Vinton teacher running for Iowa House from Benton, Linn district

VINTON — Teacher Sara Yedlik is running for the Iowa Legislature in House District 84 that covers most of Benton County, including Vinton, and part of Linn County.

“I’m running for House District 84 to advocate for all,” said Yedlik, a Democrat. “Our district deserves a representative who’s willing to meet people where they are and put aside politics to fight for the future of our rural communities.”

Her priorities, if elected in November, are “keeping small businesses alive, supporting our local farming operations and educating the future leaders of our state, (which is) crucial for Iowa’s future economic growth.”

Yedlik, 45, was born and raised on her family’s rural Vinton farm. She graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg High School, Luther College with a bachelor’s degree in music education, and Drake University with a master’s in educational leadership.

She is in her 23rd year of teaching, currently in the Cedar Rapids school district. Yedlik also has served on the state Board of Educational Examiners for the past eight years.

Yedlik is a married mother of two and lives in rural Vinton.

No other Democrats have announced for the district, which is now represented by Rep. Thomas Gerhold, an Atkins Republican.

For more on Yedlik, visit yedlikforiowa.com or facebook.com/yedlikforiowa.

Comments: (319) 398-8375; james.lynch@thegazette.com