Time for a change
By Patricia Eisenach
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 5, 2012
It’s time for a change in the 5th District. We need a representative who is willing to work with people on both sides of the aisle. We need a representative who will work for the issues that are important to us in North Carolina: jobs that provide a decent standard of living, affordable health care and a clean and healthy environment for our children and grandchildren.
Please join me in voting for the candidate who will work for us: Elisabeth Motsinger for U.S. House of Representatives, District 5.

Warm and caring
By Sherold D. Hollingsworth
The Readers' Forum: Sunday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 4, 2012
I am writing to support Elisabeth Motsinger for 5 th Congressional District. I know Elisabeth because of her work as a physician assistant. She has taken care of my mother and her difficult diabetes case for about a dozen years.

Elisabeth is warm and caring, just the kind of person we need to look out for us in Congress. I hope you will join me and vote for Elisabeth Motsinger on Election Day.

Honest and compassionate
By Norman Hill
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 3, 2012

I know that my friend, Elisabeth Motsinger, is honest, compassionate and hard working. I know that she will listen to all of her constituents and represent us well in the U.S. Congress. Please vote and please vote for Elisabeth. We can and will go forward together.

Invaluable insight
By Mary Lisa Hammon
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 3, 2012

Most people in the 5th District will agree that we need a change in government on most levels. We have an opportunity in Elisabeth Motsinger to introduce a new person to the political stage that has for overly long been represented by long-time politicians.

Elisabeth has no personal agenda; she excels at seeing both sides of an issue. Thought Elisabeth, by virtue of running in this race for Congress, is a politician, she has none of the baggage that is associated with a long-term political agenda. She comes with a clean slate, a sharp sense of duty and a keen awareness of the needs of the community that makes up the 5 th District.

Elisabeth’s long-time experience as a direct health-care provider gives her invaluable insight that will be needed to confront problems associated with the national health-care plan from the perspective of us common people.

The best candidate
By Kathleen Salkin
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 3, 2012

I believe Elisabeth Motsinger is the best candidate for Congressional District 5. Why? Because she is a person who can see other people's viewpoint and does not vote against them to spite them. For one, she would not vote against a jobs bill for veterans just because a Republican was the president. She is far, far better than Rep. Virginia Foxx.

Making a difference
By Janet Owen
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 3, 2012

I am voting for Elisabeth Motsinger for U.S. representative from the 5th District. I have known Elisabeth for more than seven years and have come to rely on her wisdom and compassion. I'm lucky to count her as a friend.

Elisabeth's decision to run for Congress is an example of her selfless caring for others. She knows she can make a difference for our community and our country and she is willing to do the difficult work it will take.

The 5th District needs smart, responsive, compassionate representation. The 5th District needs Elisabeth Motsinger.

No one better
By Jeannie (Sprague) Grimes
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 3, 2012

The Nov. 6 election is especially exciting for me because I will have the opportunity to vote for Elisabeth Motsinger for 5th District U.S. Congress. One thing I like about Elisabeth is that she has a special knack for problem solving; she will help to break through the gridlock in Congress and pass legislation to move our country forward.
Elisabeth is smart, kind and caring, and I can think of no one who would be a better representative in Congress for the voters in District 5.

True spirit
By Ferne Emery
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 3, 2012

I support Elisabeth Motsinger’s congressional bid because Elisabeth Motsinger is truly dedicated to uniting the 5th Congressional District of North Carolina. I believe in her positive message and her desire to represent all of the 5th District and not just those who are able to support her monetarily.
Her vision is exactly what we need representing us in Congress. She's the true spirit of North Carolina.

A big impact
By Caitlin Moffatt
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 2, 2012

I've known Elisabeth Motsinger, candidate for 5th Congressional District, for 16 years. Considering I'm 16 years old, this is a significant portion of my life to say the least. Through those years she has had a big impact on my views and has greatly strengthened my opinions on issues such as education and women's rights. I agree with her stance on taxation (beneficial for middle-class income families, yet fair for all Americans) and fully support her preservationist views on the environment.

