Paula Marie Powell
When Cook County Commissioner Robert (Bobby) Deschampe was elected to be the Grand Portage Tribal Chair, he decided he couldn’t do both jobs, so he decided to give up his commissioner position. There was more than one year left on his term.
Following state guidelines, the District 1 commissioner post must be filled in February 2021 through a special election. Three candidates signed up and this week, we are introducing the public to Paula Marie.
Q- Where were you born and raised?
A- I grew up at my family’s fishing resort on Saganaga Lake, was homeschooled there, and moved into Grand Marais for high school. I am currently attending school online and will graduate this fall with an Associate degree in Graphic Communication. I enjoy traveling and have lived in a few different states, but Cook County is where I always come home to.
Q- What do you do for work?
A- I have a background in customer service, and for the last eight years, I have worked for Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines, currently as office manager and occasionally as a deckhand on Lake Superior.
Q- Why are you running to be a Cook County Commissioner?
A- In the past few years, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have really recognized the importance of local government and it’s effect on people’s everyday lives. I would bring the perspective of someone who grew up here, has family here, and is invested in the success of our community.
For example, I have seen my peers raise their families and work their jobs and attempt to remain here in the place they love, but for a lot of them, it’s been a struggle. We need more jobs that pay a living wage and more long-term housing options available, and I would like to explore how local government can better work toward this.
Q- Do you serve on any boards or volunteer to help any organization?
A-I believe in lifelong learning and making education accessible to everyone who wants it, and am proud to be on the Board of Directors for Cook County Higher Education.
Q- Last, what do you like to do in your free time? Fish? Hunt? Play board games, etc.
A- I love spending time in the outdoors – kayaking, fishing, and hiking. I am also an artist working in traditional and digital media.
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