Fargo mayoral candidates questioned on city’s debt, communication department, and more

KFGO invited mayoral candidates for live on air debate

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) —  “You need a leader. That will restore law and order, and that’s what I will be. I met with the new interim chief. There are lots of things that he can do, but the main thing is you need a new leader,” said Dave Piepkorn, Fargo Mayoral Candidate.

“Responsible leadership is being accountable. So, you don’t have to wait for all the facts. For the fact that somebody’s life was almost abandoned, we should render that apology why did the legal process play out. What happened to her should not have happened to anybody,” said Sekou Sirleaf, Fargo Mayoral Candidate.

“I know our city, I know how it works. And I know it needs to change on day one,” said Denise Kolpack, Fargo Mayoral Candidate.

“I want to make sure that Fargo is a place that people can continue to be proud of. And as a leader, I have shown my way, myself as somebody who collaborates, who brings people together,” said Josh Boschee, Fargo Mayoral Candidate.

Fargo mayoral candidates were in for many tough questions. With topics ranging from the city’s communication department, the city’s growing debt, and the unlawful arrest of Angela Lipps.

“We’ll be for sure sued. And so it’s been a disaster. Obviously, the best part of it is we no longer have Chief Zibolski, who was a disaster of a police chief and led the decline of our public safety. And so, in a way, I’m very thankful that he’s gone, but what happened was totally unacceptable,” said Piepkorn.

“The communication is what seems to have broken down here, and there absolutely still is an ongoing investigation in this. Again, as we get facts, we need to continue to adapt, change, and update, and certainly issue the apology if warranted,” said Kolpack.

The City of Fargo has not apologized to Lipps, but candidates say they would like to look into their use of AI and be more open with the public.

In regards to the city’s communication department, controversy has grown over the last year as the department has seen an increase in funding from roughly $487,000 in 2020 to more than $2 million in 2025.

“We absolutely do not need yet another news station in the city of Fargo. And what the department has turned into is another source of news rather than being the advocate to get news to reporters.”

Turnberg continued to share that the continuous funding of the department needs to be cut down as the city’s over $1.3 billion debt needs to be addressed.

“$1.3 billion plus is not normal for a city this size. And with two Moody’s downgrades, that means we’re paying more to borrow the money. So this is not normal, you can’t keep spending. There has to be cuts, and there needs to be a forensic accountant,” said Turnberg.

“Every dollar that is spent should be targeted, every dollar that is spent should be solution driven…and this will have a direct impact on the lives of Fargo residents. I care about the wellbeing, the quality of life of people living here in this city,” said Sirleaf.

The election for the candidates will be held on June 9th.