F-M Mayors Say Now is the Time for Communities to Come Together

With the Trump victory secured, mayors of both Fargo and Moorhead are beginning to think about how the new administration may affect their communities.

Both mayors say they have some concerns on what affect the Trump presidency may have on immigration.

“I am real aware of people that are frightened. They’re worried and so I really respect that. I wish I could give them assurances other ways,” said Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams.

“Refugees that come to Fargo are well vetted,” said Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney. “We have not had any trouble with those people that have been vetted but yet that does offer a discussion that people need to have.”

They also say Trump’s election revealed an anger in America that needs to be addressed.

“You’re led on a certain path, a certain dream that you think is going to happen and the government says ‘oh no we never said that’,” said Mayor Mahoney.

“I think it’s important to address that. Why are people angry? Why are people feeling disenfranchised with it?” asked Mayor Williams.

Mayor Mahoney says he sees an opportunity from the Trump administration to help Fargo build its Flood Diversion Project.

“With our governor being a business person as well, perhaps we can have a discussion about that,” he said.

Although both mayors have their own unique hopes and concerns for the new Trump administration, they say the community needs to take this time now to come together and mend the wounds opened up by this long election cycle.

“I think it’s time to kind of shift in our minds,” said Mayor Williams. “Come together and be kinder to each other again because we’ve not always been that kind to each other.”

“I would hope we can heal and say okay let’s give him a chance and see what he can do and let’s try and work within the confines of what we can do,” said Mayor Mahoney.

This was a long hard battle for those on both sides it’s safe to say we could all use some time to reflect and move forward.