Craig Schulte
After weighing the merits of two strong candidates, Anna Hamilton and Craig Schulte, both of whom signed up to fill an open seat on the Grand Marais City Council, the councilors selected Craig Schulte, but it wasn’t easy.
Schulte will fill the two-year term of newly elected councilor Pete Gresczyk who withdrew shortly after the election to avoid a potential conflict between council duties and his personal business, G&G Septic, which hauls sludge for the city.
Grand Marais city councilors met on Wednesday, December 12.
Normally four years, the seat Schulte is filling is only two years because it completes the term left vacant by Tracy Benson. Benson moved to the Twin Cities this past summer for an employment opportunity.
Schulte, a local who was born and raised in Grand Marais, is owner of the SA gas station, lost by one vote in the general election to councilor Anton Moody.
Hamilton has lived in Cook County the last 36 years. She is well known for her community work and ownership, with her sister Sarah, of several restaurants in the county. Both Anna and Sarah are in the midst of building affordable housing for low-income people, something the Cook County/Grand Marais EDA has wrestled with for almost 20 years.
“After having owned and operated several businesses here I feel I have some insight to offer from an economical standpoint. I have watched this town go from a ghost town to a booming tourist community and feel that although that is great, there are some glitches due to this growth that make us a little dysfunctional. I am in hopes that I can be an asset somewhere on your board. Thank you for your consideration,” Anna wrote in her application letter to the council.
When asked to come forward and make their case for why they should be picked, Schulte said, “It’s an opportunity to serve.” He added he was interested in being part of the decision making for the Highway 61 project, the DNR boat launch area that will be built in the recreational park, and the plans to upgrade City Hall, among other things.
“I sold my business and my blood pressure is down,” said Hamilton, who stated her concerns about the city/county plans for the ski hill property, as well as other issues that affect the city.
When weighing the merits of the candidates, Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith- DeCoux said, “I think we have two outstanding candidates here.”
“Craig had a very strong showing in the election,” said councilor Kelly Swearingen. But, she explained, she knew Anna, worked well with Anna, and felt at times as the lone female on the council, “I feel like we get into a ‘Good ‘ol Boys’ club.” She said she was torn in her decision to appoint one candidate over the other.
Councilor Tim Kennedy asked about a potential conflict with Schulte selling fuel to the city for city vehicles.
City administrator Mike Roth said Schulte didn’t have a contract with the city, and that when it came time to pay bills that affected Schulte, the city would use legal counsel to navigate through potential problems.
Councilor Anton Moody put it best, “It’s an impossible choice.” But he motioned to nominate Schulte, citing Craig’s strong showing in the November election. Arrowsmith- DeCoux seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Ready or not, Schulte was promptly sworn in and took his seat before the start of the budget and levy hearing.
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