Cass County invites community leaders to open meetings with pledge

FARGO — Cass County is introducing a new tradition by having select community members lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of commission meetings.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, Page Mayor Jim Heidorn led the pledge. Those chosen to lead will be selected by commissioners once a month on a rotating basis.

Commissioner Tim Flakoll said he came up with the idea, inspired by how the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have citizens sing the national anthem before games.

He said the move helps connect residents with the work of county government.

"When you hear things like liberty and indivisible and reminding us that we're all in there together, I think it helps melt away barriers between the commission and the citizens we serve, and helps them feel more comfortable in talking to us," Flakoll said.

Flako