Dr. Jeske (Yes-ka) Noordergraaf, chair of the Sunrise Town Board, seeks election as the senator in Minnesota Senate District 32. Noordergraaf earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993 she began her equine practice in Chisago and Isanti counties, establishing the respected Sunrise Equine Veterinary Services.
Noordergraaf lives with her husband Jim and son Clay on a farm in Sunrise. Jim is a traffic engineer with the US Department of Transportation and has served on the Chisago County Board of Adjustment and the Chisago County Planning Commission. Clay is a student at the Chisago Lakes High School. Shortly after making Sunrise their home in the early '90s, Noordergraaf ran for political office and became the first woman elected to the Sunrise Town Board. During her first term she helped initiate the Sunrise Township road maintenance program, which led to significant improvement in the quality of roads and snowplowing in the township.
When her son was born in 1996 she left public service to focus on family and the development of her equine business. Having personally won the battle against breast cancer, Noordergraaf fully understands the importance of strengthening health care for all Minnesota citizens. She remains committed to the fight against cancer by dedicating her time to the organization Relay for Life.
Noordergraaf returned to public office in 2010 where she was again elected to the Sunrise Town Board, currently serving as chairman. Noordergraaf is also involved in the Chisago County Association of Townships.
In 2011, Noordergraaf sold her ownership interest in Sunrise Equine to her associate Dr. Kirsten Frederickson. While still practicing equine veterinary medicine, Noordergraaf now steps up to serve Chisago and Isanti counties in Minnesota District 32.
Her 17-year experience as a successful business owner and job creator will be invaluable in the Senate as it considers decisions that impact entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“Education is very important to the future of Minnesota and to me,” Noordergraaf says. “Education has made Minnesota a great state. This strong education legacy has been the key to the success of this state over 100 years. We are home to 3M, Medtronics, Target, Cargill and other Fortune 500 companies because business looks for the key ingredient to success – a strong, skilled and educated work force. As senator I will work to make Minnesota stronger and more competitive. As a business owner and professional I know how important a well educated and motivated workforce is.”
Noordergraaf states, “My interest in serving in the Senate stems in part from my frustration of seeing all the fighting that is going on in the House and Senate rather than cooperation. When I go on veterinary calls, I often hear clients’ concerns that are not being addressed by our current legislators. I pledge to work hard in the Senate, to listen to all voices and make fair decisions.”
Noordergraaf was endorsed by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) at its Senate District 32 convention on March 24, 2012.
Noordergraaf can be reached at jnoordergraaf@yahoo.com or at 651-242-6059 and contributions can be sent to:
Jeske for Senate at 39750 Poor Farm Rd, North Branch MN 55056.
Her web site is www.jeskeforsenate.com
Having just met Jeske, I am delighted to learn that she is the endorsed candidate from my old home area of Lindstrom. She will be a fresh addition to the Minnesota Senate.
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