Siirila takes over from Peterson as board chair

By RALPH ANSAMI

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Bessemer — The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners reorganized Wednesday with two people absent.

Dan Siirila, of Ironwood, (commissioner district 1), was elected chair. He’ll replace George Peterson, of Watersmeet, who was absent.

Newcomer Joann Balduc, of Ironwood, (commission district 4), was also absent. She previously told the board she would miss January meetings because of medical issues.

Jim Byrns, of Ironwood’s commissioner district 3, was elected vice-chair of the seven-person county board. Bob Orlich, of Wakefield, and Joe Bonovetz, of Bessemer, turned down nominations to be vice-chair.

Unanimous ballots were cast for all of the positions.

The seventh board member is Tom Laabs, of Ironwood.

Board members agreed to continue the schedule of meeting twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, at 5 p.m. The finance committee will continue to meet at 4:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesdays.

Credit cards for up to $2,000 were issued for the new board members and new probate judge Anna Talaska.

The resignation of Department of Health and Human Services board member Jim Peterson, of Ironwood, was accepted. Board members agreed to advertise for a new DHHS member.

As chair of the board, a position he previously held, Siirila will make appointments to the transit board, U.P. State Fair Authority and Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress.

The county board also heard from Gogebic County Chief Judge Michael Pope on several issues, including revamping offices. He said he plans to meet with the board on a quarterly basis at regular monthly meetings.