To the editor:

We are writing to support Anita Gaul for state senate. Gaul is exactly the kind of true, connective force that we so desperately need in the current political climate. As someone who grew up in Murray County, lived away from our region for graduate school, and returned here to work as an educator, she knows what makes the region special but also brings fresh ideas to help fulfill its potential. She is already doing this work by serving on local boards, volunteering for community events, and donating her skills to organizations in the area, so representing our region as our state senator is the most natural next step.

We can personally speak to Anita’s ability to represent the region and serve its residents because we ourselves have benefited from her community-building.

We moved to Marshall over nine years ago, having never lived in Minnesota before; no one has done a better job of both making us feel like we belong in the area and showing us what is unique and delightful about Southwest Minnesota than Anita has. Between inviting us to gatherings, introducing us to people with shared interests, and being an ambassador to the region’s culture by introducing us to food, traditions, and cultural touchstones, she has helped integrate us into the community.

We know that if she is our next state senator, she’ll bring that same generosity of spirit, pride in her community, and careful attention to the needs and concerns of all of our area’s residents. Please join us in voting for Anita Gaul for Minnesota Senate.

Eric Doise

Saara Raappana