About Brita Sailer . . .

Brita grew up with five siblings next door to her grandparent’s farm near Alexandria where she attended a one-room country school, raised horses, baled hay, picked rocks, and received, as she sometimes says, "early training in manure management."

After her graduation from Moorhead State University, Brita worked for 13 years as a freelance artist in her pottery and painting studios, gave private art lessons, and taught in art residency programs in public schools. Married to Phil Sailer for 31 years, together they have two grown sons, and this year welcomed a daughter-in-law into their family. A conscientious and involved parent, much of Brita’s "spare" time was spent organizing baseball fundraisers, washing uniforms, organizing "Earth Day" fairs, chaperoning choir and mission trips, leading 4-H clubs, and hosting exchange students. An avid outdoor sport enthusiast, Brita spends time fishing, cross country skiing, hiking , grouse hunting and gardening with her family.

Brita has held several positions in a wide variety of local and statewide organizations, including community, church, school, county, township, and Democratic -Farmer- Labor (DFL) affiliations. While holding elected office as a Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor, she also served as Area 1 Director on the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Brita was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 2B in 2004.

Brita’s leadership has emphasized education for children, cooperation between state and local agencies, and pragmatic opportunities for business. A small business owner herself, for many years, she has assisted businesses and individuals in reducing waste, cutting costs and exchanging useable materials in manufacturing, construction, and retail settings through her work in solid waste management for northern Minnesota counties.

On a daily basis, Brita works with business, government and area residents to assist them with decisions that weigh and reconcile desirable environmental practices and rural economic realities.