo as we make important decisions.

Papachek: Communication and open dialogue is vital in any business and that is the case in school projects.  We are fortunate that we’ve had the ability to strategically build schools that the school board and administration have felt necessary to offer the appropriate opportunities for our children.  I feel it’s important to elect the proper delegation that will stay focused on the education of our children while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

To what degree do you value arts and music education?

Goldenberg: Arts and music are essential components of a well rounded education.  Studies show such education enhances problem solving and communication skills.  We are very fortunate in Fargo to have continued support for arts and music from the board, administration and the community.  I will continue to be an arts advocate.

Coates: As someone whose entire career has been in the arts field, I am understandably passionate about the value of all the arts. However, the arts are a vital component of a quality education for everyone. Industry leaders throughout the country emphasize the role that arts literacy plays in the ability of people to think creatively in all fields, including technology and sciences.

Wallman: Academic achievement is but one element of student learning and development.  I’m a proponent of a contemporary education reform approach called “Whole Child Education.”  With federal programs such as No Child Left Behind schools have, well, left behind a crucial focus on the whole child. Reading and math proficiency is important, but children, like adults, have different talents and deserve an opportunity to develop those talents be they academic or in the arts.  It is vital to offer opportunities for challenging visual arts, language arts, drama, and music education to our public school students. Our city continues to grow in offering opportunities for residents to experience the Arts, libraries and cultural activities.  Our public school curriculum should reflect those values.

Jablon: My family highly values arts and music education.  We support our children’s involvement and marvel at the quality of programs in our district.  The most recent student art event at the UP Center was incredible and we wished more would have heard about it and experienced it.

 
Fremling: Fargo has excellent arts and music education.  I will continue to support both.  As a board member I need to make sure all programs are excellent and that I do not favor one over the other. Instead we need to continue to provide a rich curricular offering for all students. Arts should be imbedded throughout our curriculum.

Offutt: Arts and creative-thinking disciplines are an important part of a strong curriculum. They lead to higher reading and math scores, and enjoyment of the arts leads to a higher quality of life. I’ve been a vigorous arts advocate for the past 10 years and served on the partnership formation committee between Fargo Public Schools and Plains Art Museum—one of many arts-related committees I’ve served on.

Faulkner: Arts education is incredibly important for the complete education of our students.  I am an architect and an urban designer.  I am involved in creative processes every day and I see the need for our students to be able to creatively solve problems.  I have been involved for many years with visual and performing arts through the Trollwood Performing Arts School and through music and theater productions in the high schools.  I strongly support the inclusion of arts as a stand-alone goal within the strategic plan of Fargo Public Schools.

Papachek: Arts and music education need to be a part of the academic priority in our school district.  All students need to be exposed and involved with these activities that will truly round out their character and prepare them for the future.  In addition, students need to be encouraged to stay involved in extra-curricular activities and volunteer opportunities that will help them contribute to the well being of the FM area. 

What can be done to accommodate students with diverse diets and to improve nutrition?

Goldenberg: The Fargo Public Schools Wellness Council, of which I am a member, is updating and strengthening the district Wellness Policy.  Nutrition, healthy snacks, diverse diets, allergies, concessions and physical fitness are topics that will be covered.  As different needs arise we will continue to adapt.

Coates: Too often, lunchroom improvements are made “around the edges,” with a few healthy choices offered (i.e. raw fruits and vegetables) alongside the usual fare. Serving healthy food across the entire menu should be a priority, creating lifelong positive eating habits.

Wallman: Kids need to be offered healthy food choices in our schools.  More and more students have recognized food allergies and our diverse student body has food traditions that could be accommodated. Good nutrition is an issue that would best be tackled by a collaborative effort by many stakeholders.  At our house we teach our children where food comes from, how it gets to us, whose labor brings food to our table, how the environment is impacted by different types of farming, locally grown vs. factory farming, and why we make healthy food choices.  We eat as a family and connect during meals as often as we can. Extending the lunch period and embedding these topics into a “lunch curriculum” could be explored.  We are fortunate that our neighborhood school envisions the students, parents, staff, teachers and administrators as a “school family.” One possibility that schools in other areas have implemented is eating lunch “family style” and embedding social skills and other discussions into the lunch period.  Public schools and groups such as the Cass/Clay Healthy People Initiative, area businesses and restaurants, along with parent volunteers can collaborate in a comprehensive effort to educate children and families about nutrition.  Tackling poor nutrition will take some creative thinking and an effort from schools, families, and the entire community.

Jablon: Improving nutrition and reducing obesity are a top priority for our nation and our children’s future.  The USDA and the President’s Administration are focused on this at the Federal level.  Having worked with our Congressional Delegation, I’m qualified to move us in the right direction.

