Laura E. Perkins

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

My top priorities for this office would be funding, funding and funding. I would seek to find alternative sources of funding for more scholarships, more research and more economic diversification.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Policies that affect the betterment of life are utmost to me. Affordable Heathcare for every citizen, clean air, clean water and alternative energy sources just to name a few.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Single moms are who I look up to and admire! The ones holding down jobs, helping with homework, keeping laundry done, turning down that overtime because it would mean missing a harvest festival, attending teacher conferences, taking kids to soccer games, cooking dinners, cleaning house, etc. Anyone who pours life into another human being to ensure their success is a huge inspiration.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K LeQuin a book that explains my political views. Diversity is our strength, communication is paramount. Very seldom is anything perfect however there can be good.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Accessibility and accountability is what I feel are important qualities in any office, I know it sounds like a given. I believe that you must be present to understand your constituents' motivations and expectations. Going to the apple bobbing contest is important to stay grounded and to keep communication open between myself and the voter.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Humility is a personality trait that is important to be effective. Knowing that you don't know everything then surrounding yourself with people who are subject matter experts. Being able to take the advice and constructive criticism to enhance yourself is also part of that. Humility will also make you work hard to learn and improve.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

My job is to make sure we never loose sight of helping students. Students are the centerpiece. Everything I do would be to enhance and insure student achievement and success. I would strive to make higher education accessible and affordable.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I will leave a legacy every time a student graduates, completes a certificate or continues their education because with that their children will be more likely to seek higher education and their children's children. A legacy that will continue to improve lives gf generation after generation.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The most important historical event with my lifetime is Civil Rights Act of 1968 signed by President Johnson. Although, I was too young to remember it. The importance is I am the first generation that could vote the majority of my life. To put it in context, my mother had to have a police escort to the polling station. Threats to her home and person were real, her voter registration was questioned and scrutinized. I was the first generation that could eat wherever I wanted. I was the first generation that didn't have a "safe" travelers book to drive across the country. It's amazing to think it is a recent as it is.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was selling magazine subscriptions in elementary school. I did it for a summer.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Every holiday is my favorite holiday, including birthdays! Any chance to get together with friends and family under happy circumstances. To catch up, reunite and invigorate each other gives me life.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything book by Joyce Myers is a must read. She has a way of speaking to the base denominator, to the core of relationship.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Susie Carmichael from the Rugrats is a fictional character that I could emulate. She always stood up for what was right, protected those who couldn't protect themselves and called people out when they were disingenuous.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My pictures. Yes, I have pictures that are not digital. I really need to fix that. I enjoy remembering the times, places and people that have loved, been loved, influenced and been influential, inspired and conspired in my life.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Feel it still by Portugal. The Man

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Juggling home, work and life balance has been the struggle which I don't feel is too too unique. Nonetheless, very important to be effective.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government?

This office is an investment in our future as a state. Do we want to produce an educated workforce? Do we want to insure a competitive economy? Those are questions that education plays a major role in.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The student! Student accessibility and affordability.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

I would be ecstatic if more people knew what the Regent does. The higher education system builds buildings, the Regents vote on those contracts.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, it would be beneficial to have had some experience in the political arena. The relationships that are built can be vital to navigating the processes. However, those positive relationships can be established by other means.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

To have been an educator within a public institution, to have been a student at a public higher education facility and to have experience in a commuter school environment would definitely be helpful in the role as Regent.