Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Jackie Katz

NORFOLK, MA -- There are three candidates running for the State Senate seat that serves the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, which includes part of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley and Wrentham.

Patch reached out to all of the candidates with a series of questions to help introduce voters to those candidates. This is the fourth in a series of candidate profiles we will publish leading up to the primaries in September and the general election in November.

Today we introduce readers to Norfolk's Jackie Katz, one of three Democrats running for the seat currently held by Republican Richard Ross. Rausch, 39, who is running against Needham's Becca Rausch and Wayland's Kris Aleksov.

Katz, who is 35, is married to Jerome Reinhart and has a son Jorah, who is seven months old. She received her Bachelor's from Trinity College and her MAT from Tufts University, and has been a history teacher for the past 12 years at Wellesley High School after starting her career at Newton North High School where she taught for one year.

Her campaign website is here.

All of the candidates were asked the same questions. We are publishing their answers to selected questions as they were submitted to us, with some editing for space and style considerations.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. Educational reform. We need to decrease testing to focus on learning and change funding structures to help districts in need. We also need to make college tuition more affordable and increase access to early childhood education. As a teacher, I have the expertise and first hand experience to help make reform meaningful.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I have only worked in the public sector and am committed to public service. I am a member of a union and the only one with educational experience. I also have a concrete focus on educational reform, environmental sustainability and improving public transportation.

In what way has Richard Ross failed the community (or district or constituency)? Current officeholder has not committed to educational reform and protecting the environment. He has failed to listen to every constituent and as a teacher, I know the importance of valuing all members of your community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: In our State House, we need people who a good listeners, have flexibility in their thinking and the ability to explain their ideas clearly. These are skills that teachers have because that is what you do with your students every year. These skills will ensure that I can bring the ideas that our district has to reality.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I founded a program at Wellesley High School that's main goal is to close the achievement gap. With help from my colleagues, we created a program based on research and the experience of other schools. I volunteered for this program for years before it was a paid position. I care about every community member and about equity. When something is important, I will commit to it. I am seen as an advocate at my job for equality and fairness. I present lectures to the entire freshman class about cultural bias and open-mindedness. I am also the advisor of our Climate Action Club and have helped with initiatives. We need someone that can work with different people and has a positive attitude and is caring.

Best Campaign Advice: Make the campaign about YOUR ideas, not the other candidates.

Best Life Advice: Be open and reflective to change and growth.

Are you running to represent Wayland or Natick in the state legislature? Contact Charlene Arsenault at charlene.arsenault@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

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Photo of XX submitted by the candidate