Speaking with new City Councilor Tracy Benson

Tracy Benson returned to government service at the beginning of September when she was appointed to fill a Grand Marais City Council vacancy. Benson previously held a seat on the council but resigned several years ago when she moved to the Twin Cities area.

Now a full-time resident of Grand Marais once again, Benson is filling a seat that became vacant when former City Councilor Kelly Swearingen resigned in July.

This is the second time Benson has been appointed to the city council. She filled a vacancy in 2016 when Councilor Jan Sivertson was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners.  She was subsequently elected to the council and served for most of her term, resigning in February 2018 because she was moving.

WTIP Community Radio checked in with Benson to learn why she wanted to serve on the council for what she describes as “Round Two.”

Benson’s appointment creates another vacancy, on the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission. Benson is the citizen representative on that board. Craig Schulte is the council representative and only one councilor can serve on that board. At the next meeting, the council will need to decide who will continue to serve on the PUC. The council will also need to appoint another citizen representative.

The city still needs someone to fill the vacancy on the Grand Marais Planning Commission, which had been filled by Councilor Kelly Swearingen until her resignation.

In addition, at the September 8 city council meeting, Councilor Craig Schulte said the Grand Marais Park Board also needs a citizen to serve. Board Member Rita Hinchman has resigned from her seat.

Anyone interested in the Grand Marais Park Board, the Planning Commission, or the Public Utilities Commission may contact City Hall at 218-387-1848 for more information.

The next City Council meeting, which will be the first for new and returning Councilor Tracy Benson will be Wednesday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Grand Marais City Hall.

Here’s Rhonda Silence with Councilor Benson.