|
|
Friday, May 25, 2007
|
|
Houge, Hasskamp emerge from pack Pair of finalists move on to June 14 special election Senior Reporter Doug Houge and Kris Hasskamp are the top two vote-getters in the Crow Wing County District 5 primary.
They will move on to the June 14 special election.
With a 12-candidate field, Houge said an early concern was that so many choices would dilute voter support.
"I really didn't know what to expect with 12 candidates, and there are some very qualified people in that 12, so I wasn't sure what to expect," Houge said. "I am happy with the outcome."
Before the primary, Houge tried to meet with groups at coffee shops or organizations to talk to more people at once. He plans to do more door-to-door campaigning as the special election approaches.
"I'm going to emphasize the experience I've gained over the past 5 1/2 years at the planning and zoning commission," Houge said, adding that there are a lot of topics outside planning and zoning but growth remains key. Houge said he wants to manage the growth in Crow Wing County as responsibly as possible and to continue to make the lakes area a place that attracts people and businesses.
"It's always important to manage our spending," Houge said. "And given the position that all counties are in, with the cuts that have happened from federal and state, it is tight and there is not a lot of extra there. So by watching our spending and making sure we are doing it in the most efficient way, that's a key role as well."
Hasskamp said the next step is to get out and talk to people one-on-one.
"Basically, it's just kind of re-group and start going out door-knocking again and looking at the issues a little bit more and showing the differences in myself and Mr. Houge," she said.
Hasskamp said her main concern is to follow the county's comprehensive plan and make sure development is sustainable with the importance of jobs and shoreline development, taking into consideration the need to retain a pristine area.
"The people calling me are those concerned about what our county is going to look like," Hasskamp said. "Basically, my campaign is finding out what people want and making sure I do that as a commissioner. I believe the county commissioner is the advocate for the average person."
Hasskamp said she wants a county government that is more user friendly, more available and easier to navigate.
Vote totals
Doug Houge - 363
Kris Hasskamp - 343
Daniel Hamm - 281
Timothy Leonard - 250
David Eckardt - 201
Bob Novak - 143
Dick Ross - 92
Therese Norwood - 70
Kelly Kovatovich - 67
Jesse Nix - 51
Alan Woods - 40
Kevin Peterson - 19
|
Auditor Deborah Erickson said voter turnout was 28 percent, with 1,923 voters.
During the night, election judges and auditor's office staff members gathered in front of the display screen in the courthouse as the candidates shuffled through, changing places as additional precincts reported in. All precincts reported in and were tabulated shortly after 10 p.m.
|
|
|
|
County officials and election judges worked to tabulate the results from the Crow Wing County District 5 primary Thursday night at the courthouse in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/ Nels Norquist
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
While the halls weren't crowded with candidates, supporters or election judges waiting their turn, armed with boxes of ballots, the primary had its measure of excitement.
"I like to be here," said Kathi Sharp, deputy auditor. "It's just fun to be here when you see the results coming in."
Houge and Hasskamp traded the lead. With 16 of 19 precincts reporting, Houge was ahead of Hasskamp by four votes.
"It's kind of like a horse race and they are rounding the bend," Carole Pundt, Bay Lake Township election judge, said as she watched the candidates jockey for position on the leader board. "And they are neck-and-neck."
Houge and Hasskamp had good support in Crosby city precincts and in Deerwood and Bay Lake townships.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overcast, 61°
