"Longterm Sustainability": Tim Mahoney speaks on F-M Diversion project, upcoming city election, and current police department controversies

Courtesy of: City of Fargo
Courtesy of: City of Fargo

(Fargo, ND) -- The city has a lot happening in the next few months, and Fargo's current political leader is sharing what he believes to be progress moving forward.

Fargo Mayor and City Commisioner Tim Mahoney talked with WDAY Radio during WDAY Midday on Friday, and commented on several topics regarding prominent topics within the F-M area.

 

The F-M Diversion Project

Mahoney started with the largest project being tackled in the region, and says it is a big reason why Fargo won't have to worry about the annual flooding season.

"It normally takes 18 years to finish a Corps project. They are now on the mark to get this done by 2026," Mahoney said on the completion of funding for the diversion, "This is the number one program for the Corps in the nation right now, and this will be their chance to shine."

He says the completion of funding allows for the Army Corps of Engineers to seek a bid with much more ease. Mahoney calls the developments surrounding the project "Really exciting." You can find more information on the F-M Diversion Project here

 

Fargo City Election

Mahoney will be defending his seat for the upcoming 2022 election against several other candidates, including North Dakota Representative Shannon Roers Jones, Fargo City Commissioner Arlette Preston, and political newcomer Hakun Dabar. Mahoney' says the goal of his next term is "long-term Sustainability. He explains this is how he wants to set up sustainable community measures. He also touts statistics showing a 20% growth to the Fargo's population. "We have good growth down south, uptown is just becoming a jewel of the nation. So it's a matter of how do we look at sustainability."

The city election date is set for June 14th. 

 

Fargo Police Controversy

Mahoney is asking for time, data collection, and patience from the community. Specifically, he said there will be a commission meeting on Monday which is expected to highlight changes Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski will need to adhere to following criticisms of staffing shortages and accusations of a toxic work environment. Mahoney also publicly denounced Deputy Mayor Dave Peipkorn's comments urging the immediate firing or resignation of Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski. He is in agreement among several other commission members, who have spoken against Peipkorn's call to action against the Police Chief. 

"Come on, lets look at the facts of what's going on here and what would be the best course of action for the community", urged Mahoney on WDAY Midday, "You have to settle down a bit and decide what is the the best for the community overall. Dave will sometimes make up his mind and he will be difficult to dissuade from that."

You can click here to listen to Fargo City Commissioner Peipkorn's comments. 

 

Original Air Date: 
Friday, January 21, 2022