Gassler Seeking Slot On State Committee

There are four seats up for grabs to represent Blair County on the Republican State Committee to be filled by two men and two women. With only two male candidates running, they are assured a seat on the committee, leaving four women competing for the other two slots.

Kathy Gassler of East Freedom said she is running for a seat on the committee to help ensure people make informed decisions when they vote.

"I felt such an urgency to help get out the vote," she said. "I've been active with various Republican organizations to help get people to the polls. I'm about information and getting it out there."

Gassler said if she is elected to the state committee, making people aware of the candidates and providing voters with the right information will be her top priority.

"To make people aware of their candidates and get them to the polls. That is the most important thing," she said. "Information and being able to project that information and help people with questions and direct them how to vote."

Gassler said she has been a member of the Blair County Republican Committee for about three years and was surprised when approached about running for the state committee.

"Committee Chairman Jim Foreman asked me if I would consider running," she said. "I was totally surprised but I talked it over with my husband and he agreed to support me."

Gassler, originally from the New England area, said she moved to Blair County 23 years ago and found peace of mind in the tight-knit community.

"When I moved here, I moved away from a city atmosphere where there wasn't a sense of community like there is here," she said. "When I visited here, I felt an overwhelming sense of safety. It is just a really safe environment."

Gassler is employed at Sam's Club as a member specialist. She lives in East Freedom with her husband, Michael, and has one son, Tyler.