Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Erica Evans, 14th House District

SOUTH 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.

Erica Evans, a South Windsor resident, is running for State Representative District 14

Campaign website: https://ericaevans4sw.com

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelors in English Lit at Western New England College (minors in Psychology & Philosophy), Special Education Certification at Southern CT State University, Masters in Reading & Literacy at Southern CT State University

Occupation: Mother of 3, Small Business Owner, Educator, Municipal Employee

Family: I am married to Kevin Evans, a lifelong resident of our community. We have three children: Greyson (8), Tanner (6), Phoebe (4). Our family shares pets, Toby (the pug), Preston (the golden), and Moana (the house cat).

Age: 43

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I am in my second term on the Town Council. I previously served on the Board of Education.

Why are you seeking this office?

As a mother of young children and as a part of a working family raising our family in our community, I feel that I am best able to represent the needs of those I will represent. My mother-in-law also still lives in our community so I have a wide view of inter-generational needs and want to make our town and state a place where all can stay and thrive. I have worked diligently on the Board of Education and on the Town Council and know that I can take that work to the next level of representation at state for our community, which we have been lacking.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is those issues that voters have around the kitchen table in the evenings. Ensuring they can pay their mortgage. Ensuring their kids can achieve their goals whether they be getting a job, going to college, remaining safe while in school, and maintaining body autonomy. I will fight for those struggling to make ends meet, worrying about their children, and those issues faced every day.

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

I have an inter-generational perspective with having young children, being a working family, and with a retired mother-in-law residing in the community. I have worked very hard during my roles on the Board of Education and Town Council and will continue to do so at the state level. This strong voice and advocacy is something our community has been lacking.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

South Windsor has been lacking a strong champion and advocate at the state representative level. I will be that voice for our community.

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

I plan to address issues related to our education and teachers needs. We need to invest in our education system and expand what is offered to our youngest learners. I will also advocate for better jobs and opportunities for our high school graduates and young professionals. I believe strongly in combating climate change and preserving our environment through growth in sustainable energy opportunities. As a state, we need to invest in our roads and infrastructures, providing job opportunities for our working families. When considering our retirement and senior communities, we need to address housing options and affordability of living. My wide breadth view into inter-generational needs within our community has created a great basis from which I plan to advocate for South Windsor.

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

My experience crosses many areas and experiences. As an educator, I have experienced firsthand our public schools and the work of teachers. With my young children now in the school system I am able to experience the public school setting from a parent's perspective. I have also worked in just about every municipal office having filled in in various roles at a local town hall. I also worked part-time for a non-profit and have served in roles on the board for South Windsor MOMS Club, including as President. I have worked with the Support South Windsor Schools to successfully pass the 10-year plan to rebuild our elementary schools. I currently serve on the Town Council and previously on the Board of Education. Both of these roles have allowed me to contribute to the community including expansion of our World Language program, reduced or low budgets, creating of the Arts Commission and the Social Justice and Racial Equity Commission, as well as the Covid Memorial.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice anyone has given me is to listen. I have spent countless hours listening to residents throughout South Windsor and hearing the needs, wants, and desires for the future of our community. I look forward to bringing those conversations and information I have gained from listening to my work and advocacy at the state level.

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

I have always worked well across party lines and with others regardless of party affiliation. I represent all residents of South Windsor and as I have been your voice at the town council I will do the same at the state level. My initial goal of getting involved with political office has been to do the good for my community, always with an eye on my children and the future generations