Podulke Smith announces Olmsted County Commissioner campaign

(ABC 6 News) – Kutzky Park resident Laurel Podulke-Smith announced her 2022 bid for Olmsted County Commissioner.

Podulke-Smith seeks to represent District One on the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. Podulke-Smith is running her campaign on a message of affordable housing, public safety and strong social services.

District One is entirely within the boundary of the City of Rochester. The District One seat was resigned by Commissioner Stephanie Podulke, who recently announced her retirement from the Olmsted County Board, having served as Olmsted County Commissioner since 2011.

Podulke-Smith is launching her 2022 campaign with a public kick-off event at Soldier’s Field picnic shelter on Saturday, May 14th from 2-3pm. Additionally, she plans to hold numerous listening sessions throughout the election season to learn what’s on the minds of voters. Podulke-Smith invites Olmsted County residents to attend these sessions and share their thoughts so she can better represent their interests on the county board.

"An educator, healthcare professional and small business owner, Podulke-Smith supports economic growth that prioritizes community interests, local businesses and environmental sustainability. The interests, concerns and values of Olmsted County residents will remain her focus. Podulke-Smith has been studying Olmsted County issues for many years and aims to be a responsible steward of public resources.

Podulke-Smith has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She has spent the past 20 years working in education and healthcare."

For more information about Laurel Podulke-Smith, please visit her website.