Jaymin Patel: MA 2020 Primary Candidate Profile

NATICK, MA — There hasn't been a Democratic primary for the state House 5th Middlesex seat since 1999. That was also the year state Rep. David Linsky was first elected to the seat.

This year, Natick resident Jaymin Patel, 31, is running against Linsky on a platform of health care and education reform. But Patel also thinks it's been too long since Linsky faced a challenge, calling the former assistant district attorney a "career politician."

Patch asked both Patel and Linsky to answer our candidate questionnaire ahead of the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. Neither candidate bothered to answer all of our questions, but here's how Patel responded (read Linsky's responses here):

Jaymin A Patel

Family: Kosha Patel, wife.
Education: Master of Science in Bioethics
Occupation: Business Manager, 7 years.
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None
Campaign website: SelectPatel.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To represent the residents of 5th Middlesex and to protect their interests through measures combating global warming, making higher education more affordable, and to tackle the fundamental issues in our health care system. I want to provide a fresh voice for the changing community and engage them to work towards a more sustainable future for us all.

How would you rate the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic on a letter-grade scale (A, B, C, D or F), and how would you explain that rating?

B - Massachusetts has taken aggressive steps to combat the coronavirus and it has saved countless lives, but the response has left many small businesses to grapple with unprecedented changes and losses that have left them on the verge of bankruptcy. The state needs to take urgent action to protect both the lives and the livelihoods of Massachusetts residents.

Is Chapter 40B, the state's affordable housing law, working, and if not what would you change?

No answer

What steps, if any, should the state take toward police reform?

No answer

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

No answer

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

Mr. Linsky is a career politician who’s gone unopposed for 20 years, and out of touch with the changing demographic of residents we intend to represent and what matters to us most. We need to reform healthcare and education in this country and the approaches that have been put forth thus far have failed. It’s time to try something new.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

No answer

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

No answer

The best advice ever shared with me was:

No answer

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m not a career politician, nor do I intend to be. I’m tired of complaining about everything that’s wrong in this country and signing petitions that go nowhere. I hope to bring about the changes I wish to see. What I wish for the community is what I wish for my family members: an affordable health care system, an education that won’t cost $200,000 for a bachelor’s degree, and an equal opportunity and representation for all.