When I am eligible to do so, Elisabeth Motsinger has my vote.

A fresh approach
By Arthur R. Kainz
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 2, 2012

I encourage the readers of the Journal to vote for Elisabeth Motsinger for Congress. Many people are longing for a change, and that fresh approach is Elisabeth Motsinger.

We citizens need someone to stand up for us when it comes to the necessity of health care. I buy my own health insurance, and know what it's like to be refused coverage because of cancer.

Children are the future of this great country. They require a strong advocate like Elisabeth who has experience in education.

Deadlock is not a way to govern and it hurts us all. Elisabeth is experienced in putting aside partisan differences and solving problems.

Vote for your future. Vote Elisabeth Motsinger.

Not a politician but a representative
By Patricia B. Fetherolf
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 2, 2012

Elisabeth Motsinger has my enthusiastic support for the 5th District Congressional seat. I have known Elisabeth for a quarter of a century and have always known her to act and speak with genuine integrity and honesty. Through her work as a physician assistant and member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board she has actively worked to improve the lives of her neighbors and advocate for those in need.

Elisabeth Motsinger would not be a politician in Congress, but a true representative for our community.

Shows care and concern
By Hema Sethi
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 2, 2012

Elisabeth Motsinger, a young, incredibly compassionate student, impressed me immensely during her training as a physician assistant. Over the years I have watched Elisabeth develop into a dedicated leader in the community. Elisabeth shows care and concern for our children, the health of our citizens and our environment and participates in a meaningful manner to improve people’s lives daily. We need Elisabeth to make our voices heard in Washington as our 5th Congressional District representative because we do not have representation at the moment.

Effective approach
By Herman Schmid
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 2, 2012

Elisabeth Motsinger is a friend of mine. I have always known her to be a passionate but gentle soul. Her enthusiasm has been evident whether discussing a community or church issue.
Elisabeth always makes it clear that relationships come first and everyone should have their say, participating in the solution. This approach has been very effective in creating solutions but still making everyone feel heard. These qualities have served her well on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board and will serve us all when she is elected in the 5th district to the House of Representatives.
I have no doubt that Elisabeth will work hard to overcome the current congressional gridlock, as she has demonstrated a willingness to listen to and try to understand all viewpoints. Her respectful and ethical approach is punctuated by her insistence on running a completely positive campaign. So I am proud to have volunteered for her campaign.
Personally, I am looking for a Congress that is filled with individuals like her, working for all the people in a respectful and collaborative manner.

Equal rights for all
By Susan Grote
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 1, 2012

I will be voting for Elisabeth Motsinger for Congress as our representative in the 5th District. She believes in the protection of Social Security and Medicare, the creation of a strong middle class, the protection of our environment and at the same time the development and production of renewable energy sources.

As a woman, it is also important that my rights to health care are not limited — as a health-care provider, Elisabeth understands this. The most important thing to me is that Elisabeth Motsinger believes in equal rights for all North Carolinians, will work hard to achieve them and be a true representative for the people in the 5th District.

Healthy candidate
By Audrey Lynge
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 1, 2012

I would like to tell you about Elisabeth Motsinger, my favorite candidate for 5 th Congressional District representative. I have shared a meal with her several times and she is delightful company. She is personable, friendly and kind. I see she is careful about her own health in a way that makes me feel she would be careful about the well-being of North Carolinians.

And so with a sense of ease and confidence, I see my vote for Elisabeth Motsinger as a way to benefit myself, my family and my community.

Her skills are needed
By David B. Hough
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 1, 2012

Historically when Congress refuses to cobble together the legislation we Americans desperately need, we vote in new cobblers. Our best national interest would be served by voting for Elisabeth Motsinger as our 5 th District Congresswoman. Her incumbent opponent has for too long stood in the way of what we all need and has refused to engage in healthy listening, negotiating, bargaining and compromising.

Elisabeth Motsinger, on the other hand, has shown her teamwork abilities while serving on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board. She has accomplished significant goals with a school board populated by a majority that generally starts out not agreeing with her.

