We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running for election on Nov. 4, 2014.

Compiled by Ronni Newton

Beth Bye. Submitted photo.

“Meet the Candidate” is designed to help West Hartford residents get to know the candidates running for office in the Nov. 4, 2014 election.

Questionnaires have been sent to all major party candidates, and each profile received has been submitted directly to We-Ha.com by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign management. The responses have not been edited.

As profiles are received, they will be published on We-Ha.com under the “Government” tab. We-Ha.com is not making endorsements of any political candidates.

If you are a candidate and wish to submit a profile, please return it by email to [email protected] by Oct. 30.

Name: Beth Bye

Age: 52

Party, position seeking: Democrat, State Senate District 5

Family information: Married to Tracey Wilson, with 5 children, 18 – 26 years old. My wife is a long time Conard High School Teacher. Two of our children are in college, two work in education, and one is off for a year of service in Nicaragua. Our youngest joined our family just over a year ago, and has added so much to our lives.

Other occupation, if applicable: Early Childhood Educator, Program Director

Political experience: Elected to West Hartford Board of Education, Connecticut State House of Representatives, and State Senate.

Other relevant experience: MA in Developmental Psychology, with a focus on early childhood policy; Advocate for High Quality Early Childhood Education; and Parent Advocate for improving West Hartford Schools.

Why are you running for office? I am running for office because I believe my experience and skill set from running small non-profits and working in public policy can help move Connecticut forward. I have strong relationships in the community and at the Capitol, gained through 13 years of public service. I have a track record of tackling tough issues, such as toxins reform, higher education reform, enhanced workforce development, gun safety, mental health parity, multimodal transportation solutions, small business growth, human rights, and consolidation of state agencies. We made progress on these issues, and others, by listening to all sides and compromising to move our state forward in tough economic times. From my time on the Board, to my time on the Senate, I have always believed in working across party lines.

What issue(s) are your primary area of focus?

Jobs, Education, Improved Services for People with Disabilities, Workforce Development and the Environment.

One local, specific area, I have focused my energy on, is improved, affordable, Internet service. This is critical for economic development in 2014, and West Hartford has assets that can set it apart from other communities. Working with the Deputy Mayor and the Consumer Counsel, we passed legislation in 2013 to take advantage of these assets and help bring lower cost, higher speed Internet to Town. (For details, see the following Hartford Business Journal article: http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20140929/PRINTEDITION/309269955/state-must-invest-in-ultra-high-speed-internet)

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today? From my perspective, as a former Board of Education Member, and a current Senator, the biggest issue facing West Hartford is the underfunding of the Town’s Education Cost Sharing Formula from the State. This puts a strain on property taxes and, if not improved, could hurt our outstanding school system and reduce town services. The West Hartford Delegation was able to increase this funding a bit over the past 4 years, and by $500,000 last Legislative Session, but we have to do better. The community also has issues around how to grow “smart”, as we continue economic development efforts. There are issues around increasing affordable housing throughout town, making our town a more bike-able community, and enhancing public safety.

 (Optional) Anything else you would like to share? Our family moved to West Hartford because of its location, its high quality schools, its parks, its diversity, and its vibrant center — I have never been disappointed. It has been a great place to raise a family, and it is a connected, supportive community as we age. I am convinced it remains such a great place to live because of its engaged, community-minded residents who give input to policymakers and staff in Town. It is a pleasure to represent a community like West Hartford because of this engagement and the feedback I get on critical issues facing our Town and State, it makes me a better representative.