St. Michael Patch sat down with new councilwoman, Jillian Schommer, to learn more about who she is and what she plans on adding to Albertville City Council.

 St. Michael Patch: So who is Jillian Schommer, and where did she come from?

Schommer: I grew up in Maple Grove and studied International Business at St. Norberts College in DePere, Wis. I work for Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company and just finished my master’s at St. Cloud State.

 St. Michael Patch: DePere, Wis.? Does that mean you’re a Packer fan?

Schommer: Well I cheered for them on Sunday and I’ll be cheering for them in the Super Bowl but I’m more a Twins baseball fan than a football fan.

 St. Michael Patch: What originally brought you to Albertville?

Schommer: My sister and her family live in Albertville and also my job brings me to St. Cloud on a regular basis so it seemed like a good fit between my hometown of Maple Grove and my work commute.

 St. Michael Patch: What made you decide to run for city council?

Schommer: I have always had an interest in politics and serving the communities I live in. I was very involved in college at St. Norbert’s with different leadership opportunities.

I thought that 2010 would be a good time for me to step up and help fill a need that I saw by bringing younger and female representation to the council. Because there is a significant age difference between myself and other council members, I am able to offer a diverse perspective.

 St. Michael Patch: What do you think so far?

Schommer: I am really enjoying serving on the council and the various committees so far. I am really hoping this is a great learning experience for myself, and a positive asset to the community. I hope that if I enjoy this and am able to do a good job I can go even farther.

I also hope that others in the community decide to step up and become involved, too.

 St. Michael Patch: What are some of your goals and plans while on council?

Schommer: I am a conservative idealist amidst the recession, so I don’t want to add more expenses to households already strapped.

I’d like to develop strong relationships with our surrounding communities and continue to bring businesses into Albertville. Getting the freeway interchange added will definitely help with this growth.

I’d also like to open up the lines of communication between residents and the city. I want it to be more convenient for residents to have access to information they are needing.