Edina Minnesota resident Melisa Franzen announced today she is kicking off her campaign for State Senate. She currently resides in Senate District 41 and won the DFL (Democrtic-Farmer-Labor Party) endorsement caucus on Tuesday, February 7, 2012.

Franzen, who is an attorney at Target Corporation, plans a straight forward, common sense campaign approach for the 2012 election.   “Our state is paralyzed by partisan politics.  I plan to reintroduce the idea of compromise to advance the collective well-being of our district and State. By working together, we can streamline our State’s policies to find common ground on taxes and regulations to create a stronger business community in Minnesota” Franzen said. “We’re putting together a strong team committed to running a campaign that reaches out to every voter in every corner of the district.”

Franzen currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys and recently completed her tenure as the President of the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association. As an accomplished attorney, and a member of many local boards, she has opened opportunities for people to advance their own personal careers and businesses.

As a Minnesota Senator, Franzen will bring together Democrats, Independents and Republicans to get things done for the community. Franzen has a proven track record of bringing diverse communities together to advance important initiatives. She founded a scholarship fund for law students at Hamline University School of Law and is the recipient of the “25 on the Rise” award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota. She also spear headed the planning of the 35th Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention in Minnesota.

Franzen is concerned about the complexity of our tax and regulatory environment, cuts to education, and the rising number of Minnesota residents without health insurance. “People in Minnesota want a clear vision for our state. Without a road map, it is difficult for Minnesotans to prepare themselves and their families for the future.”

Franzen and her husband Nathan have lived in Edina for over five years. She is currently employed with Target Corporation as an attorney in their Employee and Labor Relations group. Franzen is a University of Minnesota graduate and earned her Master’s in Public Policy, focusing on Economic and Community Development and has a Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law.  Franzen is also active in the community and currently serves on the Board of the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys along with many other local and national nonprofit boards.

For more information or to make a contribution, visit Melisa’s website: http://melisafranzen.com.