Robert Svaleson
When Robert (Bobby) Deschampe was elected Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation Tribal Chairperson in June, he announced that he would be leaving his duties as District 1 Cook County Commissioner.
With that announcement, a special election was called to fill the opening with three candidates signing up. This week the Cook County News-Herald is introducing Robert Svaleson to the community.
Q- How long have you lived in Cook County? Where are you originally from and what educational background do you have?
A- My wife Kristie and I made Hovland our forever home in April 2018, following my retirement from an electric utility in Illinois. I was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Mount St. Clare College in Clinton, Iowa.
Q- What did you do for your job/career?
Following nine years in the US Navy as a nuclear reactor operator, I worked two years for General Electric in their nuclear division and then joined Exelon Generation for thirty years. I started as a Senior Reactor Operator and then moved into management of the nuclear stations and later in the corporate office, where I retired as the Vice President of Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Q- Why are you running for a county commissioner position? What skills could you bring to the board? What changes and improvements would you like to see in county government?
A- I’m running to be an advocate and voice for District 1 residents and ensure that your tax dollars are spent appropriately. During my career, I learned the value of long term strategic planning and life cycle management of capital assets. I would work with the new County Administrator and Board to develop and implement a strategic plan for our capital assets.
Q- List organizations or boards you take part in or have taken part in.
I’m a Hovland volunteer firefighter and EMS first responder. I’m on the Grand Marais ambulance crew and I’m a member of the county Fire Wise committee. I previously served as a board member of Kane County CASA/ GAL in Illinois, providing Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian Ad Litem volunteers for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Q- List hobbies, spouse, kids (if any), and things you do with your free time.
My wife of forty-four years Kristie and I have three grown children who reside in Bloomington, Minnesota, Billings, Montana and Los Angeles, California. We enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing and snowshoeing.
Leave a Reply