Photo : Laura Drain
Jennifer Boysko, a Democrat contesting Virginia General Assembly election in the 86th district, says her focus would be on education if she wins in November 3 election. Other priorities would include a smooth transportation and economic development. She also vows to get money for Virginia so there would not be any tolls on I-66.
Views & News had an interview with Jennifer Boysko.
Q: What are your expectations about your candidacy in the delegate elections?
Boysko: I have high expectations in upcoming elections, working tirelessly and hope to win this race. I am going door to door to talk to the voters every single day. I personally visited 8,000 households to have quality conversations to listen to the people about what is important to them.
Q: So you are a people’s person?
Boysko: Absolutely, I consider myself a grass root politician, I am funded by small donors.
Q: Usually in elections, political parties or candidates campaign negatively to win elections, what would you say about it?
Boysko: I chose to focus on what I can bring to table and what I can do for the community, I don’t think the community want to hear a bunch of fighting and so I try to keep it positive. We draw contrasts where necessary, or sometimes we need to correct a false representation. My opponent has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars recently completely misleading the public about where I stand and what I will do about tolls, but so are the rest of the candidates from his party.
Q: Do you think that women are enjoying all rights?
Boysko: I am a pro-choice woman and I believe that we deserve to make decisions for ourselves, I also advocate for equal pay for women as well. We are the only nation in the Western world that does not have family leave policy. There are only 17% are women among 100 members while we are more than 50% of the population and only 17 women representing in the House of Delegates.
Q: If you are elected, what one thing will you focus on?
Boysko: Education is my priority, I am a mother of two daughters, my youngest just graduated from Herndon High School. I worked on education policy with Supervisor Foust for years. We need to expand the early childhood education. I want critical thinking and problem solving for the students instead of just relying on multiple choice tests. I am endorsed by all teacher groups from Virginia Education Association to the Federation of Teachers.
Q: I read that the demographic map in this area has shifted to lean towards Democrats, what is the reason?
Boysko: Well, we have a lot of growth in our district, we have a very rich diverse community, my understanding is that 22% are Asian Americans primarily South Asian people, 22% Latin Americans and 8% African Americans. It is a very rich tapestry, majority of folks believe in investing in this community.
Q: What is your take on Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA)?
Boysko: I support DAPA but I understand that we have to find meaningful comprehensive immigration reform, especially for the children who are here to no fault of their own, they deserve a fair chance at higher education.
This interview is part of a series Views and News has started to help Virginia voters understand candidates in their districts.
