|
Home Page |
|
|
Biography
Senator Claire Robling grew up on a dairy farm in Chanhassen, the daughter of Al and Mary Klingelhutz. She has five brothers and one sister. As a youngster she was extremely active in the 4-H program, serving as a state 4-H officer and ambassador. Her formal education began at St. Hubert’s School in Chanhassen. She attended Guardian Angels High School in Chaska in 9th through 11th grades, prior to its closing. She then transferred to Chaska High School for her senior year. After graduating from high school in 1974, she attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, majoring in journalism. She began her career in journalism as an intern and reporter for the National Right to Life News. She then began working for the Shakopee Valley News as a reporter, photographer and dark room technician. She moved to Shakopee with her husband, Tony Robling, after their marriage in 1978. She was promoted to associate editor of the Valley News and then transferred to the editor’s position for the Jordan Independent. She and her husband bought a home in Spring Lake Township in 1979, and they have lived in that community since that time. In 1981, the Roblings had their first child, and Claire resigned her full-time job to care for her baby. They had a second child, a son, in 1985. She did continue working part-time for Southwest Suburban Publishing, doing freelance articles and assisting with layout and design for the Chaska Herald. She also worked on an as-needed basis for the Chanhassen Villager, Eden Prairie News, Prior Lake American, Jordan Independent and Shakopee Valley News. For a time, she also served as the editor for the Jordan School District’s newsletter, and she has been the editor of the Scott County SCENE, a semi-monthly newsletter published by Scott County, for the past 17 years. When her youngest child was five years old, Robling started working full-time as a reporter for the Prior Lake American. She worked in that position until 1994, when she was asked to start a newspaper in Savage, the Savage Pacer. She served as the editor of that newspaper until 1996, when she was endorsed as the Republican candidate for the Minnesota Senate in District 35. It was while working for the various newspapers and newsletters that she became very familiar with the issues facing District 35. She met and listened to many people, both citizens and government officials. She attended and reported on hundreds of County Board, School Board, and City Council meetings in Scott and Carver counties. She learned about the many assets of the area, as well as its problems. After her election in November 1996, Senator Robling began her work in the Legislature on behalf of her constituents. She has been a leader on issues related to transportation, family and early childhood, education, and local and metropolitan government, as well as miscellaneous issues. She was recognized for her leadership skills by being one of three legislators a year selected to attend the Bowhay Institute of Legislative Leadership Development, sponsored by the Midwest Legislative Conference. She has also been commended for her work in the Legislature by the Taxpayers League, the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. She has been elected by her caucus to the position of assistant minority leader. When Senator Robling is not involved with legislative work, she enjoys reading, gardening, and attending her children’s sports activities. She has been extensively involved with the 4-H program and her church. She is also active in the Cursillo community. She is a member of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, the Jordan Commercial Club, as well as the local Republican Party.
|
