FARGO (KFGO) - A task force formed to examine possible changes in Fargo's city election process and the make-up of city government has put together a list of recommendations.
The proposals would increase the number of city commissioners from five to seven and switch to a process known as "approval voting." It allows voters to choose any number of candidates no matter how many seats are open and the candidate or candidates with the most votes wins. Supporters say it would increase vote totals and likely mean larger margins of victory in city elections. Fargo would be the first city in the U.S. to adopt that voting system.
The task force rejected a proposal to change city commission "at-large" representation to districts. A city primary and making the mayor's part-time job a full-time position were also rejected. Fargo's 12 year term limit for city commission and mayor will remain unchanged.
Former mayor Bruce Furness, who chairs the Election and City Governance Task Force, says the recommendations will be finalized in two weeks before the report goes to city commissioners for discussion. Voters would likely decide any changes.