Fremling: Our nutrition is constantly being evaluated and improved.  Child obesity is a huge problem and we need to provide healthy foods and snacks along with increasing the activity opportunities for students to address this problem. We have to lead by example and continue to emphasize wellness throughout our district.

Offutt: The nutrition staff should use as many fresh ingredients and locally-grown products as possible. A selection of simple, wholesome foods, including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, will satisfy most dietary requirements and restrictions.

Faulkner: The school district has excellent people in nutrition services but I would like to explore ways that we might pursue more sustainable activities and nutrition through a focus on regional food production and even the possibility of students growing food at the schools for preparation in the school lunch program. I would also like to explore possible partnerships with local farmers to supply fresh food directly to the district.

Papachek: The district needs to ensure that our meal plans offer a healthy choice for all of our students.  In order for our students to operate in a prime learning environment, nutritional needs have to be addressed.  Free and reduced lunch counts continue to increase and need to be funded moving forward. 

How should the Board address capacity disparities and school boundary issues?

Goldenberg: Addressing school capacity issues may require a combination of solutions including:  pairing elementary schools (example Clara Barton/Hawthorne), increasing class size, changing school boundaries, adding portable classrooms, or building new schools. Whatever future direction the board takes it should be done after in depth discussion with all community stakeholders.

Coates: This is an area for creative thinking and collaboration. While citizens have expressed the desire to retain neighborhood schools, there may come a time when enrollment patterns simply do not support this. Repurposing those buildings in a way that supports neighborhoods and attracts students, finding new ways to collaborate with neighboring districts, pairing elementary schools, and being judicious in the approach to school boundary changes must all be part of the mix.

Wallman: Contrary to what some school leaders suggest, it’s no accident that Fargo is showing a trend toward a denser population in the south right now. For instance, in response to criticisms that Davies High School near 71st Avenue South in Fargo was built too far south, we have heard from school leaders that “If you build it they will come.” This suggests a planned increase in population in the south rather than a random occurrence.  In talking to young mobile families throughout the district, I have heard repeatedly that if they move they will look for a house in the Davies High School area.  And why wouldn’t they?  If families are able to do so, they move where they believe their children will have the greatest opportunities. (Incidentally, this contributes to declining property values in areas with underfunded schools.)  Secondly, school leaders have been criticized for disproportionally funding the building of Davies relative to North and South High Schools. I believe every school in every neighborhood of our city should be a school where parents are confident about sending their children.  Making funding equitable across neighborhoods and schools supports stable demographics.  In addition to equitably allocating resources throughout the city to keep families from migrating to areas with better funded schools, school leaders must be creative in using the buildings/space we currently have—with stagnant enrollment numbers, we must take a flexible approach to our ability to meet both expanding or declining population densities in the future and, foremost, strive to keep class sizes to a minimum.

Jablon: We should institute best practices in planning and change management beginning with more open communication with all stakeholders, including city planners and our neighbors in West Fargo.  In the past we’ve worked with West Fargo to provide services and we can do so again. 

Fremling: There isn’t one simple answer. We need to use several different strategies. Changing boundaries is only one. One strategy that has worked is the past and continues to work is paring of schools when enrollment is declining. We also need to continue to work with the city to development incentives for revitalization of older neighborhoods. The city has a Community Development Committee (CDC). I was on the CDC for 12 years. We need to make sure a board member from the school district continues to be on the committee. Currently Don Faulkner is serving on the CDC.

Offutt: I feel we should continue our efforts to maintain neighborhood schools as long as fiscally possible. Facilities can be utilized for other purposes, including neighborhood gatherings, continuing education, and social functions.

Faulkner: The school district has planned to involve the public in the discussion of changing boundaries for elementary and secondary schools as the population grows and shifts within town.  I believe that boundary changes are necessary and inevitable but residents of each of the neighborhoods involved must be included in the discussions.

Papachek: Enrollment issues are a viable concern as it’s very difficult to move our children from one school to the other within our own city.  The best thing that the board could do is to stay proactive and project enrollment as far out as possible so any boundary changes are communicated to the public.  Class sizes need to be manageable and consistent to ensure that our children are receiving the attention they deserve.

What can the district do to improve education for disadvantaged students - the disabled, impoverished, non-English speakers?

Goldenberg: Fargo spends more for disadvantaged students than we receive in state funding.  I believe the board should continue to encourage our state legislators to increase funding for special needs populations.  Not only will this increase the benefit to the disadvantaged students but also the general student population.