Motsinger’s skills are sorely needed in Washington. Her talents will enable our Washington cobblers to get back to work for the benefit of our beloved America.

North Carolina elections important
By Nancy Kegresse
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 1, 2012

State elections are every bit as important as national elections, but I often wonder how many voters really know what they’re voting for when they mark their ballots for state officials. Do we want to see off-shore drilling and fracking come to North Carolina to endanger our coast and water supplies? Do we want to see minimum wages frozen, health care for women cut and public education “privatized”? Do we want to see corporate income taxes eliminated, which will only put more money into the pockets of the fat cats and throw more of the burden of funding education and other vital social programs onto the backs of the already-struggling middle class?

Radical extremist Republicans have been avidly at work nationwide to build more and more momentum against the middle class, and it’s no different in North Carolina. That’s why I’m voting for Walter Dalton for governor, Linda Coleman for lieutenant governor and Elisabeth Motsinger for 5th Congressional District representative.

She cares
By Robert Conn
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 1, 2012

Elisabeth Motsinger cares about our environment.

Long before her decision to run for 5 th Congressional District, she was frequently coming to the monthly movie nights put on by the Temple Emanuel Environmental Movement, when we show a film or video on a current environmental problem followed by speakers. Motsinger’s knowledge of environmental problems is broad and deep, and it is especially important for Congress to have that expertise at a time when some are denying that these problems — including global warming — even exist.

So a vote for Elisabeth Motsinger is a vote for our environment.

A sharp contrast
By Marshall Lancaster
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
November 1, 2012

It's time that Winston-Salem had a representative in Congress again, and I am delighted to support Elisabeth Motsinger for the 5 th District.

With her emphasis on education, jobs and bipartisan cooperation, Elisabeth Motsinger offers a sharp contrast to her opponent, who has voted repeatedly for the Ryan budget that would harm so many in our district.

Moving forward
By Joyce Teta
The Readers' Forum Wednesday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 31, 2012

I am writing on behalf of Elisabeth Motsinger for 5th Congressional District.

As a believer in moving forward, it is time for a new perspective. Elisabeth has been my doctor advisor and friend for many years and I can attest to her inclusive and compassionate heart.

Elisabeth Montsinger's work ethic is a huge reason to endorse her. I know she will be working for the good of all and not just her own agenda.

Please, let's shed a new light on our prospects.

Determination
By Janet S. Zehr
The Readers' Forum Wednesday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 31, 2012

Having known Elisabeth Motsinger for many years, I want to express my hope that this thoughtful, caring individual will be elected to Congress. Her determination, intelligence, resourcefulness and courage were evident to me when I watched her, a young widow with two small children, put herself through a demanding program to become a physician assistant. In recent years, on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board, she has impressed me by her care in listening to all parties, including those who disagreed emphatically with her, as she worked tirelessly against measures that have resegregated our schools and hurt the most vulnerable among us.

If she is elected, I am confident that she will take carefully considered, nuanced positions that will exemplify her good will for all in our district.

Deep compassion
By Jennifer Snowhite
The Readers' Forum Wednesday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 31, 2012

Good for Elisabeth Motsinger for making what some individuals would call mistakes in her 20s that have led to her deep compassion and the willingness to devote her life to its service (“Dem had ties to guru,” Oct. 20). To make “mistakes” and then have a track record of constantly reaching for the good for the following 30+ years strikes me as exactly what I'm looking for in a candidate for 5 th District representative.

More effective
By Mark Dulaney Glen
The Readers' Forum Wednesday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 31, 2012

I have known Elisabeth Motsinger for several years and admire her character, her intelligence and her genuine commitment to good government. While she has been criticized by some as too liberal, her understanding of most important issues is not only broader, but also much closer to the center, than that of her opponent.

For these reasons, Elisabeth would more effectively represent the people of the 5th District.

