In a display of unity on Thursday, April 6, Chisago, Isanti and Anoka county DFLers unanimously endorsed three experienced community leaders to represent the area in the state legislature.

ìWeíve never seen this kind of Democratic energy, momentum, and interest in change in East Central Minnesota,î said Chisago County party chair April Boxeth.

ìI believe in Rick Olseen, Jeremy Kalin and Melissa Jabas,î Boxeth continued. ìI know theyíll put the needs of our district ahead of divisive partisan squabbling. Itís time for change, and these Democrats represent real, positive change for our community.î

Olseen was unanimously endorsed for the Minnesota Senate. ìAs a North Branch School Board member for 10 years and in my fourth year as a Chisago County Commissioner, Iíve seen the breakdown of the partnership between state and local government,î Olseen said.

ìIím running because we need a senator who will strengthen the relationship between the state and local government on important issues like our roads, our schools, health care and the environment.î

Jeremy Kalin, regional development commissioner, earned the united support of Chisago County delegates for state representative in District 17B.

ìItís an honor to be recognized for 10 years of hard work in the community,î Kalin said April 6.

ìIím running for state representative because the partisan politics-as-usual attitude at the state capitol is not getting the job done for Chisago County,î he said.

ìWe need to fix our roads and bridges, strengthen our schools, and tackle the health care crisis head on. And we canít do it by toeing the party line. Iíve been bringing people together for 10 years, and Iíll keep building bipartisan coalitions in the Minnesota House of Representatives.î

Melissa Jabas received the unanimous support of delegates from District 17A.

ìI know that the residents of our district are ready for a change,î Jabas stated in her acceptance speech. ìTheyíre tired of the partisanship that has dominated in recent years.

ìMy experiences in the U.S. Air Force and as a software engineer taught me that you donít argue about a political party when thereís a job to be done. You find solutions,î Jabas said.

ìAnd as a stay-at-home mom the past few years, Iíve honed my management skills, as well as my ability to quickly solve problems and build coalitions. I look forward to applying my many life experiences to the state legislature.î

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