Coates: This is an area which is already receiving high priority and significant resources. By the numbers, Fargo educates more impoverished and non-English speaking students than any other school district in the state. We may need to look for additional resources to supplement these efforts - several large regional foundations are in the process of retooling their grant-making focus, and there may be some opportunities for significant support in this area as it relates to community building.

Wallman: A fact of financing public education is that resources are limited.  A combination of local, state and federal funds pay for public education—some funds come with mandated spending restrictions while the spending of other funds is at the discretion of school leaders.  Often, if one program or building is funded it comes at the expense of another program. Fargo school leaders decide these priorities, ideally with public input, so the values and needs of the entire community are taken into account.  However, some board members and administrators I’ve heard from say they would resist greater community engagement because of the input of a small “vocal minority” of residents that do not represent the views of the city at large.  Disadvantaged students - the disabled, impoverished, and non-English speakers often make up this vocal minority.  Our schools are charged with providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all students, not just the ones with average intelligence, those who speak only English at home or come from middle or upper income families.  That means school leaders must work especially hard to ensure that the voices of all are heard and the needs of all are met in our public schools.  That’s not just my opinion; that’s the law.  If you don’t want to work hard to ensure a free appropriate public education to ALL students, don’t serve on the school board.

Jablon: As a board member, I can direct support for programs.  I grew up in a single parent family. My Mom had no High School education.  With her help and the help of public education, I’m offering to give back to a community that has given me so much.

Fremling: We do a good job helping students who are disadvantaged, we have the best ELL program in the state because we have the most students and we spend a lot of money to help these students succeed.  As a board member I need to continue to advocate for the disadvantaged. I will continue to advocate for ALL students. We need to do everything we can to help students be successful so they can be productive citizens in our communities. Our strategic plan helps assure that ALL students are given the best opportunities as possible along with the resources.

Offutt: The district can improve the education for disabled, impoverished, and non-English speakers by developing strong relationships with our local communities. Also, I would like to create leadership programs so that some of our more high-achieving students can be offered the opportunity to work with their peers.

Faulkner: Improving the quality of education for our less fortunate students is a matter of time and money. To best serve these students we need to extend the amount of time that we are able to spend with the students and the time that the students have to accomplish their individual goals.  Working to increase federal and state funding in support of special needs students is critical to helping them make the educational gains that they deserve.

Papachek: We need to make sure that the district is taking full advantage of our funding opportunities and implementing programs for the disadvantaged.  We have several excellent examples in our district of administrators and teachers being fully engaged in the process at the school level, which is where the most progress will be recognized.

What makes you qualified for the Board?

Goldenberg: I have been a member of multiple PTAs, district education committees and task forces.  As a school board member I have visited with teachers, administrators, support staff, students and the general public on a wide variety of issues.  This will allow me to make informed decisions that will benefit all students.

Coates: I believe that my experience as a parent, teacher and community leader give me a varied background to draw upon. I am committed to upholding the high quality of our educational system, and will be a dedicated and engaged board member.

Wallman: First and foremost I care enough about kids and education to pay close attention to the funding priorities being set by school leaders and to expect accountability in spending—tracking funding has been like finding a needle in a haystack. I’ve been attending bi-monthly school board meetings for the past year and have spent many more hours working to understand the specific issues facing Fargo Public Schools.  If elected, I will hit the ground running as a school board member. I am a hard worker and believe elected leaders have a responsibility to engage the public often. My leadership style is one of collaboration and of examining all sides before committing to a course of action.  As a resident of Fargo I’ve been working to make our community a place where all kids can thrive. My experience has given me skills that will be an asset to the board. I serve on the Executive Board of the Region V Children’s Services Coordinating Committee. Since 1991 stakeholders from around the community such as Fargo Public Schools, Cass Public Health, Dakota Medical Foundation and others have collaborated with CSCC to address kids’ issues in our community.  I also co-founded a non-profit several years ago that educates and works with agencies and families in our region.  I’m a member of the PTA in my children’s school, and I’ve lived in Fargo with my husband and our two children going on 10 years.  Excellence in education is a value I share with many Fargo residents.

Jablon: It is time to put an active parent and a proven business leader on the school board. I am creative in finding ways to accomplish more with less. By applying good judgment with the right intentions, we can make smarter investments today for a truly great school system tomorrow.

Fremling: I have lived in Fargo for 34 years. I’ve had three kids graduation from the Fargo Public Schools. I have served at the city, state and local level. I have dedicated the time and I will continue to put the time in that is needed to be a good board member.  I don’t have an agenda or a special interest group to satisfy, I just have a desire to work hard and provide the best opportunities for all students.

Offutt: As a former student and parent of a current student, I’m aware of the needs and issues of Fargo Public Schools. I have an extensive background in board service and strategic planning.

