FARGO (KFGO) – Longtime Fargo City Attorney Erik Johnson plans to resign from the position effective December 31, 2021.
Johnson has represented the city in various capacities since 1985, first working with the planning commission and then as a city prosecutor before becoming city attorney, following in the position held by his mentor, Gary Stewart, who was the city attorney for 38 years.
Johnson delivered his resignation letter to City Administrator Bruce Grubb Monday. He said it has been an “absolute privilege” to represent the city and working with city commissioners, mayors, department heads, and staff members over the years. He says he has no plans to retire as an attorney.
Johnson tells KFGO News, “It seems like it was time to make this decision.” Asked if the controversy surrounding whether Mayor Tim Mahoney can run again in next June’s election because of the city’s term limit ordinance had any influence with his decision to depart, Johnson said, “absolutely not.”
Johnson outlined his views to city commissioners several months ago that he believed Mahoney has reached the end of his terms, although he said that his findings weren’t legally binding. The matter is now before a judge.
