Special election called for council

After discussion during Tuesday's meeting, Cloquet city councilors and Mayor Roger Maki voted unanimously to hold a special election to replace Ward 3 city councilor Dakota Koski, who purchased and is moving to a home in Ward 5. Koski said he regrets having to step down, but ultimately chose a home for life over a four-year council term.

Although city administrator Aaron Reeves recommended the council appoint someone and hold a special election at the same time as the November 2020 election to save on expenses (estimated at $3,000) and potentially speed up the process, councilors ultimately opted to take it to a vote of the people.

"There's a good chunk of term left," at-large councilor Lara Wilkinson said, referring to the fact that Koski has 3 ½ years left on his term. "I prefer to make that decision the will of the community."

Koski also said some constituents had told him they'd rather vote than have the council appoint.

In the end, Koski agreed to stay on after his original July 1 date of departure if needed.

There will be a two-week filing period for the position; the start date for the filing period hasn't been announced yet. Cost to file is $5. A person must have been a resident of Ward 3 for at least 30 days to file and age 18 or older. If more than two people file, there likely will be a primary election to narrow it down to two candidates. Ward 3 lies between Highway 33 and 14th Street, and Doddridge Avenue and the St. Louis River.