Lisa Garst for Salem City Council

Lisa Garst Announces Bid for Salem City Council
< January 14, 2008 >

Salem businesswoman Lisa Garst announced Monday that she will seek a seat on Salem City Council in the May 6 election.

Garst, who owns Sterling Engineered Sales with her husband, Reid, said she is eager to serve the people of Salem.  “I believe public service is a sacred trust.  For me, serving in elected office is a calling – much like military service or the ministry is for others.”

As a small business owner and the parent of a school-aged child, Garst believes she has a clear perspective on many of the important issues facing Salem today.   “In today’s economic climate, every organization – whether a business, a family or a municipality – must evaluate how the money comes in and where it goes.  One cost that concerns many homeowners and business owners in Salem is the high real estate tax rate.  This tax rate, coupled with annual property reassessments, is a burden on many residents.  I want to work with Council to consider options that would allow a lower tax rate.”

 In addition, Garst believes that city leaders must be prudent in decisions regarding growth and development in a city with so little land left to develop. “I would like to help guide the city to a path of smart, responsible growth.  We need to balance our desire to grow and attract new businesses with a commitment to the quality of life we’ve come to expect here in Salem.  Also, we must recognize the companies that have chosen to call Salem home.  We owe them the services and opportunities they need to continue their investment in our community,” she said.

Garst advocates providing that same support to the Salem school system.  “Salem City Schools have long been a source of pride for our children and their parents.  We need to continue to offer our children and their teachers the resources they need to succeed.”

Garst is vice president for finance and marketing at Sterling Engineered Sales, a Salem manufacturer’s representative firm.  Her 20 years of business experience has prepared her to address the challenges facing the Salem business community, she said.

In addition to her career, Garst has been active in the Salem community as a volunteer.  She has served on the Salem Fine Arts Commission.  She was elected as an officer at Salem Presbyterian Church, led the Diaconate as moderator and has been volunteer coordinator for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  Garst is also a member of the West Salem PTA.

Originally from Covington, Garst is a Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude graduate of Mary Baldwin College with a degree in Political Science.  She and her husband, Reid, a Salem native, have one daughter, Ashby, a first grader at West Salem Elementary.