District 1 primary features three candidates looking to advance to 2021 special election

In June, now former District 1 Cook County Commissioner Bobby Deschampe won an election to be the next chairperson for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Deschampe’s term on the county board did not expire until 2022, meaning there needs to be a special election to fill the vacant seat for District 1.

Three people have filed for this position. Two of them will advance through the Nov. 3 election, which is a primary election in this specific race, though it appears on the general election ballot. The two candidates who advance through the primary will face off in a special election Feb. 9, 2021.   

The three candidates listed on the ballot for this seat on the county board are:

--Clark Bloomquist

--Paula Marie Powell

--Bob Svaelson

WTIP hosted a primary election forum Oct. 14 featuring the three candidates.

Topics covered include reports of domestic violence and drug abuse climbing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the newly constructed Hovland Garage, the importance of understanding treaty rights for Grand Portage Band members and the role political parties should play in county elections.

The program was moderated by WTIP News Director Joe Friedrichs.