Public packs political forum; Issues include homelessness, city improvements

BEMIDJI -- A packed City Hall audience of about 75 people got a chance on Tuesday to see key stances on issues ranging from homelessness to public art from those running for office in the city of Bemidji.

The League of Women Voters sponsored a candidate forum featuring mayoral candidates Rita Albrecht and Jorge Prince, as well as City Council candidates Don Heinonen and Dave Larson.

Many of the audience-submitted questions were general in nature, but a few moments revealed actual policy positions from the candidates.

One question asked the candidates to address the homeless problem in Bemidji by offering ways the city could help.

Albrecht, the incumbent mayor, pointed out the city doesn't play a large role in providing direct human services, like Beltrami County does. She added the city could help the homeless indirectly through partnering with local nonprofits, and offer direct help through the police department.

"The city has a small role to play with human services," she said. "Our police department, part of their strategic plan is 'assist the community in figuring out this challenge.' We want to support our public safety folks."

Prince, the challenger, criticized the city for not doing enough, and suggested the city set aside liquor sale revenue to partner with local nonprofits.

"I've recently spent a good deal of time visiting with homeless people all throughout Bemidji, visiting with the different people that provide resources to those homeless folks," he said. "I'm rather saddened that the city has done very little directly to address this issue."

Another question raised was whether it was "a good idea to spend $25,000" on a public art mural on the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Red Lake artist Wesley May completed the mural, which symbolizes the importance of water to life, earlier this fall.

Albrecht said the city's contract with May was actually for $22,000. A Pioneer report from July, before the mural was completed, said the initial budget was about $22,000.

Albrecht was in support of spending the money, and said May used it to buy supplies locally.

"The money that Wes spent ... all of that money came back into our community," she said. "It's a great piece of artwork."

Prince, who has brought up the mural issue on the campaign trail, repeated his opposition to the project Tuesday.

"As a steward of taxpayer resources...how do I look the taxpayer in the face, how do I look (at) that person who's on a fixed income and say, 'this was a wise expenditure of your tax dollars?'" he said.