GOP would slash vital services for many
By Neal Grose
October 29 Community Forum
Statesville Record and Landmark

Rep. Virginia Foxx wants to do away with the Department of Education, and she fully endorses the Ryan/Romney budget plan, which would slash Medicaid and turn much of it over to the states to use, or not use, as they see fit.

Here’s what that money is used for: The young lady at your church with Down Syndrome depends on federal Medicare mandates for services that are otherwise not available to her. Unlike 30 years ago, she will probably outlive her parents and these services will ensure that she gets reasonable care.

Your nephew with autism is getting special instruction geared toward making him a productive person, with money that is only available from federal funds. It is federal funds and mandates that help insure that poorer communities have schools that can produce good citizens.


With a Republican-dominated North Carolina legislature intent on further cuts to education and health care, these services to “the least” don’t stand a chance if Ryan & Co. have their way.

Elizabeth Motsinger is a physician’s assistant who is currently serving on her school board. She has seen first-hand the devastating effects of cuts to health care and education over the past 10 years, and will work to reverse this slide into third world economics.

Motsinger gets backing
By Anne Griffis Wilson
The Dispatch of Lexington
October 29, 2012

Editor: I am proud to be a strong supporter and good friend of Elisabeth Motsinger, candidate for the Fifth Congressional District.

Unlike so many politicians, Elisabeth is clear and consistent on her positions on important issues. She believes all people should have access to affordable health care and that women should be able to make decisions about their health issues. Elisabeth thinks the only way we will ever help those in poverty is to pay a "livable wage." She also believes in protecting federal money for public education. Because she does speak clearly and consistently on these and other issues, her campaign has integrity.

Given the fact that members of Congress are so polarized and unable to work in concert, Elisabeth's ability to work with people with different perspectives is a real asset. For the past six years she has worked in harmony with the Republican school board (for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools) majority, and they with her. Compromise and cooperation are positive concepts to Elisabeth.

By nature, Elisabeth is an inclusive rather that exclusive person. She is open to and not threatened by people of varying opinions and differing lifestyles. Unlike her opponent, she will represent all the people in the Fifth District.

There have been some fine Democratic candidates vying for this office, but I am especially exited this year to have a woman-to-woman race. Elisabeth has long ago proven herself in Forsyth County, and I will proudly vote for her. Please join me.

Proud to know her
By Carol Emmet
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

I have known Elisabeth Motsinger and her husband John for a number of years through our membership at the same church. She is one of the finest people I know and would truly be a credit to the people of North Carolina as our 5 th District representative in Washington. I am proud to know her, proud to support her and proud of her for working so hard and so honorably for the good of all the people in our community.

I firmly believe that we deserve the high quality of personal integrity, intelligence and good will that Elisabeth Motsinger represents. She deserves our votes.

Representation
By Dan Beam
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

I am supporting Elisabeth Motsinger for Congress as she will finally represent the people here. Our current representative is totally out of touch with our area; she represents people with a broad range of incomes and an average of about $50,000 a year, yet she votes to cut support for programs that working people need and supports tax cuts for multi-millionaires. They may support her campaign, but few live in our area.

Please look at the records and vote for Elisabeth Motsinger for the 5th District, so we will finally have representation.

A better place
By Geraldine Zurek
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

This election I will cast my vote for Elisabeth Motsinger for 5 th Congressional District. I have known Elisabeth for over 25 years and during all that time she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making the world a better place.

She listens respectfully to all points of view, but maintains her core values of integrity, compassion and justice. She is truly “of the people,” someone who understand the struggles of the middle class and what it takes to raise a family in tough economic times.

Elisabeth Motsinger will serve the people of the 5 th District well. I am proud to call her my friend; I will be even prouder to call her my representative.

GERALDINE ZUREK

Winston-Salem

She genuinely cares
By Jack Campbell
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

Empathy is an increasingly rare commodity in politics, but voters in the 5 th Congressional District have an opportunity to elect a representative who genuinely cares about her constituents.

Elisabeth Motsinger’s two terms on our Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board clearly demonstrate not only her ability to understand the needs of those she represents — students, parents, teachers alike — but to work creatively and collaboratively to further their interests.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have that kind of representation in Washington?

