Kelly Jahner-Byrne
Name: Kelly Jahner-Byrne
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State House of Representatives - District 53B
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-283-8333
Campaign website: www.GoAskKelly.com
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/ByrneJahner
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Kelly4House
Candidate Bio
I am a 24-year resident of Woodbury. A few other titles I hold are small business owner, speaker, author, Mrs. Minnesota 2001, chamber of commerce member, community volunteer, non-profit founder with over $1m raised for cancer related services and care, and most important title of wife and mother. I have background in property management and spent 15 years in the travel and tourism industry with one of the largest hotel brands globally. As a small business owner I understand the challenges, opportunities and dynamics entrepreneurs face.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
The disruption caused by COVID-19 is severe. In many cases our businesses in Woodbury will not come back. We need to work to help with this economic recovery. Our government needs to live within its means and a thorough evaluation of any government waste must be addressed swiftly. Our citizens are counting on us to get back on track. My priorities would be:
There is a draw to move business to Hudson, they pay less tax and have a better regulatory climate. Business owners are fearful for the future. Woodbury business owners are looking for better infrastructure, tax friendly environment and a community that is open and welcoming.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
Lower taxes, decrease prohibitive regulations, better community services. Ensure a well- trained and educated work force. As an entrepreneur I will to attract business to our area with a tax friendly environment and the capacity of our infrastructure to serve business needs. It’s small business that built America and incentives for the entrepreneur will create jobs. We need to mindful of our major corporations to keep jobs in Minnesota.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I don’t support additional regulation, rather dismantling some of the prohibitive regulations that make it hard for MN businesses to operate efficiently. I support providing internships, job training and all aspects that get people to work.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
Public safety: Services are important, and Woodbury enjoys a high level of engagement and service. It’s a core to an efficient and prosperous community. As the wife of a retired firefighter I know firsthand the needs that are met with our public safety, first responders, and law enforcement. Open and clear dialogue is key to a community where everyone can thrive. Transportation: I would sponsor legislation that would promote infrastructure for cars and trucks to ease commerce. Housing: There are many dollars that go into regulations from the local level to the state driving the costs up. We could look at the necessity of the regulations so we could lower costs. Housing: We need to be creating opportunities for housing through less regulation and obstacles to building.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
Our state is spending money on pet projects for Minneapolis. Woodbury still has a water issue. There are inequalities and inefficiencies in the way the budget is split. The impact of COVID-19 will need to be handled so that business can reopen safely, and our economy can get back on track.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Incentivize business to stay or move to the area with tax friendly initiatives. Job retention is a key to this.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Promote trade schools and other options besides traditional college or university learning. Provide better financial aid for those that choose the alternative venues, like a trade school. Stop assuming that everyone is headed for a four-year college. Many secondary schools no longer offer shop, home economics and these skills have job opportunities readily available. Today more than ever we need to find innovative ways to reach students, so they are learning and growing. There is an opportunity for our schools to expand programs that allow credit for work while meeting curriculum standards for graduation.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Women are starting businesses at a faster pace than men and it’s not just a hobby business. Having funding available for applicants will ensure a robust business start. Programs like SCORE can provide mentorship so all businesses can succeed. Minority youth have traditionally had less opportunity. We need to offer job training, internships and training wages to allow businesses to create opportunities so minorities and youth can gain experiences. Deregulation of laws in the private sector will allow those in the community more opportunities.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Allow businesses to open fully. This is an area we need to address. The overreach that has shut down businesses that has impacted far more than business. There are some that will never reopen.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
The levels and layers of unnecessary regulations that are placed upon small business is overbearing. While our economy is being devasted our business neighbors in WI are open. Many customers will be lost to another state. Our businesses cannot continue and will soon be out of business if we don’t make changes. I want to be the sponsor of the chamber’s pro-business agenda in the legislature.
