Chamber’s ‘non-partisan’ election website includes link that promotes sales tax extension

FARGO (KVRR) – A website promoted as a “non-partisan voter education resource” by the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber includes a link that promotes a Fargo penny sales tax extension, but an alternative viewpoint is not provided.

“Votefmwf.org” includes candidate profiles, information on how to vote, and video links to debates sponsored by the Chamber. It features local, state and federal candidates on the ballot in North Dakota and Minnesota.

A statement on the website says its purpose is “to provide the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Metro with a non-partisan election resource designed to empower local community members with current information on local candidates and a guide on how and where to vote.”

But a tab on the website labeled “Fargo Infrastructure Sales tax” takes browsers directly to “fargopennytax.com,” another Chamber-sponsored website that urges voters to approve an extension of Fargo’s 1% infrastructure sales tax, which is set to expire next year.

“At this time, we are not aware of an organized committee or established campaign providing materials in opposition to the measure,” according to Gregg Schildberger, the Chamber’s vice-president of marketing & communications.

“If such information were available through an established campaign or committee, we would be including that on the website as well. We do not independently create or speculate on positions that have not been publicly organized or submitted.”

Voters will decide the issue on June 9. The infrastructure tax is dedicated to flood control, wastewater and streets.