Thomson Township supervisor applications due Sept. 1

Thomson township supervisor, Jason Paulson, gave some final statements to the board and the community at the Thomson board meeting Thursday, Aug. 18.

Paulson had announced his resignation from the board, and his position on the Cloquet Area Fire District Board, at the board of supervisor’s first meeting in August.

Paulson left the board with some closing remarks about his six years as a supervisor. He mostly focused on the fire district.

“One thing I’ve learned in my six years is the value of our community’s first responders,” Paulson said.

While serving on the CAFD board, Paulson has been outspoken against the levy increase that was proposed in late 2021, before being reduced to the 2020 level after loud objections from mostly Thomson Township residents.

“This new regime is spending money like never before,” Paulson said. “They are lining up for a new fire station, it’s just a matter of time.”

Other supervisors discussed the legality of the levy with the township’s attorney, David Pritchett. This discussion has been ongoing since the initial levy was proposed.

Paulson also reported to the board that the CAFD will be sending over a new mutual aid agreement, after the board was hesitant to sign the agreement that was sent earlier in the summer. According to Paulson, the new agreement contains the wording that the township was requesting.

The board did not discuss a replacement for Paulson on the CAFD board or the township’s board of supervisors.

The board is asking community members to submit letters of interest for the supervisor 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.

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 Thomson Township board meets on the first and third Thursday of each month.