Her campaign treasurer is Dianne Overschmidt, Union.  
"I can think of nothing more fulfilling than representing the people of the 98th District in our state Capitol," said Straatmann. "I think as we share ideas for improving our community over the course of my campaign, voters will see that I have the skills needed to get the job done."

In Jefferson City, the policies and proposals that Straatmann wants to promote will focus on keeping Missourians in good quality jobs and ensuring families stay healthy.

"The best way we can make sure people in the 98th District prosper is by creating quality jobs, increasing access to health care and ensuring children receive a world-class education. We need to support our community colleges which allow all children access to affordable quality education," she said. "But I can't do it without my friends, family and supporters who will drive this campaign."

A native of Franklin County, Straatmann said she was raised to believe that faith and family always come first. Straatmann was raised on a small family farm in Villa Ridge.

Her father maintained the family's small herd of dairy cattle and also was the caretaker and custodian at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Villa Ridge. Straatmann's mother stayed at home working to raise their eight children, of which Mary Jo is the youngest.

Straatmann is a graduate of St. Francis Borgia High School, Washington, and attended East Central College in Union. Later, she attended St. Louis Community College at Meramec and graduated as a paralegal.

After attending ECC, Straatmann accepted a position working in the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for the Child Support Enforcement Division. She said that the time spent at the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office taught her the importance of public service and ways in which government could positively impact the lives of ordinary individuals.

Straatmann followed Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Daryl K. Hartley when he opened his own practice, and later when he merged with the firm of Baylard, Billington, Dempsey and Jensen, Union. As an important part of Hartley's team as a paralegal, Straatmann works on a variety of issues including adoptions and family law matters.

Straatmann is a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a member of the Daughters of Isabella at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Union.

She is the treasurer of the Union Rotary Club, a member of the County Seat Senior Center Foundation Board and an honorary member of the Missouri Child Support Enforcement Association where she previously served as the regional director and treasurer.

To learn more, people can visit www.maryjostraatmann.com.