Charles Christiansen
Every week the Cook County News-Herald is introducing the public to candidates running for Cook County Commissioner. This week we are featuring Charles Christiansen. Charles is running for the District 4 commissioner seat now held by Heidi Doo-Kirk, who has chosen not to run again.
“I am a Cook County graduate,” said Charles. Most people know me as the swimming teacher/ lifeguard from the old municipal pool. “I started working for the City of Grand Marais during high school at the city-owned swimming pool.
“After high school, I worked a few jobs before going back to the pool in 1994. In 1999 I took over as supervisor and head lifeguard. During that time, I took care of all day-to-day operations, taught all swimming lessons and taught lifeguard classes. What I really enjoyed was the kids and the community connections with the patrons and sometimes-lengthy conversations about local issues. Those conversations pushed me to keep up on current events in the county. I was also an instructor trainer for the Red Cross and I taught lifeguard and water safety classes in Silver Bay and Two Harbors. Which taught me patience and how to listen to what people had to say.
“In 2014, the pool was closed and I was transferred to the city street department where I am employed today.”
When asked what motivated him to run for a commissioner seat, he replied, “ I have worked with and for the public for 28 years. I enjoy helping people and being a public servant. The next step for me is to move up so I can do more for the county that has been my home for most of my life.”
Saying he was open-minded, Charles added, “I wouldn’t go into the job with my own agenda. I want the people of my district to have a voice. I would work for them and listen to them and do my best to be a good representative of the county.
“Also,” he added, “I want people to know that this is something I have been thinking about for the last two years. This position isn’t something I am taking lightly. I have been listening to the commissioner meetings for two years and I am up on the topics the county is facing.
“When it comes to the county being fiscally responsible for the taxpayer’s money, I know this is a touchy subject for some people. “As a commissioner, my goal would be to make sure any taxpayer dollars we spend would be done so purposefully and responsibly. I am not afraid to say no, and I am not afraid of asking questions. When it comes to voting on a resolution, I want to make sure I understand what I am voting for—or against— before casting my vote.”
Charles and his wife Lisbeth have two children, Ryan, 15, and Iylla, 13. Ryan plays football and hockey through the Silver Bay youth hockey association and Iylla plays volleyball and dance.
“I’m not great at speeches. What I am best at is listening to people and noting their concerns. Once I know what the public wants, I will fight for it to get done. If elected I will do my best at all times to serve the public, to be a servant for the people.”
If you have questions, concerns, or comments for Charles, he can be reached by emailing him at charleschri2020@yahoo.com
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