Janssen Eager To Begin Duties As New Houghton County Commissioner

The Houghton County Board of Commissioners is back to five members.

At their regular meeting Tuesday, the Board voted to appoint Houghton resident Gretchen Janssen to serve out the remaining term of former Commissioner Scott Ala.

Janssen is running as a Democrat to fill the seat in November, but now she will have over four months experience on the board when the election comes.

“I appreciate the opportunity to start early and get up and running as quickly as possible,” Janssen said.

Also considered for the position was Houghton City Councilman John Sullivan.  Commissioner Tim Palosaari asked both applicants if they would support the jail addition.  Neither gave an immediate endorsement of the expansion project but both agreed that something needs to be done about the jail.

Commissioner Tom Tikkanen made the motion to appoint Janssen, which was seconded by Commissioner Anton Pintar.  The motion passed 3-1, with Commissioner Palosaari voting against.

Janssen said, “I’m just so honored that I did get three votes. It was a surprise but I’m thrilled.”

Janssen sat in on the remainder of the meeting but did not vote and was sworn in afterward.