Dardis issues statement to acknowledge all Americans within City of West Fargo

West Fargo City Commission President Bernie Dardis has issued the following statement:

On Friday, June 19, 2020, the City of West Fargo recognized Juneteenth Day. As a next step, I wanted to provide an update on my plan to address any continued discrimination and barriers to equality that exist in our community. During the next regularly scheduled West Fargo City Commission meeting Monday, July 6, 2020, I will be introducing a plan of action that will include seeking an outside consultant to help evaluate the current climate and develop a plan. I believe our best opportunity to achieve a genuine evaluation is to work with a third party with this expertise and an objective view. I have learned through the events of the past weeks that a requirement of moving forward is honest, sincere and meaningful face-to-face conversations to discuss these important and sensitive issues. Thoughtful consideration, intentional action and comprehensive support are also necessary to enact the changes needed to create a welcoming community. As I have been listening and learning, I have also realized that our review and plan of action needs to include all aspects of our community – government, business, religion, education, health care and residents. Therefore, I will also recommend reaching out to these sectors to participate in our efforts. I fully expect to continue the long-standing collaborative relationship we have with the cities of Fargo and Moorhead and any organizations and initiatives that have been leading this change as we all move through the process that is best for our community. I'd like to close with a request for help. If you would like to be involved in the community action plan, please go to https://www.westfargond.gov/FormCenter/Administrator-17/Contact-Us-Next-Steps-189 and provide your name and contact information.