FARGO, N.D. – Despite Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney’s announcement that the public comment period of City Commission meetings will no longer be broadcasted by the city, City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg said the decision “is not set in stone”.
City Administrator Michael Redlinger said in an interview with Valley News Live the move was made because of a North Dakota law allowing people to only talk about items on the meeting’s agenda.
On WDAY Radio’s “The Jay Thomas Show”, Turnberg blamed Mahoney for not punishing people who are breaking the rules during the public comment period. She said the move wasn’t an attempt to silence anyone, but was done because too many people were calling out commissioners for things that have nothing to do with city government like the war in Gaza.
“This stems from bad actors and the chair of the meeting not having control. This was an attempt to try and control the meeting because the mayor is not controlling it,” Turnberg said. “If I could tell you how many meetings we’ve had to discuss the possibility of trespassing someone for bad behavior, it’s ridiculous.”
When Flag Family News asked city staff if not broadcasting public comment during City Commission meetings is permanent, they said the topic will be discussed at the November 24 City Commission meeting.
