At a time when jobs are a premium, we need a representative that will work hard to keep and grow jobs in the district and not chase them away. We need an advocate that represents our rural small town and farm values.

Jay's Priorities

Ensure government lives within its means like families, farmers and small businesses in rural Minnesota do every day; grow jobs, not taxes and bring straightforward, common-sense leadership to a Legislature that seems to lack both.

About Jay

• Small business owner, BW Inc., for 20 years
• Married to Michele for 18 years
• 5 children: Jacqui, Michael, Matthew, Jessaline and Julianne
• Member of Zion Lutheran Church

Jay's Community Service

• School Board Member for 9 years, Board Chair for 7 years
• Former MN Rural Education Association Board Member
• Systems Accountability Team Committee, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District
• Graceville and Browns Valley Volunteer Ambulance Services
• Volunteer EMT for 15 years

Jay's Education

• Beardsley-Valley High School graduate, 1985
• B.S. Public Administration and Economics, St. Cloud State University – Cum Laude, 1990
• Blandin Community Leadership Program Participant

Jay and Michele Backer with their five children