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Ginny Storlie is running for a third consecutive county board seat and once again is squaring off against Bruce Martinson, himself a former county commissioner representing the west end of the county. Martinson answered question posed to him last week and this week its Ginny’s turn to reply to the same questions.
Q-Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A-I grew up in southern Minnesota around Mankato. I learned hard work at an early age which has given me a prospective to all challenges in life. I have an elementary school background and worked in several schools before moving to Tofte in the mid eighties. Since then, I have helped start three business in the West End: Sawtooth Outfitters, a Youth Hostel at Birch Grove School and a garden center. My family consists of two sons and their families who thoroughly enjoy visiting the North Shore.
When I have time, I enjoy being out in nature seasonally along with gardening, knitting, and trying new recipes. Since moving to Lutsen, I was encouraged to run for Township Supervisor and held that position until more encouragement to run for District 5 Commissioner position. This includes Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, and part of Pike Lake. I am humbled and honored to represent this area for the past eight years and I filed to be re-elected to keep working in two important areas: workforce housing and childcare.
Q-Both you and Bruce Martinson have been or, in your case, currently a county commissioner. How do you feel your experience will guide you going forward if you are elected?
A-It takes a while to understand how to be an effective Commissioner in representing one’s constituents along with consideration to the whole of the county as each concern comes before the board. I have learned to sort out many viewpoints before acting on a decision and find it is very important to collaborate with fellow Commissioners for the best possible solution. My philosophy is first Listen, Evaluate, and then Act and I will carry that forward in the next four years.
Q-The county owns quite a few properties and buildings it can’t properly maintain due to lack of staff and finances. Would you be in favor of selling or donating some of these to townships or individuals?
A-We have an ongoing study of all the county facilities and expect a report soon. Last year the Commissioners along with Administrator Joerke viewed many facilities for a hands-on understanding of some of the department’s concerns. When the study is complete, we will have public information sessions to hear their input. So, stay tuned for that event. I will also encourage people to read a weekly column called County Connections which features in-depth updating of the various departments in the CCNH.
Q-Should Cook County place a limit on Airbnb’s?
A-The VRBO Ordinance committee of which I chaired finished its review in September. We started in June and every two weeks we met.
The committee consisted of nineteen members representing large rentals to smaller ones, private owners and a representative from the general public. As an advisory committee a full report is being sent to the county board to review and then a public hearing will follow and back to the board for final decision before the end of the year.
Q-Do you back the request from Lutsen Mountains to expand their ski hill on public lands?
A-My response to the Forest Service in regard to the expansion is to carefully consider how the environment will be impacted, how will this affect the need for more utilities and is that passed on to the locals, and lastly working with the 1854 Treaty in land use.
Q- The Minnesota Power plant is still shuttered.
Are there steps to open the plant in some form? And what about the property owned by the company? Any plans for housing or other uses for that property in Schroeder? Would you as a county commissioner work with Minnesota Power to create a better use for those assets if the company requested help?
A-Since Taconite Harbor is no longer in use Minnesota Power has periodically met with the West End community for updates.
Many suggestions have been discussed as to the use of the land and will still be an ongoing conversation. I would like to see some type of housing development further up the Cramer Rd on land owned by Minnesota Power which would be beneficial to the township and the county.
Q- What do you see as the biggest challenge for the county in the next four years?
A-There will always be challenges however I look for opportunities. We are now on the right path for significant housing ideas to be developed since hiring of Jason Hale as HRA director. He came into the community to meet people and listen to where we have been and can now move forward to great possibilities for workforce, family, and senior housing.
Childcare is moving along with hiring a coordinator to work out a plan for helping set up care in homes or a center for working families. The job description is being worked on right now and will be flexible as time goes on. A great start.
Since the Coast Guard pulled out there is a need to work closely with Law Enforcement to support them with needed equipment for Lake Superior and inland water rescues.
I will continue to Listen, Evaluate, and Act to each and every concern that comes before the board. Leadership is defined as being open to what is happening now with an eye on future events that could impact important decisions. I have led in many areas for the good and will continue into the next four years.
It is almost three years since the COVID pandemic turned our lives upside down. The Commissioners stayed home to conduct business and learned a new vocabulary… Zoom and Teams Meet. We are still not up to speed with attending full public meetings however easing into a hybrid choice. When the first vaccines were offered, I knew not everyone had a computer to sign up. I gathered some friends to do a phone blitz to give people a contact to get their name on a list for the vaccine. I took 2 lawn chairs to visit people outside and to hear their stories of loneliness with missing friends, family and church. Leadership is about understanding where people are in life and walk the road with them. Appreciate your support Nov.8. Thank you.
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