Gatz announces bid for House District 20A seat

GRANITE FALLS -- Michelle Gatz, veteran's affairs and emergency management director in Yellow Medicine County, has announced her candidacy for state representative in District 20B.

Gatz is seeking the endorsement of the Republican Party. The seat is currently held by Lyle Koenen, DFL, Clara City.

She said jobs, health care and responsible government are the top three issues she will raise in her campaign.

The candidate said we do a good job of educating our children but they move to the cities for employment. "We need to have a tax structure that is more business friendly and fewer regulations in order to inspire innovation,'' she said in a new release announcing her candidacy.

Gatz grew up hear Jeffers. She served in Bosnia before moving back to the region. She has worked with veterans for almost 10 years.

Gatz, and her husband, Brian, live near Granite Falls. The district includes portions of Chippewa, Renville, and Yellow Medicine counties.