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Herald and News

Letter to the Editor

May 4, 2012

   I would like to take this opportunity to offer some thoughts on the election. I would like to thank the people of Klamath and Lake counties for the opportunity to serve them for the last eight years as the legislative chief of staff for Senate District 28. It has been my privilege to get to know so many of you and participate in events and issues that affect us all.

   Working in Salem with representatives Bill Garrard and George Gilman   on important House issues has made me want to continue in their footsteps; to complete their work on localizing our landuse planning system, to continue to advocate for our entire K-12 and higher education system, provide services for the elderly, veterans and the current military, to whom we as a nation owe so much.

   There is still so much to be done, including retaining private businesses in our state and recruiting additional large and small businesses to create jobs that provide the revenue stream to pay for our schools, roads, and essential services. This can only be achieved by working within the confines of the legislature and working with like-minded House members from both political parties. I have spent several years developing those close legislative working relationships and know I can immediately step into the House and be a very effective representative for the citizens of this area.

   I have worked as a full time employee for the district for about $32,000 a year, and will take a pay cut to $21,000 in order to continue on as a legislator. We need very strong, knowledgeable, honest, highly educated leadership in Salem at this time. We stand at a crossroads in our state and nation’s history with this election. I am Gail Whitsett and I ask for your vote on May 15.

   Gail Whitsett

   Klamath Falls

   Editor’s note: Gail Whitsett is running for state representative from District 56.