With Robert (Bobby) Deschampe taking the reigns to lead the Grand Portage Tribal Council, his last meeting as a cook county commissioner was Tuesday, August 4.
At the conclusion of the meeting Bobby, who speaks softly and to the point, used his commissioner comment time to explain why he has voted “no” on so many topics his fellow commissioners have voted “yes” on over the last three years.
During the budget/ levy season, Bobby said he always thought about “the little guy”. The people who worked three jobs and the elderly people living on social security that struggled to make ends meet. Deschampe regularly fought to lower the levy, but was often out-voted.
“You know, not everybody in the county is a millionaire,” he said.
When he ran to be a commissioner, one reason was to represent the people who built the county and the second was to give voice to Grand Portage. “Whether it is an Indian reservation or not, Grand Portage is part of Cook County and we went without representation (on the county board) for more than 30 years.”
In closing, Bobby added he felt he had learned a lot over the last three years and found the position “interesting, but frustrating” at times.
“I felt like my opinion wasn’t valued. I was the squeaky wheel and I would get pushed aside.”
Even though he was the District One representative, Bobby said voters from all five districts would contact him with their concerns. And he added he received a lot of calls and contacts from people throughout the county.
“Don’t forget those people. You work for the taxpayers.”
Commissioner Chair Myron Bursheim said he would, “Take what you are saying to heart,” and he offered an apology. “I apologize to you if you felt I haven’t included you.”
Citing some differences on issues between them and projects they worked hand-in-hand on, Commissioner Heidi Doo-Kirk thanked Bobby for his service to the county and noted that they would remain friends after he left office.
Commissioner Storlie said she watched Bobby blossom over the last three years, saying the last year and a half, he lent his voice more often to issues.
Commissioner Dave Mills thanked Bobby for his service and his reminder “for what is needed in leadership.”
On Facebook, Bobby further explained his brief comments.
Noting that the county board makes decisions that affect everyone in the community, Bobby said, “I promised my supporters I would speak for everyone and I never forgot that and that’s what I did.
Cook County has taken a path that has forgotten about the people who built this county. Forgotten about the elderly that are living on minimal Social Security Insurance, forgotten about the people working three jobs to survive.”
“I’m hoping what I said opens some eyes and makes them remember that they represent all of Cook County!”
Deschampe notified fellow commissioners of his decision to relinquish his final year as a county commissioner when he was elected to be the new Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council Chair in June 2020.
Leave a Reply