Clark Bloomquist
Following Robert (Bobby) Deschampe’s election this summer to be Grand Portage Tribal Chair, Deschampe announced he was leaving his position as the District 1 representative on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, which left more than one year remaining in his term. Following state guidelines, the position must be filled in February 2021 through a special election. Three candidates signed up and this week we are introducing the public to Clark Bloomquist.
Q- Where were you born and raised?
A-I was born and raised in Grand Marais. I went to Vo-tech, in Brainerd, and worked for two years in the cities. I moved back in 1990, Cook County is my home, always has been, and always will be. Both of my parents were also born and raised here.
Q- What level of education do you have?
A-I went to a two-year program at Brainerd Vo-tech for Auto Technician.
Q- What do you do for work?
A-I currently work for the Cook County Highway Department; I plow the Grand Portage Route. I also own and operate North Coast Towing and Repair. My three sons work with me there.
Q- Do you serve on any boards or volunteer to help any organization?
A- I have been a Firefighter and First Responder with the Colvill Fire Department for 24 years.
Q- Why are you running to be a Cook County Commissioner?
I feel that the county spends too much money. We need to cut back and make do with what we have. We just built a Garage in Hovland, for around $1,200,000.00. We paid a premium price for a building we really didn’t need, and didn’t get what we paid for. It’s not insulated correctly, and water leaks under the wall when it rains.
We need to figure out a way to make housing more affordable. People shouldn’t have to work three jobs to scratch out a living.
Q- Tell us a little bit about your immediate family, and your extended family, it’s roots and history in the county.
A-My parents are George and Florence Bloomquist; I have a brother Mark and sister Tressie. I have been married for 34 years, to Linda Bloomquist. I have three sons: Ryan, Dillon, and Dustin.
My Great Grandfather, John Bloomquist, homesteaded in Colvill in 1907. My Grandfather Martin Bockovich, homesteaded in Mineral Center, and later moved to Good Harbor Hill. I have a large family that lives in Cook County.
Q- Last, what do you like to do in your free time? Fish? Hunt? Play board games, etc.
A-I like spending time outside exploring, working on things, playing poker, and spending time with my family. But mostly, I just work.
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