Lisa Borowski
Democrat
What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?
Last summer (2023), I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Probably one of the only times where I really felt like I had temporarily lost all control over my life. After having worked in healthcare for 30 years telling patient stories, fighting to secure funding for patient programs and treatment, marketing treatment services, and working in community to raise awareness about early detection and treatment, I never imagined I would be on the other side. I always understood what a cancer diagnosis means and the impact it has on not only the patient, but their loved ones. But one can never truly understand until you are on the other side of the agonizing wait for test results, the uncertainty of treatment efficacy, and the nagging question \"will it come back?\"
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I believe my experience working in healthcare which exposed me to so many aspects of our communities. I not only had the opportunity to work with healthcare professionals in our hospitals, but so many advocates who are working to address the many other factors (social determinants) that contribute to health and wellness. I also had the opportunity to work with government leaders who were also seeking solutions, so I was able to see how those doing the hands-on work inform the leaders who have the power to bring about change. As a former elected school board member and a local township commissioner, I also learned how to work with my elected colleagues to seek compromise and work to create good policy and legislation. I've definitely learned as an elected official that nothing gets done alone. Having a background in communications inspires me. I started a \"Ward 4 Newsletter\" when I was Radnor's Ward 4 Commissioner to communicate out about the topics coming before the Board so people knew what was coming up for consideration. This gave people the chance to weigh in before any decisions were made.
How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?
Again, nothing gets done alone. It is important to have the support of colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move forward meaningful legislation. I have collaborated with colleagues across the aisle to co-sponsor legislation which can make a positive impact on the lives of those with epilepsy. I have also supported Republican legislation which will have a positive impact on our communities. While there are definitely issues we don't agree on, I think there is much more we do agree on and at the end of the day, we all want what we believe is best for the commonwealth. Sometimes the way we get there is different. If we come at it from that perspective, I think we can get a lot done.
What would be your top three policy priorities in office?
I am very focused on preserving and protecting healthcare access, support for our first responders, and supporting the rights of commonwealth residents when it comes to public education, voting rights, and reproductive rights.
The Committee of Seventy has partnered with the Carter Center to promote the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections (www.principledcandidates.org) to improve the voting process, encourage honest leadership, and promote civic engagement. Do you support the Candidate Principles?
Yes.
