Rob Ecklund
Citizens across the Northland are still mourning the loss of David Dill, the Minnesota District 3A Representative, who passed away August 8. Funeral services were held in International Falls on August 15. However, District 3A residents are also wondering who will fill the legislative vacancy caused by his death. At press time, two people have expressed interest in running for the seat, Koochiching County Commissioner Rob Ecklund and Tofte’s Bill Hansen.
Rob Ecklund announces run for 3A
Ecklund issued a press release announcing his candidacy on Tuesday, August 18, stating, “We are all saddened by the recent passing of our friend, David Dill. David was a passionate advocate for our Northern Minnesota issues and I enjoyed working with him on many of these, including expanding airport services to investing in our roads, bridges, and water treatment facilities. He will be greatly missed and I’m humbled and honored to announce my candidacy for the position he served so well.”
Bill Hansen
In addition to serving as a Koochiching County commissioner, Ecklund is also a member and past president of the United Steelworkers Union Local 159 and is employed at Boise Paper in International Falls. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and describes himself as an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his wife Joan have three children, Nick, Jared and Cory.
Ecklund said, “My life experiences of being a veteran, husband, father, county commissioner, mill worker and an avid hunter and fisherman have shaped who I am as a public servant. I have spent considerable time at the state capital and in Washington, D.C. over the past several years testifying and promoting legislation that protects and enhances our Northern Minnesota quality of life. This is a big and diverse district, and I think I have the passion, energy, and openness to serve the people responsibly and effectively.”
Bill Hansen planning to run
Bill Hansen of Tofte has not yet issued an official announcement, but word has gotten around the county that he plans to run for the District 3A House seat. Contacted by phone, Hansen confirmed that he will be running, noting that he was waiting for the governor to announce the details of how the vacancy will be filled.
Hansen is president of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, Inc., the Tofte business founded by his parents, Frank and Mary Alice Hansen in 1957. Bill and his wife of 30 years, Cindy Hansen, live at the outfitters at the end of the Sawbill Trail. Hansen has four grown children and one brand new grandchild.
Hansen said that his parents inspired him to pursue a lifetime of public service, including deep involvement with the Minnesota DFL Party, running as the DFL endorsed candidate for Minnesota House of Representatives District 6A in 2002 and 2004.
He noted that for the last 20 years he has been involved in economic development, as chair of the Northland Foundation, chair of the Entrepreneur Fund, board member of Cook County Higher Education, vice-chair of the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, treasurer of Tofte Township and board member of Visit Cook County, among many other public commitments.
Hansen has received numerous awards for public service, including 2015 Tofte Citizen of the Year.
“All of these activities have gotten me out and about in the region,” said Hansen. “I look forward to campaigning and meeting more of the people of the district.”
Hansen said leaving the end of the Sawbill Trail to make a run for the District 3A seat will be made easier by the fact that his daughter and her husband, Claire and Dan Shirley will be moving back to Cook County to take over the outfitters business this fall.
“So I won’t be tied to the resort,” Hansen said. “I’ll work hard and we’ll see what happens.”
Other candidates coming?
The News-Herald contacted Eric Johnson of International Falls who ran on the Republican ticket against David Dill in 2014 to ask if he was considering running for the seat. Johnson said he is “uncommitted” at this time. He said he would like to see who throws his or her hat in the ring.
“Obviously we need a candidate that can represent the whole district like Representative Dill did. David left a strong legacy of being a moderate and a strong advocate for our district, able to work with the metro area legislators.”
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