While the next Grand Forks city council will look a lot like the current one, it will have two fewer women and will be minus its longest-serving member.
Councillors paid tribute today during the last meeting of the present term to outgoing councillors Christine Thompson, who has served continuously since 2011, and Deborah Lafleur, who was first elected in 2022. Neither stood for re-election.
“I want to recognize both these ladies for their service to Grand Forks, to the community, and for the value that they’ve [provided] to our council table,” mayor Everett Baker said. “I’ve appreciated their advice, their counsel, and their friendship.”
Baker presented each of them with a framed picture of city hall.
Regional district director Linda Kay Wiese also thanked both women.
“You have led by example. You have answered questions. You have done a lot of heavy lifting for this council and you have set the bar very high for everyone in the next council,” Wiese said.
Lafleur thanked voters for giving her a chance to sit on council. “I will miss sitting around the council table [but] have no fear, I will be watching and supporting council going forward,” she said.
“It has been my pleasure to serve our city as a councillor for 15 years,” Thompson said. “Over those years, our city has survived and accomplished many events, including the 2018 flood and the [flood protection] program that now protects our community.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank our management team for their guidance and advice to council. In my opinion, you are among the best I have ever worked with.”
While she thanked her colleagues for their kind words, Thompson added: “Rest assured, I’m going back to being your critic. So I’ll be watching. And I’m available if anybody needs history lessons.”
The new council will be sworn in on Nov. 9. Mayor Everett Baker and four incumbent councillors were re-elected. Shaun Aquiline and Nicole Best will take the other two seats.
