FARGO (KFGO) – John Strand will seek a third term on the Fargo City Commission.
Strand announced his re-election bid Tuesday. He says he’s been going back and forth about whether to run, but says it’s been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Fargo. He says he tries to be a voice for the people who aren’t represented, and that’s why he’s seeking another term.
“I believe that my role in being a voice for the people who aren’t there, who aren’t always at the table, needs to continue,” Strand says. “That’s what I try to do, is be a bridge to the folks out there that are in our community that maybe just don’t have the wherewithal, and the position, and the place to be at the table. And that’s everything – being at the table, or having someone represent you at the table.”
If re-elected, this would be Strand’s last four-year term because Fargo city commissioners are only allowed to serve three terms on the commission.
Strand, who previously served eight years on the Fargo School Board, says he was instrumental in mediating and settling the federal lawsuit over the FM Diversion project, and helped resolve issues between the City of Fargo and Fargo Airport Authority. He also notes his past successes in laying the groundwork to establish the Cass Clay Community Land Trust and the Fargo Sustainability and Resiliency Committee.
Housing, public safety, and health challenges are at the top of Stand’s list for priorities if he is re-elected.
“Housing insecurity is a major priority on practically every front,” Strand says. “From homeowners to renters to those who are homeless, we have our hands full addressing the multitude of needs challenging our people. Affordable and accessible housing is fundamental to any growing, healthy community. Public safety and health challenges, compounded by behavioral and addiction needs, especially test our ability to constantly meet the complex needs of our diverse population of people.”
Strand co-owns the High Plains Reader newspaper in Fargo.
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