City Councilor Aaron Carlson resigns, Grand Marais seeks replacement

The Grand Marais City Council began Feb. with a vacant position following the resignation of council member Aaron Carlson. 

During the recent Jan. 31 meeting, the four councilors approved a resolution to accept Carlson’s resignation. The city council then discussed how to proceed to find a replacement during the interim until the Nov. elections. 

Carlson joined the city council one year ago, on Jan. 11, 2023. In addition to serving on the city council, he was on the Active Steering Living Committee, Cook County Local Energy Project, and the Arrowhead Animal Rescue board. 

Following the approval of the resolution, Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson said she is already moving forward with finding a replacement. 

“I took the general form we have used in the past when we appoint someone in these vacancies, added some background information which I thought might be helpful,” Benson said. “So people have a clear understanding, better understanding of what it means to give your time and efforts as a councilor.”

The councilors decided to post the application on the city of Grand Marais website and contact local media to spread the word.

Benson said hopefully, by the Feb. 14 meeting, the city council will have some interested individuals. 

The city council meets twice monthly held the second and last Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Additional work session meetings as required.

Find the Grand Marais City Council application here.

WTIP’s Sterling Anderson spoke with Mayor Benson about the city council vacancy.  Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins February 1, 2024