Gayle Shimek, House District 30B Candidate

General Information

Name : Ms. Sharon Gayle Shimek
Age : 65
Place of residence : Otsego, Minnesota

Education

College

Attended college : Yes
College : Mankato State University, Mankato
Degree : Bachelor of Arts
Year of graduation : 1968

Grad school

Employment Information

Job titles held : reporter/photographer, customer service associate, co-owner of Charlies ( bar/restaurant)with husband
Employers : Mille County Times, Express Scripts, Inc.

Political Information

Running for a: State office
Running for position: House of Representatives
Chamber/district: 30B
Incumbent: No
Previous elective offices : NA
Unsuccessful bids for elective offices: NA

Party HQ

Address 14248-82nd St NE
Otsego
MN
55330

Campaign Manager

Name : Gabe Davis
Title : campaign manager

URLs

Facebook : Sharon Shimek for House 30B

Other facts

I am interested in good government, and I would like to see harmony restored to the workings of our state government. This is my primary concern because we cannot address important issues unless we can work together for the good of our state. Specific concerns include senior citizens, health care, education and jobs. Well-paying jobs are vital for both Minnesotans and the state to be economically healthy. Good education is important so our students can go out into the world as contributing citizens of our state--both as employees and future employers as well as being community members. Health care and senior citizens seem to go hand-in-hand, but health care runs the gamut of all ages. It is vital. Both my husband's health issues over the past 30 years and my breast cancer in 2009 attest to the need for good health care. I had been working outside-the-home for about 40 years when cancer interrupted my life and I could not return to work within the six-month medical leave. So I retired--from the work force, but not from life. My husband Charles and I have been married for 43 years and we have two adult children. I grew up on a farm at West Concord, MN, and was raised in the Lutheran church, of which I am still a member. I taught Sunday School and have attended and helped lead Bible studies for many years. I attended what was then called Mankato State College, majoring in English with minors in Spanish and sociology. I was a second-generation graduate from that school, following in my mother's footsteps. I like to read and I do some writing, but have yet to write the great American novel, much less the worst American novel. But I keep at it! I belong to a mystery readers book group. I enjoy the arts and love photography as well as sewing and knitting. I enjoy meeting and getting to know people. I also like to laugh. I don't drink coffee or alcohol but I drink lots of ice water and tea. Coming from a Norwegian heritage, I also eat lutefisk.