Gladys Baisa Launches County Council Campaign on Molokai

Last week, Gladys Baisa, former director of MEO Inc., became the first candidate of the 2006 election season to launch a major campaign effort on Molokai.  Baisa, who is running for the Upcountry Maui County Council seat, followed her roadside campaign with a celebratory spaghetti dinner and live entertainment at the Mitchell Pauole Center.  Molokai is Baisa’s fifth stop on a tour of eight locations.  Her campaign volunteers say they have participated in roadside rallies, community dinners, and even a Tahitian drum circle in Hana.

            “I thought it was important to go to every district,” said Baisa.   “It is important for all of the people to get an opportunity to meet their candidates and for me to hear what matters to them.”  Baisa said affordable housing, availability of water and access to medical care are some of  the most critical issues for Molokai.  But she also noted that Molokai residents share many concerns in common with the entire county.  “While there are issues that are particular to certain communities, I keep finding that in the end we all want the same things. We want healthy homes and communities and for our children to grow up and be educated and self-sufficient.”