Ready for Office, GT Dec 3, 2005

Rebecca Barrett, Corvallis Gazette-Times (original source )

Gelser hopes to advance higher ed, children's issues and social policies

By the time Sara Gelser was in the eighth grade, she was already advocating for people whose voices aren't always heard.

At a time when many girls her age were busy gossiping at the school lunch table, talking about their hair and shopping or hanging out at the mall, Gelser was taking up the challenge to raise AIDS awareness.

Although her youthful activism may have shown signs of a political future, it wasn't until the birth of her first child, Sam, now 10, that Gelser discovered what it means to help others.

Sam was born with FG syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes physical anomalies, developmental delays and special health needs.

"That's when I realized what it's like for people not to understand your perspective," Gelser said. "I wanted to help other people so that all individuals can access opportunities to succeed."

Sam was her motivation when she decided to run for the state Legislature. Earlier this week, as she readied for a meeting where Benton and Linn County commissioners unanimously chose her to represent District 16 in Salem, Sam again inspired his mom and calmed her nerves.

"Just tell them I'm your son," Gelser recalled Sam's words, to the delight of county government officials.

On Friday, as Gelser took office at the state capitol in Salem as the interim state representative for Corvallis and Benton County, she said her family continues to support and inspire her. She's hoping the temporary appointment will be extended next November, as she seeks first her party's nomination and then voters' approval to continue to serve as a legislator in the 2007 session.

Gelser said she has a strategy to balance her personal life and legislative duties to avoid the mistakes of her predecessor. Kelley Wirth resigned from office last month, facing a drug charge and criticism from her party and constituents for not keeping her campaign promises to improve her attendance at the Legislature and communicate with the public.

Before Gelser decided to run, she talked with her husband, Peter, and extended family about how she would balance family and work.

Although she lost the Democratic primary to Wirth in 2004, Gelser was able to test what it would be like to work in Salem when she took a job last year with the Oregon Department of Human Services as a policy analyst.

Gelser had to travel with that job, causing her to miss some of her children's school activities. Because she worked for an agency that receives federal funding, Gelser had to quit her job last summer when she filed as a candidate for a partisan office.

Now the mother of four young children is determined to follow other working mothers who balance demanding careers and motherhood.

"I want to demonstrate that women can do both. I want to make my children proud," Gelser said.

Gelser said she will stay true to her Democratic values, including women's rights, environmental protection and support of public education.

She said she intends to face issues in the bipartisan fashion of other legislators considered "statespersons," including former Sen. Cliff Trow and Rep. Tony Van Vliet and current Sen. Frank Morse.

Her agenda as interim representative includes setting up her legislative office in Salem, and meeting with people and groups in her district.

She wants to become an advocate for higher education, and strengthen relationships with Oregon State University and its Extension Service and Linn-Benton Community College. Gelser said she also intends to use her expertise in education and social policy to address children's and family issues.

She hopes to reach out to people who don't usually participate in the legislative process.

"I would like to be known as a person who honestly gave it her all," Gelser said. "I want to be focused on being a public servant."

At a glance

Sara Gelser

AGE: 31

FAMILY: Husband, Peter; children, Sam, 10, Ellie, 7, Nicole, 5, and Maia, 4

WORK EXPERIENCE: Policy analyst, Oregon Department of Human Services, 2004-05; substitute teacher, Richmond, Ind.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in history with a minor in education, Earlham College; master's degree in interdisciplinary studies, Oregon State University

ORGANIZATIONS: Grace Lutheran Church; Zonta; ARC of Benton County; ARC of Oregon; State Dispute Resolution Council; Family Action Coalition team, National Early Childhood Transition & Research Council; FG Syndrome Family Alliance Inc.; State Interagency Coordinating Council

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Corvallis School Board member, 2001-present; Democratic primary candidate in the 2004 District 16 state House race.

QUOTE: "I would like to be known as a person who honestly gave it her all."