I’ve known Elisabeth for nearly 15 years through church and community involvement, and strongly encourage anyone interested in a representative who listens, who cares and who will actually work to get things done, to vote for Elisabeth Motsinger.

A voice of reason
By Al Burchett
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

I am writing about our choice for the 5 th Congressional District. Early in her campaign, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Elisabeth Motsinger. I was impressed with her understanding of the issues that face us and with her calm and congenial demeanor. Elisabeth is my choice for U.S. representative.

Let’s send a voice of reason and civility to represent North Carolina in the U.S. House. Vote for Elisabeth Motsinger this election.

A balanced solution
By R. Harrison Marks III
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

Please add my name to those endorsing Elisabeth Motsinger as our 5th District representative. We need a responsible representative willing to work across the aisle to achieve a balanced solution to our current challenges.

I have known Elisabeth for 15 years as a caring and responsible parent, and have been proud of her centrist approach in her service on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board. She has run a positive campaign focusing on her positions and political outlook, a strong indication of how she will serve us in Congress. We need a change for the better.

The real issues
By Anne Marie Stott
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

I write in support of my dear friend and role model, Elisabeth Motsinger, who is running for 5 th Congressional District. I am inspired by her seemingly endless energy, her ability to connect authentically with people of all backgrounds and her commanding poise in the face of adversity.

Most noteworthy, however, is Elisabeth's uncanny ability to keep her campaign clean. Try as I might to get her to hop on the opponent-dissing bandwagon, she simply will not go there and guides me back to the real issues at hand. Sounds like a skill-set fit for Washington, yes?

A welcome change
By Burnitt Bealle
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 29, 2012

I believe that Elisabeth Motsinger will be a welcome change to represent our area in Congress. Her positive political campaign speaks volumes about her character. In addition, her fresh ideas and solid experience demonstrate a willingness to serve responsibly.

I urge a vote forward, a vote for Elisabeth Motsinger.

Proud to support Motsinger
By Anne Griffis Wilson
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 27, 2012

I am proud to be a strong supporter and good friend of Elisabeth Motsinger, candidate for Fifth Congressional District.

Unlike so many politicians, Elisabeth is clear and consistent on her positions on important issues even though some are considered controversial. She believes all people should have access to affordable health care, and that women should be able to make decisions about their health issues. Elisabeth thinks the only way we will ever help those in poverty is to pay a livable wage. She also believes in protecting federal money for public education. Because she does speak clearly and consistently on these and other issues, her campaign has integrity.

Given the fact that members of Congress are so polarized and unable to work in concert, Elisabeth’s ability to work with people with different perspectives is a real asset. For the past six years she has worked in harmony with the Republican Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board members, and they with her. Compromise and cooperation are positive concepts to Elisabeth.

By nature, Elisabeth is an inclusive rather that exclusive person. She is open to and not threatened by people of varying opinions and differing lifestyles. Unlike her opponent, she will represent all the people in the Fifth District.

There have been some fine Democratic candidates vying for this office, but I am especially exited this year to have a woman-to-woman race.

Elisabeth Motsinger has long ago proven herself in Forsyth County, and I will proudly vote for her. Please join me.

False implications
By Kirtan Coan
The Readers' Forum: Saturday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 27, 2012

The title of the Journal's Oct. 20 article “Dem had ties to guru” implies that the Journal finds fault with Elisabeth Motsinger's spiritual search some 30 years ago. The article’s structure further implies that the paper agrees with Chad Nance's harmful accusation that Motsinger was involved in a cult. By concluding his piece with an accounting of the unfortunate history of the Indian teacher, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, John Hinton does Motsinger a great disservice, as if to link her to Rajneesh, when she clearly states that she broke ties with him three decades ago.

Although no expert on Motsinger's political views, I have heard her speak several times on various issues. I find her to be a grounded, values-oriented woman who has been willing to step up and speak out for two terms on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education and now is running a clean, centrist campaign that gives many of us a choice.

