Long time Commissioner Frank Jewell won't seek re-election to the St. Louis County Board.  Jewell - the representative for the First District (Duluth) made the announcement that he won't seek a 4th term to the governing body via an announcement on January 6 - with plans to retire.

Jewell was first elected to the St. Louis County Board in 2011.  However, his record of public service goes back farther than that.

After moving to Duluth to attend college in 1968, he served as an employee of St. Louis County on two occasions:  1974 to 1979 - when the county operated a Crisis Shelter and again from 1984 to 2000 - in Senior Adult Services and later as the Violence Prevention Coordinator.

Frank Jewell first served in government office in 1987 to 1991 when he ran and was elected to the Duluth City Council.

St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth, MN
Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth
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As far as recognition and achievements in elective office go, Jewell helped to found Men as Peacemakers in 1995; he served as co-chair of the non-profit for five years and as its Executive Director for eleven years.  Additionally, he also was one of the founding board members of both Center City Housing and Duluth LISC.

In 2011, then Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton appointed Jewell to the Minnesota Clean Water Council.  Since that appointment, he's served on this advisory group ever since - including a term as Chair for the last four years.

As part of his announcement, Jewell shared his experiences in public service:

"As I reflect back over the years, I am so thankful for my family - my wife Kathleen, daughters Ora and Meaghan, and son-in-law Oliver - for all the support they have given me over the years and for sharing me with the public.  I have absolutely enjoyed serving on the County Board, and it's been a tremendous honor to represent the people of my district.  I will cherish this final year and intend to bring the same high level of energy to my work as every other year.  But I am also looking forward to the next chapter and the opportunity for travel long delayed, the volunteering that was not possible when working, and more time with grandchildren who live in California."

As far as whether or not he will continue ties to the Northland, he shared that "I plan to stay active in Duluth and will continue serving where I'm able."

St. Louis County road sign
Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth
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