It is almost election filing time again. Citizens interested in running for office in the City of Grand Marais, for School District 166 or the North Shore Health board of directors will be able to file as candidates from August 2 to August 16.
The North Shore Hospital Board will be seeking candidates in District 2 and 4, currently held by Justin Mueller and Kay Olson respectively. (See related story on page A7.)
City Council seats to be on ballot
In the city of Grand Marais, the mayor and two council seats will be on the ballot. Incumbents are Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux and councilors Tracy Benson and Tim Kennedy. Reached by phone, Tracy Benson said she has not yet decided if she will run for re-election.
The News-Herald was not able to reach Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux at press time, but caught up with Councilor Tim Kennedy by phone. Kennedy said he hadn’t officially decided, but noted that there is “a lot of interesting stuff happening.”
“We’re working on the public works garage and updating the city comprehensive plan. I would kind of like to see things through. There is some value in having some continuity,” said Kennedy, adding, “I’m pretty likely to run again, but until filing day happens you never know.”
City council terms are for four years and the mayor’s seat is for two years.
The cost to file to run for city council is $2 and applicants may file at Grand Marais City Hall.
Candidates wanted for ISD 166
School District 166 board seats to be on the next ballot are currently held by Terry Collins and Sissy Lunde.
Collins represents District 2, which is the Croftville and Grand Marais East area. Collins was appointed to the school board when Rod Wannebo resigned in March 2011. At that time, Collins said he would likely not seek reelection to the position when it is on the ballot in 2016.
Reached by phone on July 20, Collins said he is not running for re-election. He said, “Not because I’m tired of it, but because I don’t feel right running as an incumbent. It’s legal to do so, but I don’t like the idea of having that advantage.”
Collins said he very much enjoyed his time on the ISD 166 board and said, “I’m hopeful for the future of ISD 166. I hope the referendum and bond issue pass and I hope someone steps up to serve on the board.”
Lunde represents District 4, which is the Gunflint Trail and Maple Hill areas. Reached by phone, Lunde said she knows the August deadline for filing is approaching, but said she hasn’t decided yet to run. “It’s a very important job, but it takes a lot of time. And it’s been a hectic year,” she said. “I just don’t know yet.”
Lunde added that she hopes to see a number of people on the ballot. “For those people who are passionate about our school, this is your time. If you want to play a role in what happens at the school, run for the school board!”
School board terms are for 4 years. The cost to file to run for school board is $2 and candidates may file at the Cook County Auditor’s Office.
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