I'm aghast that the structure of Hinton's inflammatory article does not end with Elisabeth's significant 25 years as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem.

This article insults all of us who look outside the box for answers in our 20s. The great blessing of having been a spiritual seeker in Motsinger's case is that the compassion she developed along the way underlies her service to others in her work as a physician assistant and to all of us who now seek a positive progressive representative in our hopes for a better world.

Understands the important issues
By Helen Etters
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 26, 2012

Elisabeth Motsinger will certainly bring a breath of fresh air to our 5th Congressional District. Elisabeth is kind and generous and runs a clean campaign, refusing to engage in negative campaigning, though she is enduring her share of it.

Those of us who have known her for many years feel extremely fortunate that Elisabeth is offering to represent us. She's a strong environmentalist who cares deeply about what kind of world we leave to the next generation, our children and grandchildren. She believes in health care for all children and Medicare for seniors. She supports women's reproductive freedom, and she is a strong advocate for public schools.

Her experience on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board and her work as a physician's assistant give her the credentials to understand the important issues of education and health care. Elisabeth has shown that she can work across party lines, and she will work for what is best for all of us in the N.C. 5th Congressional District.

What our country needs
By Ilene Trujillo
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 26, 2012

I have known Elisabeth Motsinger for more than 15 years and during that time I have known her to be an extraordinary human being with the ability to listen, think and make truly informed and intelligent decisions. Elisabeth works as a physician assistant with my husband and me at the Salem Center. She is most definitely what our country needs and more importantly what our 5th District needs to represent us in Washington, D.C.

Stop the gridlock on Capitol Hill, vote for Elisabeth Motsinger for Congress — you will not regret this decision!

The real story
By Ken Hart
The Readers' Forum: Friday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 26, 2012

The Elisabeth Motsinger story by John Hinton in the Oct. 20 Journal (“Dem had ties to guru”) buried the lead.

The real story wasn't about her ties to a guru over 25 years ago, but one about a political race for the U.S. Congress that is heating up and threatens to be very close in the end. Motsinger's candidacy was considered by some to be a long shot when she announced her campaign last year. But with three weeks until Election Day, she has narrowed the gap and there's a real chance of her becoming the next representative from the 5th Congressional District.

I expect to see more negative stories as the Foxx campaign struggles to keep up with the high road that Motsinger has taken. This election should really be about the issues and with hope, voters won't be distracted by any other sensational headlines.

What Motsinger will do
By David Reid
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 25, 2012

In any election we will not always get a candidate who agrees with us on everything, but we need leaders who can compromise to get things done for the good of all the people. This year I believe Elisabeth Motsinger is such a candidate. She has proven during her two terms on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board that she is willing to work with people of varying views to move the process forward.

Rep. Virginia Foxx has proven the exact opposite. She has obstinately dug in her heels to help the current Congress to be the least productive in the entire history of our country.

For the 5th Congressional District I will support Elisabeth Motsinger and encourage others to do the same.

Motsinger, the true conservative
By Randall Pegram
The Readers' Forum: Thursday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 25, 2012

I am writing this in support of Elisabeth Motsinger in the 5th District congressional race. Throughout this campaign season, as candidates have adjusted their positions to appeal to voters, Elisabeth has remained staunchly consistent in her views and positions. Her opponent, Rep. Virginia Foxx, has chosen to march in lock-step with the House Republican Caucus in promoting its social agenda, often to the detriment of those very people of the changing 5th District that she serves. All for the sake of (big C) Conservatism.

Predictably, the Foxx campaign has thrown the “liberal” label at Elisabeth Motsinger, but I propose that of the two candidates, Elisabeth is the true conservative (small c). Elizabeth wants to conserve the opportunity for all our children to receive a quality public-school education. She advocates for quality health care for all, which increases the overall health of society and saves money in the long run. She sees our natural resources as precious and in need of active conservation in order for us to pass them down to future generations. She sees that we must be better stewards of the finite energy resources that we have while exploring alternate forms of renewable energy.

