San Rafael resident Sally Zelikovsky, founder of the Bay Area Patriots and coordinator of the San Francisco Tea Party, is in Tampa, Fla., this week at the Republication National Convention. It’s the first time the 12-year Marin resident has served as a delegate. “I’m so honored to have been selected and to be representing California conservatives,” she told Patch last week.
Zelikovsky, who hosted an event for one-time Republican contender Michaelle Bachmann during the primaries, took the time out of her busy schedule to talk about her support for the Romney-Ryan ticket, the presidential race in general and what it’s like being a yoga-ing Tea Party activist in Marin.
What are you looking forward to at the convention?
“I am looking forward to being a part of history, and to formally nominating the Romney-Ryan ticket … The country is really going down the wrong path, and as someone with three kids, I’m really concerned about their future. It’s time to get this country on the right path and the Republican party offers the best future for America right now.”
What are the biggest issues in the presidential race?
“Jobs and the economy are on the top of everybody’s minds right now. Until we can get the economy moving, jolt the system and get jobs created in the private sector … we’re going to be stuck in the same place we are,” she said. “There are lots of other issues. I think we are living an extremely dangerous world right now and it’s time we pay attention to our national security and what is happening at the world at large. The economic threats to this country really make this country vulnerable.”
Can you elaborate on the economic threats?
“If your debt exceeds your revenues, your country is going to be vulnerable, national security-wise. There will be unrest at home, people will not be working, people will be dependent on government handouts and it’s not good for the country,” Zelikovsky said. “We can’t pay our bills, we are reliant on other countries, and that puts us in an extremely vulnerable situation. People who are not friends with the United States can wreak all sorts of havoc on our country.”
What are some of the other issues on the forefront of the race?
Zelikovsky said entitlements must be addressed after the presidential election. “Romney and Ryan are unafraid to look the American people in the face and say ‘Hey, Medicare and Social Security will not be here for people 55 and younger, we’re not going to do anything to those 55 and older, but we have to address those entitlements,'" she said. “There has been a lot of heads sticking in the sand with politics in regards to these two issues. They absolutely have to be addressed or we’re going to be in a real financial pickle. They have to be addressed and the Republicans are not afraid to address those issues and in a fair and moral and reasonable way.”
Why do you support the Romney-Ryan ticket specifically?
“I think Romney has all the skills and temperament to be a fabulous president. And I think choosing Paul Ryan was an incredibly wise move on his part. He chose someone who has great character, someone who is passionate about his job in congress and makes sure he speaks on behalf of the American people. He has been very courageous and bold over the number years at pointing out the budget pitfalls,” she said. “I think we have a lot of idea-mongering in the White House and in Congress. I think this is someone who can put the actions behind the words.”
Zelikovsky said the presidential ticket is appealing to many, including swing voters, independents and moderate Democrats.
What are some of your hobbies?
“I love to exercise. I do a lot of yoga. I’m probably the only conservative in my yoga class, but we all have known each other for many years and it works.”
She also keeps busy with her children, writing and music (including singing a capella or playing the piano). “My kids are all involved in music. I’ve always been doing it - singing it or playing it. It’s a big part of my life.”
What’s it like being a Tea Partier in Marin?
“It’s not as dire as people think it is. There are a lot of conservatives and tea partiers in Marin and the Bay Area. They are here, with strong values and principals, and they are vocal, involved and unafraid.”
Have you experienced any hatred in Marin?
“I have definitely have had people beep at my car and give me thumbs up and smile, I’ve also had people who got out their way to pull up to me, give me the finger or follow me to a parking lot and scream at me.”
Fairfax resident Kevin Krick, chairman of the Marin County Republican Central Committee, is also at the GOP convention. .
