Cook County election official Raia Meltzer helps Beth Peterson (L) as Beth prepares to fill out information so she can take part in voting for the 2016 election. More than 300 people voted at the Cook County courthouse on November 8. Most of the county, 92 percent, turned out for the historical election that saw Donald Trump beating Hillary Clinton in the presidential race.
An exceedingly long year of nasty presidential politicking came to an end on the evening of Election Day when Donald Trump (GOP) was declared president elect over Hillary Clinton (DFL).
While the total Electoral College vote wasn’t in by Wednesday morning (press time) Trump’s total was expected to exceed 300.
Incumbent U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (DFL) edged Stewart Mills (GOP) in the race for the District 8 seat. Nolan received 178,893 votes while Mills tallied 176,821 votes.
Rob Ecklund (DFL) easily retained his seat in the contest with Tom Long (GOP) to see who would represent District 3A as the State Representative. Ecklund acquired 13,874 votes while Long fell short with 8,014 votes.
In the race to see who would be the District 3 State Senator, Tom Bakk (DFL) tallied 26,977 votes to 16,923 for Jennifer L. Havick (GOP). With the win Bakk secured his fifth term in office.
Meanwhile Cook County residents had to wait until early the next morning to learn the results of one race, and to receive the tallies for several uncontested elections. At night’s end 92 percent of the county cast ballots in the election, said Cook County Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers.
Voters who came to the Cook County courthouse on November 8 were met by a group of friendly election official like Pat Brandt (above) who were ready and eager to assist voters in any way that they could.
County Commissioner race close
In the Cook County commissioner’s race, challenger Myron Bursheim in District 2 defeated incumbent Garry Gamble, by 80 votes. Gamble earned 227 votes to Bursheim’s 307. There were two write-in votes in the race.
Reached by phone the day after the election, Gamble told the News- Herald:
“I respect that commissioners are elected to represent and support the values of those who chose to entrust both the privilege and unrelenting responsibility of the position to the elected official.
“I have sought to be diligent, responsive and respectful in fulfilling my role as county commissioner, as decisions made have direct impact on people’s lives. To the extent we understand this, as commissioners, we fulfill our role in representing those we serve.
“I have often stated that being a commissioner is neither convenient nor comfortable, if you are really doing your job. I firmly believe, ‘Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”’
“I am very grateful for the privilege of serving these past four years, for those who challenged me, for those who took the time to counsel and encourage, for the valued relationships, for the stories of people’s lives and the wisdom and perspectives gained, for my loving and supportive helpmate and family who adapted to the demanding schedule.
“My sincere congratulations to Myron and heartfelt wishes for his stewardship in his role as Cook County commissioner.”
In Commissioner District 4, Heidi Doo-Kirk ran unopposed for a second four-year term. She received 543 votes and thanked the public for supporting her. There were 54 write-in votes in her race for the commissioner seat.
Donald Goodell ran unopposed for a seat on the Soil and Water Conservation Board. He received 2,458 votes and will serve as the District 1 Supervisor.
Joan Farnam also had no competition in her run for the Soil and Water Conservation Board District 3 Supervisor seat. Farnam received 2,516 votes.
Likewise Jerry Hiniker ran unopposed and won the Soil and Water Conservation Board District 5 Supervisor position with 2,381 votes.
Although he forgot to sign up, incumbent Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux won a write in with enough votes to remain mayor for a second term. Jay received 281 votes. Others receiving write-in votes included Terry Backlund 57, Larry Carlson 11, Julie Calrson 7, Andrea Peterson, 5, and Craig Schulte, 3.
Grand Marais City Councilors Tracy Benson and Tim Kennedy also ran unopposed. Benson received 590 votes while Kennedy garnered 480 votes.
Carrie Jensen was the lone contestant to replace Terry Collins on the I.S.D. 166 school board. Collins decided not to seek another term and Jensen, who got 421 votes, will take his place as the District 2 school board representative.
Sissy Lunde, seeking a second term on the school board, garnered 554 votes in another uncontested race. She will once again represent District 4 on the board.
Justin Mueller will again represent District 2 on the North Shore Hospital Board for four more years. Mueller received 420 votes in another uncontested election.
Kay Olson received 539 votes as she secured a second four-year term on the Hospital Board as the District 4 board member.
Levy and bond issue
The Vote Yes committee worked their tails off to convince taxpayers to raise their taxes and support the school by voting yes for an excess levy and for a bond issue. Their work paid off.
Voters approved the school building bonding issue with 1,876 yes votes to 1,447 no votes. The bond is for building and grounds improvements in an amount not to exceed $6,500,000.
Cook County voters approved the levy by a count of 1,945 yes votes to 1,392 no votes. The voter approved referendum revenue authorization gives the district $800 per pupil each year for the next six years, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Taxes will be paid beginning 2017.
By voting yes on each proposal, residents voted to increase their taxes.
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