Yes, Virginia, true conservatism is far more than the size of the flag pin you have on your lapel and what anti-tax pledges you have signed. Thus endeth the lesson.

A Source of Pride
By John Ong
The Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 22, 2012
The Nov. 6 election offers voters one of the most vitally important choices for our country and our state in recent memory, which is why I'm voting for Elisabeth Motsinger for Congress inNorth Carolina's Fifth District.

Elisabeth's unwavering, selfless dedication to improving the health and well-being of the district's residents is a source of continuing admiration for those who know her. And her years of experience on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board and as a physician's assistant give her strong credentials in the crucial areas of education and health care.

Most importantly, Elisabeth's intelligent, thoughtful approach to problem solving and her ability to work productively across party lines suggest she will serve the people of the Fifth District with distinction and be a source of great pride for our state.

Standing Up
By Dan Tyrell
The Readers' Forum: Wednesday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 17, 2012
Vote early, it's easy. I will vote for Elisabeth Motsinger because she stands up for the environment. Yes, we need jobs, but not at the expense of the planet. Elisabeth will stand up to big polluters and protect the environment.

A Special Candidate
By The Rev. Stewart Ellis
The Readers' Forum: Wednesday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 10, 2012
I woke up at 3 a.m. Tuesday morning thinking about the name Elizabeth. My first feral cat I tamed and named Elizabeth over 60 years ago. I have a sister named Elizabeth. My wife had an aunt and grandmother named Elizabeth. I have a good church friend and a gardening friend named Elizabeth. I want my 5th District congresswoman to be named Elizabeth, only she spells it Elisabeth, which is special, which she is.

The Hispanic third graders I help with homework have been doing acrostics. My acrostic for Elisabeth is:

Education-board-member

Love-of-neighbor

Integrity

Special

Activist-for-justice

Best-candidate-by-far

Empathy-with-poor

Health-care-provider.

Please join me in voting for Elisabeth Motsinger for 5th District Congress!

A Real Representative
By Ronald Sigrist
The Readers' Forum: Sunday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
October 7, 2012
It would be one thing if Rep. Virginia Foxx was capable of compromise and service to her entire district. But she is not. She never compromises and she is a big part of the reason that Americans hate Congress (current disapproval is around 85 percent). We in the N.C. Fifth District do not need to keep voting for her. She has been in Congress long enough. It is time for a change.

We have a wonderful alternative for congressional representation. Elisabeth Motsinger is a tireless worker for all the citizens in the Fifth District. She has demonstrated this via her service to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board. She will work for everyone and be a professional voice for our district. She is proud of all of us and we can be proud of her.

You do not need to keep voting for a contrarian member of Congress. You can vote for a real representative of all the people — Elisabeth Motsinger!

Don’t forget — early voting starts on Oct. 18.

Motsinger Knows Health Care
By Laura Salmons
Readers' Forum: Monday's Letters
Winston-Salem Journal
September 17, 2012

Motsinger knows

Elisabeth Motsinger knows something about health care issues. As a health care provider for 20 years, she has seen firsthand how the lack of insurance can profoundly affect families and individuals. As our representative in Congress, she would continue to make people's health the first priority, rather than the financial well-being of health care companies.

Motsinger thinks government shouldn't ignore the needs of our most vulnerable citizens (the incumbent, Rep. Virginia Foxx, has voted three times against expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program, which covers children in low-income families). Elisabeth has been out in the 5th District every day, speaking with constituents about their lives and concerns. She knows that our N.C. neighbors without insurance are not "lazy" or people who "don't want to work."

Motsinger wants to win on the relationships she's building with 5th District people, not on the kind of scare tactics that the incumbent uses. She has chosen to maintain civility and respect for the opposition in her campaign, and to demand it from the people working with her. Haven't we had enough divisive, accusatory and angry campaign speech?

Motsinger may not have the financial resources of the incumbent in this race, but she comes to the fight armed with a firm grasp of important issues and an understanding of how congressional decisions affect N.C. citizens.