Public Office Sought: Minnesota State House of Representatives - District 53B
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-283-8333
Campaign website: www.GoAskKelly.com
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/ByrneJahner
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Kelly4House
Candidate Bio
I am a 24-year resident of Woodbury. A few other titles I hold are small business owner, speaker, author, Mrs. Minnesota 2001, chamber of commerce member, community volunteer, non-profit founder with over $1m raised for cancer related services and care, and most important title of wife and mother. I have background in property management and spent 15 years in the travel and tourism industry with one of the largest hotel brands globally. As a small business owner I understand the challenges, opportunities and dynamics entrepreneurs face.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
The disruption caused by COVID-19 is severe. In many cases our businesses in Woodbury will not come back. We need to work to help with this economic recovery. Our government needs to live within its means and a thorough evaluation of any government waste must be addressed swiftly. Our citizens are counting on us to get back on track. My priorities would be:
- Eliminating over-reaching regulations on businesses.
- Tax cuts for businesses so we can keep jobs and Minnesotans working.
- Community safety.
There is a draw to move business to Hudson, they pay less tax and have a better regulatory climate. Business owners are fearful for the future. Woodbury business owners are looking for better infrastructure, tax friendly environment and a community that is open and welcoming.
What role do you think the State should have in attracting and retaining jobs, and what steps would you take to solicit new businesses to and retain existing businesses in the East Metro?
Lower taxes, decrease prohibitive regulations, better community services. Ensure a well- trained and educated work force. As an entrepreneur I will to attract business to our area with a tax friendly environment and the capacity of our infrastructure to serve business needs. It’s small business that built America and incentives for the entrepreneur will create jobs. We need to mindful of our major corporations to keep jobs in Minnesota.
Do you support any specific employment-related proposals (such as minimum wage, sick time, or mandatory scheduling notice)? If so, what steps would you take to understand the impact of an ordinance on the many types of businesses in the east metro and how would you define any exceptions to those policies?
I don’t support additional regulation, rather dismantling some of the prohibitive regulations that make it hard for MN businesses to operate efficiently. I support providing internships, job training and all aspects that get people to work.
What is your strategy to address public safety, transportation, and housing issues?
Public safety: Services are important, and Woodbury enjoys a high level of engagement and service. It’s a core to an efficient and prosperous community. As the wife of a retired firefighter I know firsthand the needs that are met with our public safety, first responders, and law enforcement. Open and clear dialogue is key to a community where everyone can thrive. Transportation: I would sponsor legislation that would promote infrastructure for cars and trucks to ease commerce. Housing: There are many dollars that go into regulations from the local level to the state driving the costs up. We could look at the necessity of the regulations so we could lower costs. Housing: We need to be creating opportunities for housing through less regulation and obstacles to building.
What are your priorities for the State’s budget? Are there any services currently provided by the State that you believe should be expanded, cut back or eliminated? Are there new opportunities to share services with other entities?
Our state is spending money on pet projects for Minneapolis. Woodbury still has a water issue. There are inequalities and inefficiencies in the way the budget is split. The impact of COVID-19 will need to be handled so that business can reopen safely, and our economy can get back on track.
What will you do to expand your district’s tax base?
Incentivize business to stay or move to the area with tax friendly initiatives. Job retention is a key to this.
How will you work with K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions and businesses to ensure our region develops and retains an educated workforce?
Promote trade schools and other options besides traditional college or university learning. Provide better financial aid for those that choose the alternative venues, like a trade school. Stop assuming that everyone is headed for a four-year college. Many secondary schools no longer offer shop, home economics and these skills have job opportunities readily available. Today more than ever we need to find innovative ways to reach students, so they are learning and growing. There is an opportunity for our schools to expand programs that allow credit for work while meeting curriculum standards for graduation.
What is the role of the State in fostering increased minority- and women-owned businesses?
Women are starting businesses at a faster pace than men and it’s not just a hobby business. Having funding available for applicants will ensure a robust business start. Programs like SCORE can provide mentorship so all businesses can succeed. Minority youth have traditionally had less opportunity. We need to offer job training, internships and training wages to allow businesses to create opportunities so minorities and youth can gain experiences. Deregulation of laws in the private sector will allow those in the community more opportunities.
What further policies can the State of Minnesota adopt to help the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Allow businesses to open fully. This is an area we need to address. The overreach that has shut down businesses that has impacted far more than business. There are some that will never reopen.
Is there anything else you would like to share with voters not covered above?
The levels and layers of unnecessary regulations that are placed upon small business is overbearing. While our economy is being devasted our business neighbors in WI are open. Many customers will be lost to another state. Our businesses cannot continue and will soon be out of business if we don’t make changes. I want to be the sponsor of the chamber’s pro-business agenda in the legislature.