FARGO – Organizers of a petition that would ask voters to approve a ward system say they’re making progress on the ballot measure.
Former Fargo City Commissioners Tony Gehrig and Arlette Preston are among those who are lobbying for a change from the current system of government to a council style. The change would have to be approved by the voters in the City of Fargo.
“Fargo is the largest city in the country, by a lot, that uses the commission style of government,” Gehrig told WDAY Radio’s The Jay Thomas Show.
The commission governance model has been in the City of Fargo since 1913.
Gehrig says he realizes no system is perfect for everybody.
“Every city fits different into whatever system,” he said. “The commission style of government is meant for a small town with almost no staff.”
In 2018, a majority of the Fargo City Commission lived in south Fargo; in 2020, a majority lived in North Fargo; and in 2024, a majority lived in south Fargo. This means no one represented the middle of Fargo, Gehrig said.
The proposed plan would call for six wards – one person representing an area of the city.
“It makes it more fair for everybody,” Gehrig said.
The six wards would have roughly 22,000 residents per ward.
The mayor would only cast a vote in the case of a tie – and would be voted on an at-large ballot.
Roughly 4,200 signatures are needed – and the group is aiming for 5,000. Gehrig says they believe they’re halfway to their goal.
“It’s hard to give an exact number, because we have volunteers who have paper in their hand,” he said. “And we haven’t counted them yet.”
Once the signatures are validated, the Fargo City Commission could vote to approve the ward system within 20 days or hold an election within 60 days, according to home rule charter. State law says the election would need to be held within 90 days. It could also be held in conjunction with either the general or primary election.
“I would prefer that,” Gehrig said of either the general or primary election. “Because you have more people voting. I want this to be a public vote where the majority agrees.”
