Steve Watson
Each week the Cook County News- Herald is introducing candidates who are running for Cook County Commissioner seats. This week we are featuring Steve Watson, who is competing against three other candidates for the position held by Heidi Doo-Kirk, who has chosen not to run again.
Hi, my name is Steve Watson, and I am running as a candidate for Cook County Commissioner for District 4. I would like to take a few moments of your time to introduce myself.
I was nine years old when I had my first introduction to Grand Marais and Cook County. It was a hot July Saturday when my parents announced we were going to Grand Marais. We finally arrived and parked at the end of Wisconsin Street in front of the East Bay. Upon getting out, I stated, “This is Grand Marais?” I do not think I was very impressed until finding the beach full of skipping stones just needing to be skipped.
I grew up with a love of nature and outdoor adventure, hunting, fishing, and canoeing. This lead me to pursue a degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Minnesota. I paid my way through college by framing homes with my father.
The love of creation, adventure, and people lead me back to Grand Marais when a friend and I started outfitting and guiding youth groups and families in 1980. I gained a deep love for the area and people here and knew this was where I wanted to make my home, and I have been here ever since.
In 1989 my wife Sherry and I purchased our property on the North side of Devil Track Lake. We have raised our family of two children here, and this is where we reside today. I am glad that Cook County has been our home and feel blessed to live in a place that has such a strong sense of community.
Like many residents who reside in Cook County, both Sherry and I have been employed in many different places. We have had the opportunity to meet and interact with many people who live in this community. I have also had the privilege to work with several contractors and have framed and roofed many homes in the surrounding area throughout my time here.
I am currently a Federal Express courier and have worked for this company for the past six years. Driving almost 300 miles every day in Cook County as a courier has given me the opportunity to meet many of my neighbors. I have listened to people’s stories of joy and frustration, seen dreams come to life, and watched people struggle to survive and flourish here.
Seeing my own property taxes double in four years led me to attend the Truth in Taxation meetings and encourage others to participate. I heard many citizens comment that they felt their voice was not being listened to and that nothing ever happens! Many stated, “It will never help!” And, “It is a waste of time to go to the meetings.”
I decided it was time to do something other than complain. My philosophy of government is that it should be as small as possible and that government is meant to facilitate the private sector, not take it over. I want our county to be fiscally responsible to the people who live here and pay taxes here. I believe in implementing responsible government for the people here, one that is accountable to the taxpayers. I will do the best job possible for District 4 and Cook County.
I am asking for your support, and I am willing to listen to your ideas. Please feel free to call me at 218-387-1484.
I believe that together we can make Cook County a better place to live and do business, a better place for all of us!
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