Capitol Days is an annual event that provides local elected officials with the opportunity to meet with State legislators and to talk directly with their State counterparts about local needs and concerns. With the historic State budget surplus of $17.6 billion and with many new legislators at the State capitol, this event helps to educate legislators and educate legislators and ensures that the collective voices of North Shore communities are heard in Saint Paul.
At the Lake County Board of Commissioners meeting on February 14th, those commissioners who were able to attend the event were optimistic about their time spent at the Capitol. They were able to have meaningful discussions with a number of State Legislators and a number of pieces of legislation were able to advocate for State assistance for the county. There are a number of bills working their way through the legislature that, if passed, will increase financial support needed for Lake County projects.
The Board approved, among other items, the purchase of a utility trailer with a bi-fold ramp and a Mercury 60HP outboard motor for the Lake County Rescue Squad. Additionally, the Board authorized special event permits for The Wolf Bikepacking Race and The Heck of the North Gravel Cycling Classic. These events are scheduled for July 21st and September 30th of this year, respectively.
There will be a special election scheduled in the coming months to fill the vacant County Commissioner seat for the First District. The exact date of this special election will be dependent on the number of prospective candidates that file for the position. Interested residents of the First District should contact the Lake County Auditor for details and timelines on filing affidavits and petitions of candidacy. The Commissioners also approved and authorized the Board Chair and the County Attorney to sign a grant contract between the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services and Lake County, acting as fiscal host for the Arrowhead Behavioral Health Initiative for mental health crisis response services through December of 2024.
Finally, a special election will need to be held in the coming months to fill the vacant County Board seat from the First District. Dates for the election are dependent on the number of candidates applying for the position. Residents interested in filing for candidacy should contact the Lake County Auditor’s office for proper forms and filing timelines.
Noticeably absent from the meeting was Commissioner Pete Walsh. Pete was a dedicated public servant and advocate for the First District. He was elected to the County Board in 2012 and served on a number of committees. Some of his areas of interest and expertise were issues related to public safety and mental health. His presence on the County Board will be missed.
The next Lake County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for February.
The County Board will hold their next Action Meeting on February 28th at 2:00.
