Gelser campaign starting strong (March 1, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
Sara Gelser is a candidate for State Representative, District 16 (Corvallis and Philomath). I have come to know and value Sara through my work with her on various Corvallis school district committees. I have observed firsthand Sara's effective leadership. I wholeheartedly support Sara Gelser for State Representative.
Sara has a strong commitment to public service and a proven record of leadership. She was recently recognized as Corvallis Junior First Citizen for her many civic contributions. Her accomplishments range from providing 1,000 bag lunches for children in need to founding an international organization for parents and medical professionals.
Sara is accessible and dependable. She will take the time to meet with those of us in her district, listen to our concerns and work to find solutions. She will engage in legislative committee work and be in attendance for voting. She will translate our priorities into legislative action.
Sara is intelligent, articulate and energetic. She is an independent and creative thinker. She will be a representative who will raise the bar for performance and results in Salem.
Sara is inclusive, collaborative and positive. She will be a representative who we can trust to work well with others and to find solutions to our problems that respect our diversity.
My trust in Sara is strong. It is so strong that for the first time in my life, I have become an active campaign worker. Please join me in supporting Sara Gelser for State Representative.
Kathryn Collins
Corvallis
Gelser's got the goods for state (March 9, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
Sara Gelser has decided to run as the Democratic candidate for state Legislature from District 16, and I think this is marvelous.
Sara has a breadth of experience working with and leading myriad community groups and has earned the admiration of all of her followers. During the 18 months that I have worked with Sara on the school board, I have been awestruck by her honesty, her quick grasp of intricate systems and her tireless efforts to build consensus. Her sense of mission and fairness are unparalleled. We have dealt with some complex and controversial issues on the school board and Sara leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of the most equitable and comprehensive solution.
We need Sara Gelser's energy, clarity and experience working with diverse constituent groups. No one works harder to build consensus. I can think of no more valuable trait in an elected official during these difficult times.
Nell O'Malley
Corvallis
Gelser right one for job in office (March 15, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
It's a privilege to spread the good word that Sara Gelser is running for State Representative for District 16. We court your vote.
I first saw Sara in action as the youth director in our church. Her enthusiasm and drive were infectious. She involved kids and parents because her ideas were creative. Another time, as part of a social ministry task force, she attended every meeting with good information for our attention and action.
Sara reaches out into the community to take responsibility where she sees needs. She doesn't wait to be told what to do. She has been active with a variety of different organizations for the developmentally disabled. She has served on the 509J school board wisely and beyond expectations. When school days were dropped last year, Sara was concerned for the children who depended on school lunches. With her enthusiastic leadership, money was raised, and volunteers made almost 1,000 lunches to distribute to hungry youngsters.
Sara is committed to the state of Oregon, to education, human services, health care, and the environment. A state representative has to have a broad concern for the welfare of all the people. Sara Gelser is a good listener and a tireless advocate for Oregon.
Please join me in voting for her.
Betty McCauley
Corvallis
Gelser's leadership is what's needed (March 22, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
It takes a brave soul to run for the state legislature in these contentious times. Sara Gelser is brave enough to be up for the task. She is an honest, energetic, articulate, compassionate bulldog. She is actively involved in our community and knows what people do and do not want. I would be proud to have her as a representative of Benton County. We need leaders like Sara.
Anne Schuster
Corvallis
Gelser impresses with varied skill (March 25, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
We have known Sara Gelser since she moved to Corvallis and have been impressed with the way she immersed herself in volunteer efforts in the community so quickly and with such an impact.
Sara's commitment to working to improve the lives of people with disabilities on local and statewide committees and organizations has made a difference in the lives of many Oregonians. This is only one of the reasons we are supporting her candidacy for the state Legislature. Sara also has experience in working in a family business, so she understands the challenges of starting and running a business in difficult economic times.
Sara's intelligence and hard work has been recognized by state and local officials resulting in her service with many local, state and national volunteer organizations.
Sara has proven her commitment to education through her service on the Corvallis school board. She has gained the respect of those who have worked with her and it is a tribute to her commitment and hard work that so many people have come forward to support her election.
