In the first week of the filing period to run for seats on the Grand Marais City Council, North Shore Hospital board and School District 166, only a handful of citizens have come forward. The filing period is open until August 12.
Grand Marais City Council
In Grand Marais there are three seats on the ballot, for mayor and two council seats. Those seats are currently held by Mayor Larry Carlson and Councilors Bob Spry and Bill Lenz. The News-Herald was unable to reach Carlson and Lenz, however, reached by phone, Bob Spry said he was not running for reelection.
Spry encouraged others to run. “It’s not a thankless job, some people appreciate what we do. I’ve enjoyed my last eight years on the council, but it’s time for someone else to step up.”
According to a Grand Marais City Hall spokesperson, Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux, owner of the Art House B&B in Grand Marais, has filed for mayor.
Anyone interested in running for those seats can file at Grand Marais City Hall between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The filing fee is $2. Candidates must live in the city of Grand Marais.
School District 166
There are also three terms expiring for the School District 166 school board this year. The seats are District 1 and District 5. District 1 includes Colvill, Hovland and Grand Portage. District 5 serves Lutsen, the Pike Lake area, Tofte and Schroeder. Deb White holds the District 1 seat. Jeanne Anderson currently holds the District 5 seat. Anderson also currently serves as board chair.
Reached by phone, White said she was going to run for reelection. “I feel there is a lot of work to be done yet. It’s a really exciting time to be at the school.
“And, I feel there is nothing more important in this county than our children’s education. That is what propels me,” said White.
The other seat, District 3, is currently held by Leslie Ann Sullivan. She was appointed to fulfill the term when Mary Sanders retired from the board. The News- Herald reached Sullivan on July 30 and she said unfortunately she cannot run. She has moved out of the district.
Candidates for school board must file with the Cook County Auditor’s Office at the courthouse. The auditor’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. The office stays open until 5 p.m. on the last filing day, August 12, which is also the day polls are open for the primary election.
There is a $2 filing fee and candidates must live in the district they are wishing to represent. North Shore Hospital Board
Three Cook County Hospital Board members will be up for reelection this fall.
In District 1 incumbent Sharon Bloomquist is expected to run again while Howard Abrahamson in District 3 and Thomas Spence in District 5 have both filed to be on the November ballot.
Anyone wishing to run for the hospital board in those districts needs to file at the Cook County Auditor’s Office. The fee for filing is $2. Candidates must live in the district they are wishing to represent.
Leave a Reply