Archives: Episodes

Talk of the Town with Jon Adams: Unpacking Fargo’s Debt and Development 03-25-26

Talk of the Town with Jon Adams - Wednesdays 11am to 12pm on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

In this episode Jon sits down with city commission candidate Tony Gehrig to discuss the critical financial challenges facing the city of Fargo. From ballooning budgets and a 1.3 billion dollar debt to the controversial use of special assessments and tax incentives, Gehrig lays out his plan for a "fiscally responsible" future.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Debt Crisis: Fargo’s debt has reached 1.3 billion dollars, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects and a budget that has increased by 4% to 11% annually over the last decade.

  • Tax Incentives and "Clawbacks": Gehrig criticizes the long-term tax exemptions given to large corporations like Aldevron, arguing that when companies sell or move out of state, the city should "claw back" those lost tax dollars.

  • The Problem with Special Assessments: The city currently uses its credit to borrow money for developers' infrastructure (roads, sewers, etc.), adding an average of $50,000 in debt per new home which is then passed on to the residents.

  • Unprofitable Public Projects: The pair discusses how public venues like the FargoDome, parking ramps, and the proposed convention center often fail to generate profit, leaving taxpayers to cover the maintenance and operating costs.

  • Impact on Education: Roughly 50% of property tax revenue goes toward funding schools; when the city grants massive tax incentives to developers, it directly deprives the school board of the funds needed to hire and pay teachers.

Gehrig's Proposed Solutions

  • Budget Freeze: A proposal to freeze city spending for at least four years to allow growth to naturally lower the tax burden.

  • Ending Long-Term Incentives: Reducing or eliminating multi-decade tax breaks that prioritize special interests over the general public.

  • Fiscal Transparency: Encouraging citizens to research beyond the "marketing" of new projects to understand the true long-term costs to the taxpayer.

"We don’t have a lack of money; we have plenty of money... it’s about prioritizing the spending and defining the needs versus the wants of Fargo." — Tony Gehrig

 

The Coffee Club: “Midweek Mayhem” 3-25-26

The Coffee Club on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

The Coffee Club from Wednesday March 25th, 2026.  Guests include Dustin Jenkins, Jeff "Crash" Thoemke, Isaiah Nelson of Fargo Brick Co, Jen Pickett of the City of Fargo, Darrell and Jordan from Furniture Mission and Sheriff Jesse Jahner and Sargent Jesse Castle.

 

The Business Blueprint Episode 011: The Pivot That Changes Everything

business blueprint 1024x1024

This week Joe sits down with Mark Wallace, a former banking executive who made a bold leap from a stable, high-level career into the unknown—driven by faith, purpose, and a calling he couldn’t ignore.

Mark shares the behind-the-scenes reality of a life pivot: the two-year internal battle, the risk of leaving behind identity and income, and the practical steps that helped him navigate the transition. From self-inventory and small exploratory moves to ultimately “burning the boats,” this conversation unpacks what it really takes to change direction—not just in business, but in life.

They also dive into the mission behind Faith Forward, an organization helping professionals integrate faith and leadership in the workplace, and explore how anyone—regardless of career stage—can find deeper alignment, meaning, and impact in their daily work.

Whether you’re contemplating a major career shift or simply searching for more purpose where you are, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what it means to pivot with intention.