We need someone to represent us in the Legislature who will work to bring people together to reach compromise in solving the many problems facing our state. We believe that Sara has shown the potential to be a leader in these efforts.
Lori and Dick Hendrick
Corvallis
Gelser has many leadership skills (March 26, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
I first met Sara several years ago while I was in the Legislature and she was lobbying for a program called "Early Intervention." She was calm, diplomatic and persistent. She did not take no for an answer. I soon learned that beneath that friendly, engaging exterior there was a will of iron.
By the end of the session, enough resources had been moved around so that, together with federal funds, we were able to support the program. She was never demanding or confrontational, but she did not give up. She kept working to build consensus for what she believed were vital services for preschool developmentally delayed children.
She has since broadened her interests and will fight for Benton County residents on a number of fronts: economic development, tax reform, higher education, housing and health care costs.
She is tough. She is not afraid to challenge the establishment when there is a chance to save tax dollars. She often does not believe that the status quo is good enough. She is always courteous, but she does not give in easily. She consistently listens carefully to those who disagree with her, recognizing the sincerity of their views and looking for opportunities to build consensus.
We need Sara's practical, tough-minded approach in the Oregon Legislature. We can count on her to work across party lines to bring real solutions to our state's difficult problems. Vote for Sera Gelser for state representative for district 16 in the May primary.
Barbara Ross
Corvallis
Gelser sees a problem and goes in search of solutions (April 7, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
I support Sara Gelser for State Representative. Sara is able to see a problem and has the insight, energy and passion to do something about it that really makes a difference.
For example, when a school day was cut last year, she became aware that 950 children were missing their free lunches. Within a short amount of time, she motivated and organized many people to purchase and pack lunches for the kids and distribute them. It was very successful.
During the 8 years I have know Sara, she was also a very effective youth leader in our church. The youth felt empowered by Sara, who created a win-win situation for youth and parents. She has common sense.
Sara Gelser has my vote of confidence when it comes to seeing and analyzing a problem, and leading through to a successful solution. Sara gets things done!
Peggy Custer
Corvallis
Gelser's enthusiasm shows qualifications for service (April 9, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
The primary election is right around the corner. And now that Oregon no longer has term limits, we voters have a greater responsibility to hold our legislators accountable, and to vote for the candidate who can be most effective.
In House District 16, we need a legislator with energy and enthusiasm, whom we can count on to be on the job in Salem when the Legislature is in session. We need a legislator who will stay in touch with us when issues of mutual concern come up.
Sara Gelser is the candidate who deserves your support. The range of her community service is so impressive that she was recently chosen Junior First Citizen by the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce. She has also received recognition and awards from the Benton County Commission on Children and Families, the ARC of Benton County and Zonta.
She is an excellent communicator, a good listener, a skilled consensus builder. Above all, she is a doer!
Mail-in ballots will be arriving about May 1. Please plan to mark your ballot for Sara Gelser.
Barbara Boucot
Corvallis
Sara Gelser ready to confront the tough issues (May 6, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
Sara Gelser, a candidate for the state Legislature, is one of the smartest and most articulate individuals I've ever met. Fortunately, she's also among the most caring, especially about people who can't voice their own strengths and needs. As a three-year member of the Corvallis School Board, Sara has provided clear evidence of her willingness and ability to confront difficult service issues in an anti-tax era.
Every year for the past five years, Sara Gelser has come to talk with students in my OSU class. Most of my students will eventually work in schools or human service agencies. Sara's message to students always has the same four parts: 1. Know well the laws and programs and how they affect the people you serve. 2. Live ethically and challenge others to do so. 3. Speak up for what is right, and take action, not leaving the difficult decisions up to others. 4. Work very hard for the Oregon you want to see. This message belongs also in Salem. If Sara is elected to the Legislature, I have every confidence that it will be voiced and effectively demonstrated on behalf of Corvallis residents.
Sharon Rosenkoetter
Corvallis
Sara Gelser has a wealth of leadership experience (May 6, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
I enthusiastically encourage the voters of Corvallis to support Sara Gelser in the forthcoming primary campaign.
