Bismarck mayor address social media attacks on employees

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public) — Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken addressed social media attacks on two city employees, for working on such things as mask mandates, to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Bismarck City Attorney Janelle Combs and Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health director Renae Moch have reported being harassed on social media platforms. Combs recently reported she had been threatened with physical harm.

Bakken also read a statement by former mayor Marlon Haakinson – who was supporting Combs and Moch.

Only one person spoke against Combs at Tuesday’s meeting – he called for her to be fired.