KJK Associate Melissa Yasinow was recently interviewed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer about her experience as a Millennial Elected Official. In addition to working in KJK’s Litigation Practice, Ms. Yasinow is also a Councilwoman for the City of Cleveland Heights, an inner-ring suburb of roughly 46,000 people. First elected at age 28, Ms. Yasinow serves as Chair for City’s Municipal Services Committee, Vice Chair of the Community Relations and Recreation Committee, and a Member of the Finance Committee. In this article, Ms. Yasinow discusses the unique perspective millennials bring to elected office, the political issues that matter to today’s young professionals, and what communities should do to encourage intergenerational involvement in the political process.
“Q: Is there a characteristic or style that you believe distinguishes a millennial office holder or is there something specific to your generation that shapes your governing style?
A: I’d say that as millennials, we’re more used to our lives being “public” because most of us entered public service with Facebook and Twitter accounts. As a result, I think that that millennial office holders are more committed to ideas of transparency and seeking input from our communities to solve problems. Also, I feel like millennials are very interested in collaboration and seeing how new ways of thinking, new partnerships, and new technologies can improve our cities.”
Read more of the article here.