Paulson too busy, resigns from board

The Thomson Township Board of Supervisors is looking for a township resident to fill a vacancy on the board following the resignation of one of its most active members.

Jason Paulson announced his resignation from the Board of Supervisors and the Cloquet Area Fire District Board at the Township board meeting Thursday, Aug. 4.

Paulson has been an outspoken member during his six years on the board. As the county's representative on the Cloquet Area Fire District Board, he pushed for change in the township's relationship with the CAFD. He was an outspoken advocate for expansion of broadband access for residents, and helped to support new projects that came into the community like the Wood City Riders snowmobile trail and the newly proposed basketball courts.

The announcement of Paulson's resignation came through a letter to the board. Chairperson Ruth Janke read the letter, as Paulson was not in attendance. Paulson regretfully told the board his resignation is due to the staffing shortage in the airline industry, causing him to work more hours as a pilot.

"I simply will not have time to devote to the community," he wrote.

With Paulson's resignation, the board was left with the question of how to fill the empty seat.

Paulson resigned with two years remaining in his term, but it is past the deadline for the township to post the position for the 2022 election cycle.

The board is asking community members to submit letters of interest for the position by Sept. 1 via email to [email protected] or by mail (or drop off) to Town of Thomson, 25 E. Harney Road, Esko MN 55733.

If the board receives letters of interest from residents, the board will utilize its first meeting in September to discuss filling the vacancy by appointing one of the candidates. Otherwise, the board will need to look into holding a special election to fill the position.

Paulson's resignation from the CAFD Board also left the board wondering where to go next.

Supervisor Terry Hill is the current alternate for the position, but told the board he would like to remain the alternate and not hold the full-time position. Supervisor Tony Compo showed interest in the position, but is not able to represent the county as he is employed by the township. The Carlton County position on the CAFD Board represents areas of both Thomson and Twin Lakes townships, so the new board member will need to be approved by both townships. Any interested community members are encouraged to reach out to the town offices or a current supervisor.

The board has three supervisor positions that will be included on the ballot this year. The filing period for those positions - currently held by Janke, Hill and Compo - closes on Aug. 16. Affidavits of candidates can be filed with the Town Clerk. Any resident that would like more information about filling a position on the board should contact the Town of Thomson Office.

In other business, the board voted to change the dates for its September meetings to avoid holding the meeting right before Labor Day weekend and to accommodate the rescheduling of the sewer rates presentation that had to be postponed. The board meetings will be held on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22, with the sewer rates presentation being held during the first meeting of the month.