Attorney to challenge Brian Braaten for Rochester Township Board seat

Rochester attorney Rachel Bohman filed paperwork this week to take on incumbent Brian Braaten for seat 1 of the Rochester Township Board.

The election is scheduled for March 13.

Backlash to Braaten's role on the board has been stirring since early 2017 when the public learned of the racist and bigoted views he often promotes through social media channels. (Braaten also maintains a seat on Olmsted County's Environmental Commission.)

A Rochester native, Bohman has held a variety of positions in state and county government, including serving as County Recorder for Hennepin County and overseeing a budget of more than $5 million.

Bohman now lives with her husband and two daughters in the Rochester Township. Her volunteer service in the area includes time  on the Olmsted County Search and Rescue Team with her chocolate lab, Penny.

“Rochester Township is home for so many of us,”Bohman said in a news release. “It is critically important that the Township Board continue to strengthen our relationships with Rochester and other local communities to ensure that we protect and preserve our distinct needs and what we as residents value most."

More information on this election here.