Bobby Deschampe
Bobby Deschampe is running for the Cook County District 1 commissioner seat left open by Frank Moe who had to resign due to concerns about his health. A primary will be held in April and the field of four will be whittled to two candidates who will square off in the general election that will be held in early June.
Deschampe answered some questions posed to him by the News-Herald.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I was born in Grand Marais in 1974, and I have been a lifelong resident of the county. I graduated from Cook County High School in 1992. I am married to a lifelong resident of Cook County, and my five children were all born and raised here.
“I am a proud member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and my family’s heritage dates back centuries in this area. I would like to be part of building a future for this county that ensures it will be a beautiful and prosperous place for many generations to come to call home.”
Why are you running for Cook County commissioner?
“I want to represent all of the people of District 1 and especially be a voice for the people of Grand Portage. Grand Portage is the largest employer in the county and as such generates great economic impact across the county. I would like to bring some down to earth logic to the county board. One area that I think we need more focus on is funding and resources for the Sheriff ’s Department at a level needed to fight the drug problem in the county.
What do you think you have to offer? Either from life experience or business perspective or a combination of both.
“I was self-employed for many years in Cook County as well as being an employee. I have lived both on and off the Grand Portage Reservation, and I believe this gives me a unique perspective of the entire District 1 area.”
What are some of the skills you can bring to the county board?
“I am currently employed by the Grand Portage Reservation as the construction manager. In this capacity, I work on federal, state, and tribally funded projects. I oversee road building for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I direct water and sewer installation and maintenance repairs under the Indian Health Service. I supervise a crew of 10 employees and serve on multiple committees.”
Levies beyond 3-4 percent are seen as regressive (by most counties) and hurt people who have little income or who live on a fixed income. More than 40 percent of Cook County residents are 65 and older, and not all of them live on fat pensions. Would you work to keep the levy at a more reasonable rate?
“Absolutely, I think the average taxpayer in the county is tapped out. We need to find a balance of public and private funding to fulfill the services needed in the county. I see the EDA and Chamber as partners with the county board to make that concept a reality. One of the areas my constituents are telling me needs more scrutiny is the Cook County Highway Department’s purchase of very expensive equipment that is perceived by most as unneeded.”
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