Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski says uncontested race leaves more time to be mayor

Apr. 13—GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski said many people have been grateful for, and even have poked fun at, the hive of activity that is Grand Forks as he campaigns for reelection.

"A lot of people say, 'sure you want to do this again?' and that's always in jest. Usually it's followed by with 'we're grateful that you're willing to step up and do this,'" Bochenski said. "What I hear mostly is just how much activity is going on in the city. ... You just have got a buzz around town that really hasn't been there probably since the Flood (of 1997)."

Bochenski is nearing the end of his first term as mayor and is seeking a second. As mayor, he is the chief executive officer of the city and also conducts proceedings of the Grand Forks City Council. And since he's running uncontested, he said it means he has more time to be mayor rather than campaigning to be mayor.

"If you consider a full-time job is 40 hours (a week), it's been more than 40 hours a week, but that's OK," Bochenski said. "Between my family, my own private business, trying to campaign and trying to be mayor, having one less thing on that plate is definitely beneficial."

Bochenski takes the lack of an opponent as a sign that people approve of his first term.

"Running uncontested is a reassuring feeling. I think it's kind of a nod that the community likes the way they're being represented and (we're) facing the challenges well," Bochenski said. "The last week and a half, just the number of people reaching out saying, 'you're doing a great job, (or) so very grateful that you're sticking with it,' it just fills your cup."

He said the prospect of new faces on the

Grand Forks City Council and

Grand Forks County Commission

, as well as a

new mayor in East Grand Forks,

is exciting.

"It's always nice to have new people with new ideas, and having been here now for four years and looking at four more years, what I can bring is that stable, consistent voice and make sure we keep all rowing in the same direction and keep this big ship moving forward," Bochenski said.

Several of Bochenski's initiatives — like improving air service at

Grand Forks International Airport,

redeveloping the old water treatment plant in downtown and work to make

the new Altru Sports Complex

happen — are progressing and are regular topics at City Council meetings. The potential redevelopment of Columbia Mall is next on his list

"A big chunk of my time the next four years is working on the Columbia Mall," Bochenski said. "The last piece that's lagging is that Columbia Mall area. I'd be shocked if we don't have some real progress."

Parts of the privately owned mall were recently

put up for auction

due to mortgage delinquency, but even after a public auction, no bidders took the offer.

Over the next four years, he is excited about developments already in the works.

"Talking about 2028, you're going to have an interchange at 47th Avenue that's going to be near completion if not complete, the

underpass at 42nd Avenue,

the

Beacon by Epic public square,

" Bochenski said. "(People are) pretty shocked at what we have got going on and this gem of a city that we've got up here."

Grand Forks' municipal election will occur on June 11 during the state primary.

The Herald previously reported that a challenger, Quen Wilkie, planned to run for mayor. But Wilkie failed to file the requisite paperwork prior to the April 8 deadline, leaving Bochenski as the sole official candidate.