Turnberg Urges Commission to Permanently Appoint Fargo Police Interim Chief
Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg is urging her colleagues to approve a permanent appointment for the interim police chief. The interim chief, Travis Stefonowicz, was named at the commission’s most recent meeting.
Turnberg’s case
Turnberg sent a letter to fellow commissioners explaining her position. She argued that current restrictions limit the department’s ability to change and improve.
She said leadership needs authority to pursue fiscal responsibility and boost operational efficiency. Turnberg believes giving the chief full authority will speed needed reforms.
Operational constraints cited
Turnberg noted the interim status hampers the chief’s ability to lead effectively. She pointed out that Stefonowicz must draft next year’s budget while preparing for a major hiring interview.
Those duties, she said, are occurring while the chief lacks the power to implement changes. That combination, she warned, risks undermining department planning and performance.
What’s next
The city commission will take up the matter at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday night. Commissioners are expected to discuss whether to make the interim role permanent.
Turnberg urges the commission to make the interim Fargo police chief a permanent appointee so the department can move forward. Filmogaz.com will follow the outcome and report further developments.
- Location: Fargo, N.D.
- Commissioner: Michelle Turnberg
- Interim chief: Travis Stefonowicz
- Decision expected: Monday night at a regular commission meeting
