Candidate Profile: Jaime Foster, 57th House District

ELLINGTON-EAST WINDSOR, CT — The 2020 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jaime Foster, an Ellington resident, is running for House of Representatives District 57.

Age: 30
Party affiliation: Democrat, Independent and Working Families
Family: Husband: Aaron, a civil engineer. Daughter: Leona, 2
Occupation: Jaime is a research scientist whose entire career has been dedicated conducting research meant to influence policy or leading non-profit programs meant to bridge the gap. In each role she has held she has advocated for policy in Hartford and DC as a leading expert in nutrition, hunger and food insecurity.
Previous elected experience: Board of Education in Ellington (4 year term) and Human Services Commission in Ellington (6 years)
Family members in government:My husband and I have both been actively involved with Ellington through volunteer work on boards and commissions. My mother-in-law works for a local health department and my father-in-law works for the State DOT.

Campaign website: fosterforrep.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The COVID-19 crisis and what it's lasting health and economic impact will be. I plan to be actively involved in crafting and designing any legislation that relates to COVID response and preparedness for future pandemics. I would focus my attention on protecting seniors, advocating for the health and well-being of children in a way that works for today's families and ensuring that businesses have safe and viable options that work for public health and our economy.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe that the best leaders listen to their constituents and serve based on their needs. I have made it my point to talk to as many residents of Ellington and East Windsor as I possibly can between now and the election. When I speak to people who I hope will be my future constituents, I ask every single person what they would want me to prioritize if elected. I want to be confident that when people cast their ballots on November 3rd (or before) that if they vote for me, they are electing an independent, critical thinking candidate who above all else, will listen to and serve the people of our district. When candidates cast their ballot for me they are not just electing a research scientist who will be ready to make evidence based decisions regarding the pandemic and the economy, they are electing the candidate who spoke to them, listened to their issues, researched and got back to them with a commitment or plan.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am prepared to craft legislation. I have offered expert testimony on numerous nutrition and health related bills and am intrinsically familiar with the legislative process. In fact, I often am an invited guest speaker to train future health care providers how to advocate for evidence- based legislation relevant to their fields at UConn. I have a history of working across party lines on the Ellington Board of Education and when there were challenges or problems that could not be addressed through the boards work I worked independently to solve, for example, when I observed high unpaid school meal debt I hosted a successful fundraiser to pay down the debt. In general though, this role needs to be filled by someone who serves and is willing to listen to everyone, regardless of if they'll earn their vote or not. That is why I sought the independent party endorsement. Ellington and East Windsor have more Unaffiliated voters than Democrats or Republicans. In my experience, people want someone who is willing to focus on people, policies and working incredibly hard and that is what I have always done and always will do.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?
Yes, it is entirely unacceptable for folks on a limited income to be forced into making choices between paying for electricity, food or medications. This most recent rate hike tipped the scales against so many of us and that was catastrophic for folks on a fixed income or newly unemployed from the COVID crisis.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
First and foremost, the state and businesses alike want the spread of COVID-19 to end, but for as long as it takes to abate the spread, the state and local municipal governments need to be partners with one another and local businesses to find solutions that keep people safe and working, these solutions likely will need to be tailored to industry but no answers can be found unless the right stakeholders are included in the decision making process.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
As a representative, I will plan for pandemics, champion the well-being of our children, fight for our seniors by advocating for capped prescription drug costs and addressing Eversource rate hikes, boost economic development opportunities in our communities, support local agriculture.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want voters to know that I will continuously listen to them to address the communities needs as a whole. I am open to anyone calling me and discussing the issues that matter most to them!

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