Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Jane Garibay, 60th House District

WINDSOR LOCKS-WINDSOR, CT — The 2022 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 gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, 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.

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

Jane Garibay, a Windsor resident, is running for re-election as State Representative in the 60th District.

Campaign website: https://janegaribayforhouse.co...

Party affiliation: Democrat, endorsed by the Working Families Party

Education: Jane is a life-long resident of Windsor with a few years in Mexico and Vermont. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce from 1999-2018 and is now Executive Director of First Town Downtown in Windsor (2018-present). Previous experience includes working for the Town of Windsor in the Recreation Department, teaching English as a second language in Mexico and teaching Spanish at Saint Gabriel School in Windsor. She is Mom to three children. Jane has been an active volunteer for most of her life. Jane lives in Windsor with her husband Bernardo, their niece Jennie, and a dachshunds Otto and Bandit. They have three children, Cate, Jose, and Andrew and one grandson, Faolan.

Occupation: Jane currently serves as State Representative of the 60th and Executive Director of First Town Downtown in Windsor (2018-present).

Family: Jane lives in Windsor with her husband Bernardo, their niece Jennie, and dachshunds Otto and Bandit. They have three children, Cate, Jose, and Andrew and one grandson, Faolan.

Age: 67

Previous public office, appointive or elective: State Representative 60th District 2018 – present; President, Windsor Board of Education, 2000 – 2005

Why are you seeking this office?

People have asked me why I’m running for the 60th district, and why now. I’ve always been passionate about politics. And I’ve always wanted to run for higher office but it was never the right time in my life. Now is my time. I will devote myself full time to representing the people of Windsor and Windsor Locks in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

My life, with the variety of people and businesses I’ve worked with, all the boards I’ve been on, and all the volunteer work I’ve been involved in, have all prepared me to do this job. I know that Windsor and Windsor Locks have many of the same challenges. And in talking with many people from Windsor and Windsor Locks, I know that they have more similarities than differences. We all need good jobs. We all need reasonable healthcare. And we all want a responsible state budget. These are achievable goals and I plan to work with our legislators, on both sides of the aisle, to make them happen.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

My goal is to continue building off of the good work that I have demonstrated strong and continued support for — championing children’s mental health support and services, reducing the tax burden on working families and retiring seniors, protecting the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, and keeping our community safe.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As the current state representative and incumbent candidate, I have a proven legislative track and voting history that proves that working across the aisle, collaborating with fellow legislators and key stakeholders, and taking the time to listen to my constituents and advocates is essential to creating impactful legislation that truly makes a difference in quality of life for residents and CT.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Inflation and cost of living affordability

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am the current incumbent and am proudly serving as the House Chair of the Aging Committee, which demonstrates my ability as a leader, policymaker, and legislator.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Keep listening, keep learning.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am dedicated to my district, constituents, and the residents of Connecticut and hope you will support me in my re-election on November 8th.