Svaleson wins District 1 Cook County Commissioner seat

Robert (Bob) Svaleson

After the votes were tabulated on Tuesday, February 9, the special election for the Cook County District One Commissioner race was won by Robert (Bob) Svaleson.

Svaleson received 212 votes to 166 votes cast for Paula Marie Powell.

The District One Cook County commissioner seat opened up when Robert (Bobby) Deschampe resigned after winning the Grand Portage Tribal Council chair position.

When the votes were tallied, Svaleson received 41 in Grand Portage, 111 in Hovland, and 60 in Colvill. Powell garnered 63 votes in Grand Portage, 52 in Hovland and 51 in Colvill.

Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers said 52 percent of District One registered voters cast their ballots in this special election. Svaleson received 56 percent and Powell 44 percent of the votes.

At 63 percent, Hovland had the highest percentage of voters. Colvill was next with 47 percent and 44 percent of Grand Portage voters mailed in ballots.

Following the election results, Mr. Svaleson said, “I want to thank the district one voters and all of the people who supported and advised me throughout this special election. It has been a great experience and I look forward to being your representative and advocate.

“For those that voted for Paula, be assured that I respect that vote. Paula ran a very good race, and I am dedicated to representing Paula and all of the district one residents. Although I represent district one, my decisions as a Cook County Commissioner will always be what I believe is best for all of Cook County.”

The Canvass Board canvased the election results on Wednesday, February 10 at 9 a.m. in the Commissioner’s room at the courthouse. After the Canvass Board confirmed the results, Svaleson was sworn in at the Special County Board meeting on Thursday, February 11.

When asked about the race, Paula Marie Powell said, “I want to thank everyone in District 1 who had faith in me, who recognized my dedication and sincerity, and who believed in my vision for Cook County.

“Moving forward, I will continue to be involved with our community and I hope to help make positive changes. It just won’t be from a seat on the County Board at this time. Running for Commissioner has been an invaluable learning experience, and I want to encourage others to consider how they can become more involved in local government, too.”