Woodbury resident JoAnn Ward announced her campaign for Minnesota House District 53A this week (parts of Woodbury, Maplewood, Oakdale and Landfall). Endorsed by the DFL on March 31st, Ward is seeking the seat currently held by Representative Nora Slawik who will not seek re- election next fall.

Ward brings strong education and community advocacy ties to the campaign. As a former high school teacher and business woman, she understands the issues that face the residents in her district, and Minnesotans statewide. “As Minnesotans, we care about the quality of life, and access to quality education is a top priority for the residents in our state. You can say, ‘Location, location, location’ when searching for a home, but that means the location must be in an area with the best educational services.”

If elected, Ward will prioritize access to a quality education, universal healthcare, and job creation. She will also seek to end the gridlock in the current legislature by utilizing her style of collaborative decision-making, and conflict management. “As the Executive Director of the South St Paul Restorative Justice Council for nine years, I stressed that in order to attain Restorative Justice, we must use a cooperative process that includes all stake holders. That experience and understanding of conflict management will serve me well at the Capitol.”

Ward will also advocate for sustainable growth for Minnesota through more effective education and training of citizens of all ages, equal rights for all, safe neighborhoods, and a sustainable environment.

Ward has been an active community volunteer. She led two successful referenda, rallying 1,000 volunteers, for the building of much needed school facilities. She has held leadership roles in the schools, church, and neighborhood organizations. She and her husband, Joe (a small business owner) have been married for 44 years, and have three children and five grandchildren. They have lived in Woodbury since 1974.

For more information, visit: www.citizensforjoannward.com.