Faulkner: I bring a unique set of qualifications to the Fargo Public Schools Board.  As an architect and urban designer I work diligently to create strong connections between the schools and the neighborhoods of the city.  I teach at the university and I see the needs that our students have in order to be successful in their lives.  My nine years on the school board have given me incredible experiences and have taught me a great deal about students, school districts, and communities.  I would welcome four more years to serve our students and the community.

Papachek: My greatest asset would be my 19 years of business experience of managing and operating shopping centers. The Fargo Public School system has and needs to continue to emphasize fiscal responsibility to ensure that the taxpayer is receiving a quality education at an affordable price. West Acres is a prime example of how we offer a superior shopping experience to our customers while maintaining affordable operating rates to our merchants.

PARK BOARD:

Ron Sorvaag (I): Small business owner, retired farmer

Sally Jacobson: At-home mother, former zookeeper

Barry Nelson: Metro Youth Partnership executive director, former Fargo Human Relations Commission member

Joe Deutsch (I): NDSU physical education professor

Mary Johnson (I): Controller, Valley Bus, LLC. Johnson did not respond to several voice messages and emails as of press time.

What do you envision for Fargo parks programming?

Sorvaag: We will continue to grow our Cultural Arts and Recreation Departments with programming focused on individuals and families. We will support programming for groups and organizations by providing good and affordable facilities.

Jacobson: The park district offers a wonderful variety of over one thousand programs and events. We would not be able to offer such quality programming without partnering with other organizations.  I would like to see our programming continue to expand and diversify through establishing new partnerships and nurturing existing relationships.

Nelson: There is a nice variety of programming available through the Fargo Parks.  What concerns me is that most of the programming is fee based and even though there are scholarships available, I am concerned that those who need scholarships have no way to find out about them.  I would like to see greater variety of indoor and outdoor cultural programming; I would want to make sure that we have continuous input from our youth, New Americans, special populations regarding programming needs.  I would also like to see more neighborhood input and engagement in their neighborhood parks.

Deutsch: My primary objective as a park board commissioner has been and will continue to be to use my educational background and my life experiences to serve as an effective voice and policy-maker for the citizens of Fargo. I am heavily involved with the parks in the summer including coaching t-ball.

How about park facilities?

Sorvaag: Major facilities needed in the near future are a larger sports field complex, so we can open more of the neighborhood facilities for the general public’s use. We also need a larger regional park, similar to Lindenwood. This will most likely be located at the Park Districts Brunelle or Rutten Property. The timing and location of these facilities is dependent on what flood protection plan is chosen and where it is located.

Jacobson: I would love to explore the concept of an indoor park. A place where small children could run and play even in on the most bitterly cold day of winter! Also, we should set a goal to have universal playground equipment at every playground. Regarding flood protection, we need to carefully plan future parks while maintaining existing facilities.

Nelson: Would like to see adapted play ground equipment at more of the parks, community gardening available at all park locations, with compost and water available, larger dog parks, an emphasis on biking and hiking trails, connecting both up with a city wide network of trails.  I would like to see facilities available for our new populations and sporting interests, such as Lacrosse and Cricket.  I want to make sure as we move ahead with permanent flood protection, that the parks are a part of the design and that we make better use of the river as a recreational resource.  Finally, I would like to see greater collaboration between the Park Board and schools, neighboring cities, the city, as well as arts and cultural organizations.  I would like to see more public art in our parks.

Deutsch: Continue to staying ahead of city growth by ensuring plans for the neighborhood amenities (parks, bike paths, sports field, etc.) are in place before the housing arrives. I am already working with staff to find a room for an indoor playground so parents have somewhere for their children to play year round.

Why should you be on the Park Board?

Sorvaag: I want to continue to provide for the recreational needs of our citizens, but at the same time make sure we keep the tax obligations affordable for all our citizens. To make sure we grow in a controlled and affordable way.

Jacobson: I will be a fresh and enthusiastic voice for our families and citizens. My formal work experience makes me an ideal candidate; I understand the fiscal responsibility and creativity required to create excellent park facilities and programs. Having small children, I understand the impact parks have on families, they will be one of my top priorities.

Nelson: I am a communicator and a listener, I have many years working with non-profits and some of the more creative parts of our community and would bring a connection between the parks and all citizens of Fargo.  I have served on a variety of civic, community and non-profit boards, I have had many years experience managing non-profit programs.  I am a husband, father and grandfather who believes that great parks make for a great city.

Deutsch: Having children currently using the Park District everyday keeps me aware of the issues, as well as being a born and raised resident. Growing up with the Fargo Park District, I am also a former elementary school physical education teacher who has studied and taught physical education, recreation, and wellness.

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