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Former teachers union president runs for state Senate

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

COCKEYSVILLE – With a middle school at her back, outgoing state teachers union President Patricia A. Foerster on Tuesday launched her bid to unseat Senate Minority Whip Andrew P. Harris.

Surrounded by family members and union colleagues, Foerster, 66, vowed to continue advocating for better schools and bring a more moderate voice to Annapolis.

‘‘Most of us seek commonsense solutions, a sensible middle ground. But some politicians force us into rigid boxes on the right and left,” she said. ‘‘They divide our community. They talk about values, but abandon morality when it stands in the way or power and wealth.”

Although Foerster, a Democrat, did not mention her opponent by name, she wasted no time in criticizing Harris (R-Dist. 7) of Cockeysville for voting against the legislature’s electricity rate relief plan passed last week.

‘‘We deserve leaders who stand up for consumers, not the big energy companies,” she said. ‘‘We need watchdogs in Annapolis, not lapdogs for special interests.”

Foerster, who is aiming to raise $200,000, could mount a formidable challenge to Harris, who has been the Senate’s No. 2 Republican since 2003, but has not made a strong impression back home, said Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr. (D).

‘‘He’s pretty invisible, at least in the community,” said Smith, who stood next to Foerster at her kickoff. ‘‘It’s time for a change.”

Foerster’s educational background makes that her core issue, but she also pledged to work toward reducing crime, building a strong local economy, and providing affordable housing and health care.

No other candidates have filed to challenge Harris in a legislative district that favors Democrats, but is represented by four Republicans — Dels. Richard K. Impallaria of Middle River, J.B. Jennings of Phoenix and Patrick L. McDonough of Middlesex.

As of June 1, there were almost 8,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in the district, according to county election board figures.

Foerster, who will complete her tenure with MSTA next month after 13 years as vice president and president, successfully led a statewide effort this year to enhance teacher pensions. The legislature adopted a $120 million plan to boost retirement pay for teachers and state employees from 42 percent to 54 percent after 30 years of service.