Maplewood Minnesota resident Michelle Yener announced that she will be seeking the DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party) endorsement for the open House seat in the new Legislative district 43A. Three men have also filed as DFL candidates for the open seat.

Michelle serves on the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale school board where she has helped lead the district to positive achievement results and high levels of community support. She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota and has worked in adult education and higher education for fifteen years. Michelle is currently an analyst at Capella University.

As a state representative, Michelle would work hard on issues that contribute to healthy communities. In addition to education, Michelle would focus on reducing barriers to job creation. Her parents have owned a small business in North St. Paul for over 30 years. She recognizes a potential for job creation, “Although my parents’ business has created more work than they can handle, they have not hired anything more than occasional contractors. They have found the regulatory environment difficult to understand and impractical.” Michelle would work to make it easier for small businesses to grow their business and hire employees.

Michelle is also convinced that having a healthy community means taking care of the elderly.

“I live in a community that I am proud to raise my family in. Many of our seniors are living healthy and productive lives and are receiving the care that they need. However, I am also worried. I know that we have large numbers of aging people who need care. Many live on fixed budgets and have absolutely enormous medical costs. They have a terrible time navigating Social Security and Medicare and they are having a difficult time maintaining even a modest standard of living. It is our responsibility to ensure that our seniors are able to live their lives with dignity. As a representative, I would work hard for this cause.”

Michelle lives with her husband and three young children near Maple Heights Park in Maplewood. She grew up only a couple blocks away and, after going off to college, returned to the area to raise her family.

For more information, contact Michelle Yener by email: [email protected].