Get to know: Ryan Gerster Republican Primary Candidate for U.S. Senate District 34
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Ryan Gerster is the owner of First Ward House and former president of the Shriners Children's Hospital Organization and a Republican candidate for State Senate District 34.
"Friends of mine that I went to college with called me up and they said, we don't have somebody. We think you'd make a good candidate," Gerster said. "I talked it over with my wife, my sister, who's a detective here in Saint Joe. They said, 'Has anybody ever asked you before?' I said no. You think they'll ask you again? I don't know. Let's roll the dice and see where it lands."
Gerster has never held elected office before, but he points to his leadership experience as a former Army sergeant and as president of the Shriners Children's Hospital Organization.
"I've not been in a political office with the state before," Gerster said. "I was with the Shriners Children's Hospital in the leadership groups out here for six years in different leadership positions, until I was the president of the organization. That was a great leadership experience with an international program."
On the issues, Gerster said the top concerns for Missourians are the basics: rising prices and the housing crisis.
"We've got rising prices. At the same time, we've got a housing crisis going on," Gerster said. "Less people being able to either afford their first home or get into some sort of housing that makes sense for what they're being paid. We're talking about the basics of life. We need food, housing, and hopefully a way to get the money to get those things. If those become harder for the people here in Missouri, what are we fighting for?"
On rural healthcare, Gerster said the need is access, not necessarily more hospital beds.
He suggests expanding clinics and ambulatory care so patients can get follow-up treatment closer to home.
"A lot of the hospitals don't need the beds for overnight," Gerster said. "A lot of what you're seeing in these are clinical issues, a lot of ambulatory procedures. People can come in and have a same-day service, not like it used to be where you had to have the patient in-house and watch them overnight for a lot of small procedures."
On public education and teacher pay, Gerster said he hopes to meet with teacher unions to understand what needs to be done.
"I'd like to say that how you pronounce my name, Gerster, so when they get to the poll, they can remember that," Gerster said. "I am on the Republican ticket. I am a sane person who is willing to talk to everyone about everything. I believe there has to be negotiation at every level of government. You got to talk to people, you got to get things right, and you have to do what your people want, even if it's not what you believe personally."
He describes himself as fiscally conservative but holds moderate values.
"I wish it wasn't me. I wish there was somebody else to run," Gerster said. "Somebody who does have some experience. But I'm a Republican who can't vote for my party. I'm hoping to get maybe 10% of the vote in the primary to show these guys that an alternative could get the votes. You need to start listening to people."
