Biography of Representative Brita Sailer

Brita grew up, the oldest of five siblings, next door to her grandparents’ 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 35 years, together they have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter.

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 and sport enthusiast, Brita spends time fishing, cross country skiing, hiking, grouse hunting and gardening with her family.

Brita has held leadership positions at the local and state level, including community, church, school, county and township organizations, and also has been active in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL). While holding elected office as a Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor, she also served as Area 1 Director for the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Brita was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 2B in 2004.

Brita’s leadership has emphasized education, cooperation between state agencies and local government, 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.

Brita works tirelessly on behalf of businesses and area residents to find practical solutions to the daily challenges they face in this difficult economic climate.