What is the top concern for Grand Forks? Council candidates' answers vary

May 27—GRAND FORKS — One candidate running for Grand Forks City Council says retail and local business is among the city's top issues at the moment. His opponent says transparency in government is a concern.

In the other race, one candidate says childcare — in relation to workforce — is a concern, while her opponent says affordability problems are plaguing the city.

It's one area where the four candidates diverge greatly in their answers to a series of questions posed in a recent survey from the Grand Forks Herald.

Two seats are open as the four candidates close in on the June 11 election. Tricia Berg and Marie Stewart are running for the opening in Ward 3, while Jodi Carlson and Mike Fridolfs are vying for the open Ward 5 position. All four are newcomers, hoping to take the spots left open by incumbents Bret Weber and Kyle Kvamme, both of whom chose not to seek reelection.

The Herald's survey specifically asked: "What do you feel is the biggest concern facing the city at the moment? What should be done about it?"

"The biggest concern facing the city now is the inability to hold onto some of the local businesses — mainly places for families and students to frequent," Fridolfs responded. "This affects the quality of life. Over the past few years, we have seen closures of local establishments and not many coming in to replace those gaps. We continue to watch neighboring cities grow, like Fargo. Grand Forks is a special place with great people, culture and spirit."

He said the community must keep "moving forward" and ended his response by saying it's important to encourage Grand Forks residents to shop locally.

His opponent, Carlson, believes there are transparency and other issues at City Hall.

"I will address what many citizens believe is a primary concern. Our city organizational chart begins with the citizens at the top. I don't believe that is a priority for many in current leadership positions," she said. "The number one goal of the City Council, according to their website, is transparency in government. For citizens, like myself, who have been involved with city government over the past few years, we have seen that our leaders do not value transparency or citizen input."

She said that if she's elected, she will work to "ensure that all decisions made by the council have input from the citizens of Ward 5 as well as the rest of the city. I would ensure that any decisions or ordinances put in place do not infringe upon the rights of the citizens."

In the Ward 3 race, Stewart said she worries that "affordability emerges as a significant concern for numerous individuals."

Expenses have surged, she said, but wages have not.

"The escalating tax burdens are increasingly burdensome for many in our locality. This situation not only impedes productivity and demotivates individuals from seeking employment but also exacerbates various other issues, including mental health challenges," Stewart said. "While I acknowledge that this is not an isolated problem confined to our region, but rather a widespread issue nationwide, it remains crucial that we utilize our resources judiciously to address the community's needs in every feasible manner."

She said prioritizing maintenance of our roads and streets is imperative.

"Not only does this enhance our local economy by supporting the construction sector, but it also involves investing in our public infrastructure, with a substantial portion of the funds being circulated back into the community, thereby boosting sales and other economic activities," she said.

Berg focused her answer on childcare and workforce attraction and retention. She also outlined her concerns with mental health care in the community.

"I am excited to work on ensuring that Grand Forks has adequate services available to support workers and their families. Attracting and retaining workforce talent and businesses in our community is hard when there are not enough affordable daycare services for children of all ages, which makes it difficult for parents to work," she said. "Additionally, there are long waitlists for mental health and behavioral health services. These are vital services to support the quality of life and stability of our community members. While bringing in high-quality primary sector businesses is a necessary focus, it is essential to develop these services to keep up with our growing population."