UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, the Moorhead City Council has halted a crucial vote just moments ago due to controversy surrounding Mayor Shelly Carlson‘s appointment of council member Lisa Borgen as mayor pro tem. The council meeting, held on January 12, 2024, witnessed intense debates that have significant implications for the upcoming mayoral race in Moorhead.
The council, led by members Deb White and Nicole Mattson, expressed immediate concerns over Carlson’s selection of Borgen, who is rumored to be considering a run for mayor in the November elections. Borgen’s close friendship with Carlson raised alarms among council members, prompting a stall in the vote to appoint Carlson to various boards until the mayor rescinded her controversial choice.
White voiced her apprehensions during the meeting, stating, “Whether it was your intention or not, this action undoubtedly gives the appearance that you are attempting to use your authority to put your thumb on the scale of the upcoming mayoral race.” This bold statement underscores the gravity of the situation, as council members grapple with accusations of favoritism and perceived conflicts of interest.
After an initial failed vote, and facing mounting pressure, Carlson shifted her appointment from Borgen to Chuck Hendrickson, who was not present at the meeting. Hendrickson, a seasoned council member in his third four-year term, has served as mayor pro tem in recent years. The urgency of the situation escalated when council members insisted on transparency and fairness in the face of mounting public concern.
Carlson defended her original choice of Borgen, emphasizing her extensive experience as a former district court judge and Clay County attorney. “She has presided over courtrooms, so I know that she would do an excellent job on the very few times that I miss council meetings,” Carlson stated, supporting her decision amidst the backlash.
In a heated exchange, Borgen expressed her dismay at the objections raised by her fellow council members, labeling their actions as “infantile.” She urged the council to prioritize their responsibilities over personal disputes, stating, “I think we should all be big enough to just do our job and not have petty little fights.”
However, Mattson countered, asserting that the concerns raised by residents regarding favoritism were valid and not trivial. “It’s not petty or infantile; it’s a real concern that a lot of people have brought to me personally,” she emphasized, highlighting the emotional weight of the debate.
With the council members divided, Ryan Nelson attempted to downplay fears that serving as mayor pro tem would grant Borgen an electoral advantage, suggesting that such appointments do not influence political trajectories. Nelson’s remarks, while intended to alleviate tension, reflect the complexities surrounding local governance and electoral integrity.
As the council prepares for a second vote, the political atmosphere in Moorhead remains charged. Carlson’s decision to appoint Hendrickson may quell immediate dissent, but the underlying issues of favoritism and authority within the council are far from resolved. “I think this is ridiculous, but we will make that change to satisfy the few people that are on the council that think this was a favoritism type of thing,” Carlson remarked, hinting at ongoing tensions.
This unfolding situation in Moorhead is not just a local issue but resonates with broader themes of governance and accountability in elected bodies. As the council navigates these tumultuous waters, residents and political observers alike are urged to stay tuned for further developments.
The next council meeting will be pivotal as members reassess the appointment and address growing public scrutiny. The stakes are high in this developing story, and Moorhead’s political landscape may shift dramatically in the coming weeks.
