Cook County voters have several choices this coming November for local representation. In recent years, we have seen near total failure of our county board to responsibly safeguard the relatively fixed financial resources of those of us who pay taxes in our tourist-driven economy.
Fortunately, we finally have a competent and capable option; her name is Stacey Hawkins and I’m extraordinarily excited to cast my vote for her and here is why:
Stacey loves this community and has deep, stable roots here. She isn’t driven by ego and self-admiration, rather she aims to refocus government based on the valued input of her neighbors, colleagues and ultimately her constituents.
Having attended many board meetings and participated in public comment, I know all too painfully well what the status quo looks and feels like. Commissioner Bursheim would consistently remind me how much past experience he’s had, as though that somehow allowed him to dismiss my concerns.
Stacey has demonstrated she is unwilling to ignore or compromise the needs of ALL the people that make up our economically diverse community. It’s about time we elect a Commissioner that understands and appreciates that. The outrageous spending under Commissioner Bursheim has unfairly penalized those of our community who are most vulnerable. Stacey acknowledges our aging demographic, she knows that those on fixed incomes cannot easily accommodate further violent upward trends in spending. Bursheim’s past actions discredit his “moving forward” promises.
What I am most excited for in Stacey Hawkins, is having a commissioner that I can trust. Stacey will not simply vote along with the majority or push her responsibility onto the new administrator. I believe that Stacey will make every attempt to question information and seek to make the most informed decision she can. This is in direct contradiction to the methods used by her predecessor. Bursheim outwardly put total confidence in our previous administrator, a relationship that proved disastrous for many as it contributed to a severe lack of transparency and integrity in the processes and character of the board.
I am confident Stacey will represent us, a much needed contrast to someone who is predisposed to toast oneself and return numerous favors to the special interest groups that fund his election campaigns.
Ben Peters, Grand Marais
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