PRAIRIE ROSES: To the many people who have tossed their hats into the ring in the upcoming Fargo municipal and school elections. Candidates have already announced for spots on the Fargo City Commission, and the campaign promises to be an interesting one, especially the contest for mayor between Commissioner Brad Wimmer and Mayor Dennis Walaker. Fargo School Board incumbents and newcomers have announced intentions to run, and again, the school races promise to be instructive, in large part because of the recent defeat at the polls of a mill levy cap ballot measure. But whatever the issue, it's a good sign when citizens express a desire to serve in office - where it counts - rather than merely take potshots at elected officials from the sidelines.
PRAIRIE ROSES: To Cass County Emergency Manager Dave Rogness for his candor about the potential impacts from an oil train derailment and fire in the heart of downtown Fargo. Rogness, who knows his stuff, responded in a direct and honest manner to a question about such an accident. He did not try to sugarcoat the issue. He said there certainly would be injuries and fatalities. He said as many as 5,000 nearby urban residents would have to be evacuated, and damage to property and businesses would be counted in the hundreds of millions of dollars. And regarding emergency services, he conceded that outcomes would not be the same as fighting a flood. Nice to hear the truth.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum
management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
