When Fargo voters go to the polls Tuesday, they should re-elect veteran City Commissioner John Cosgriff and elect newcomer Thomas Lane.
Cosgriff, seeking a third four-year term, is a solid commissioner with a good record of service. Eight years ago he was a leader in the effort to rebuild the city's long-neglected infrastructure. That work continues on a sensible repair schedule.
A financial planner in private life, he also was a key commissioner working with city stafff to bring efficiencies to the city's financial management.
He was instrumental in ensuring that the renaissance zone initiative that has begun to give new life to downtown got off the shelf and was implemented.
Lane is one of the most outstanding City Commission candidates we've seen in many years. A manager at the Minnesota State University Moorhead Memorial Union, Lane already has experience in public service, having served on the Planning Commission and the Metropolitan Council of Governments.
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He brings fresh and forward-looking ideas to his candidacy. He understands the need for balancing development between the old city center and the new districts. He favors downtown redevelopment and believes moderately priced residences will expand the tax base and attract commercial enterprises. He's right.
Lane's grasp of the complexities of managing a city's growth is impressive. His vision for orderly growth ("smart growth" is his term), the value of core neighborhoods and the potential for riverfront development is right for enlightened city government.
Among the other candidates, former Park Board member Ron Sorvaag stands out. His experience with the park district and his knowledge of city issues qualify him for the city board. The city would not be disserved if he were elected.
David Helfter is a one-issue candidate: He doesn't like the chief of police. Dave Engebretson also in focused on a single issue: a flood project assessment in the Rose Creek area.
Michael J. Williams demonstrates an impressive grasp of challenges facing the city, but his belief that the "common Joe" has not been represented on the commission is just plain wrong. The record shows otherwise. The commission responds often and quickly to citizen concerns.
His leadership of the effort to cap the Fargo school mill levy might be popular, but it's wrong-headed, and suggests his understanding of representative government is flawed.
Incumbent Cosgriff and newcomer Lane have the experience and abilities to continue Fargo's economic and social growth.
Re-elect Furness
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Mayor Bruce Furness faces token opposition on Tuesday's ballot from Fargo businessman Richard Eugene Blair. It's no contest.
Furness has done an outstanding job in two terms as mayor and has earned a third term. Blair is a sincere man who has been involved in several ventures over the years, but he is not qualified to be mayor of Fargo.
'Yes' on name change
A lone measure on the city ballot asks voter approval to change the designation "vice-mayor" to "deputy mayor." It's a housekeeping change that should get a "yes" vote.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board