Sara has a wealth of experience that will help her represent us well in the Legislature. As an experienced school board member, she is well aware of the education crisis that is present in our state. She also recognizes that communities need support as they cope with the difficult local problems that affect the most disadvantaged populations. Her experiences demonstrate that she recognizes that these problems are not going to be solved solely by the state but require the collaboration of government and non-governmental agencies.
Sara Gelser has amply demonstrated her commitment to those who are most in need. She has been president of the ARC of Benton County, a member of the Education Service District Budget Committee, Chair of the Benton County Local Interagency Coordinating Council and a mentor to young women in the Parent Enhancement Program. Sara's knowledge of local problems is extensive. She will serve us well as our representative to the state Legislature.
Please join me in voting for Sara Gelser.
Bud Fredericks
Corvallis
Sara Gelser has the right stuff to represent Corvallis (May 7, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
I am supporting Sara Gelser in the race for the State Representative House District 16 seat. Sara is a candidate with a proven record of results combined with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Sara is the vice chair of the Corvallis School Board, past president of the ARC of Benton County and was recently recognized as the Junior First Citizen by the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce for her contributions to the community.
A skilled communicator, Sara is equally comfortable and effective in front of large groups or in one-on-one discussions. Sara is no newcomer to the legislative process. In 2000, she was appointed as the chair of the Interim Senate Working Group on Special Education, and she has frequently been invited to testify at legislative hearings.
Sara is a bright, creative and committed candidate who is not afraid of hard work. We can count on Sara to actually be on the job attending hearings and be present in the House chamber to vote for us on the key issues.
I hope you will join me in supporting Sara with your time, your money and your vote.
Jim Swinyard
Benton County Sheriff
Corvallis
Gelser's credentials as leader are impressive (May 13, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
Sara Gelser is my choice for state representative in the Democratic primary May 18. Her remarkable intelligence and boundless energy will serve us well in Salem. As a woman with deep moral convictions and compassion for the wellbeing of all people, I know Sara will look out for the interests of working people. She is also very practical and will support the economic development necessary to fuel Oregon's recovery.
Sara has proven herself as an elected official in her role on the Corvallis School Board. Having served with her on the board for nearly three years now, I have seen her competence and dedication in action. She works tirelessly to be well informed on all issues and is committed to public participation in decisions. Sara builds productive and respectful relationships with colleagues as well as the public, an essential skill for an effective legislator.
I can attest that Sara will be a strong advocate for Democrats on the issues we care about, and I know she will be accessible and accountable to her constituents as she fights for our ideals in Salem. Please join me in supporting Sara Gelser as our next state representative.
Cyrel Gable
Corvallis
Gelser's caring nature makes her best choice (May 13, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
I am supporting Sara Gelser in her race for state representative because of her personal attributes.
As a school board member, she comes across as warm and compassionate as well as having good analytical skills. She is so caring and understanding in her contacts with parents. She listens carefully, paying attention to all of the parents' fears and concerns about their children's situations.
With over-crowded classrooms and shrinking budgets, our schools have plenty of challenges. It is reassuring to see a school board member who is genuinely concerned with the individual problems that families must face. She then uses this detailed knowledge as a framework within which to tackle the broad policy decisions the board must make.
I believe that Sara Gelser will carry this strong commitment to families and to education to the state level. She is just basically a wonderful person and a great parent herself. She is the kind of person I want to represent me in Salem.
Connie Joki
Corvallis
It would be an honor to have Gelser working for us (May 17, 2004)
Corvallis Gazette-Times
I am proud to support Sara Gelser for state representative. I have known Sara for six years. In this time I have come to realize that she is an extremely dedicated, hard working and kind hearted person. She is passionate about fairness and equity. I am confident that in making any decision she will listen to all opinions, research issues thoroughly and then make a very wise decision based on all the information she has collected. She is tireless, intelligent and compassionate. I would be honored to have her represent me in Salem.
Sharon McKinley
Corvallis