Sally Lieber for State Senate

Ten weeks ago, I put away my partisan hat and began volunteering for Sally Lieber’s campaign for State Senate. Sally is a progressive Democrat running in a highly competitive race in California’s District 13. To many, this might come as a surprise because for years, I have devoted my efforts towards arguing for a right-of-center approach to government. For example, I wholeheartedly believe that a smaller government is a better government, and I shiver at the thought of runaway government spending and the astronomical deficits that are crippling this country.

Nevertheless, when I noticed the opportunity to volunteer for Sally, I was intrigued. Visiting her website, I could not help but agree with her vision for education in California. Like me, Sally believes that the future rests in education. Increased funding, along with an emphasis on independent, entrepreneurial thinking are critical for the country’s education system. While we disagree on much, Sally and I agree that we can and must be better. Particularly with the significant issues in California, now is the time for big ideas and bold plans and Sally’s are exactly that.

Beyond the issues, Sally impresses me as person with a solid core of ethics and an incredible heart of compassion. Unlike her opponent, she has been consistent in her positions her whole life. She has not had to sell her soul or sellout on her values to get into office. Sally Lieber is a principled candidate and stands up for the interests of everyday people—not lobbyists, not special interests.

Sally’s complete commitment to doing the right thing became absolutely clear when unexpected events transpired one evening when she came to Stanford to meet with me regarding a campaign project. A few blocks away from my residence at Stanford, a young flustered woman ran to Sally’s car, telling Sally that a man had inappropriately grabbed her on the adjacent street. The girl jumped into Sally’s car, and they drove into campus. Before the girl got out of the car in front of my residence, Sally called the Stanford police to report the situation. At this point, Sally had done what any clear thinking human would have done. As the woman departed to her residence, Sally became frustrated with the police response. Rather than driving off to attend to her other obligations, Sally remained outside my residence for about an hour to make sure that the police handled the situation to the best of their ability. When the officer on the phone seemed unfazed by the situation, she pursued the matter to the Chief of Police, leveraging her reputation as a successful state assemblywoman. Eventually, officers came to discuss with Sally what happened. An action plan to search for the perpetrator was made and implemented. By the end of the night, an emergency alert was sent out through the Stanford notification system. The situation demonstrated to me that Sally would fight to do the right thing even when it was inconvenient for her personally. She courageously pressed the police to properly handle the situation as opposed to dismissing the whole thing as another minor college incident.

This anecdote may seem like a convenient story to share as a contentious and competitive campaign comes to a close. However, Sally’s commitment extends beyond that one night at Stanford University. Throughout the entire campaign, I have witnessed her work hard night and day to connect with voters and share her ideas for California. In a race where she’s being outspent 10 to 1 thanks to PACs and special interests, Sally’s hard work ethic will provide a decisive advantage. She is committed to working as hard as possible for the interests of those living in District 13. As demonstrated by her actions, Sally won’t be beholden to corporations or lobbyists when she’s writing legislation in the State Senate. Accordingly, we can expect laws that will be written with only the voters’ best interests in mind.

Sally Lieber and I admittedly don’t agree on much. As her volunteer coordinator, though, I have had the opportunity to witness not a politician at work, but a true stateswoman. The difference is fundamental. While her opponent continues to play the big money game in Sacramento, Sally is focused on you and you alone. We need more people like Sally in elected office.

Roman Larson

Volunteer and Intern Coordinator
Sally Lieber for State Senate

Roman@SallyLieber.org

262-993-0888

    

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