Dear Friends,

Do you remember your first day of High School? You had received your list of classes and your home room assignment. You were filled with anticipation; fear; excitement; fear; a little stomach ache; knowing you’ll never find your way around the huge building; apprehensive of the popular kids and the bullies; real fear?

So people say you “can’t go home again”! They’re wrong. So at my “maturing age” and not 14 (I was too young to start high school but my parents put me ahead a semester. terrible idea) I began my first day of orientation for the class of 2009 as a Freshman Senator. Many of those emotions have resurfaced.

Where is my office? Where is the bathroom? You mean I have to memorize a code to get in? Are there really different codes for all the bathrooms? Are you kidding me? This is not a joke? So I’m fumbling with a card to determine the code to enter. At my age this isn’t a good idea! I was elected by “the people” why can’t the People and I use the same bathrooms. I don’t need to be exclusive. I also received a code to get into the building! I have my hands filled with a purse; briefcase; (for sure not coffee) and I’m searching for my code to enter! It doesn’t work on the fifth try so fortunately someone comes out and I get in fast. I ask the sergeants (who are so helpful and truly want to please) to again tell me how I get to my office from this entrance. I’m certain that by now no one will ever take me serious when sponsoring a bill! (They’re whispering, “She can’t even find her office”!!)

I have a nice office! It’s very cozy! There are a few of us sharing the space. Senator Hudak and her aid; Bonnie Saliman (my friend and aid) and I. Of course I will have an intern, Emily Lozow who is a student at the University of Colorado who will assist me a couple of afternoons each week and if I’m fortunate to raise some campaign money I would like to engage Jonathon Steiner who many of you know from my campaign. He’s a graduate of Colorado College and is terrific. The State pays for a half time aid (Bonnie) and that’s only during the session. If I recall, I’m your senator year around so it would be helpful to have support during the rest of the year. O.K. back to the office. Cozy is another word for crowded and not private. Many of you know me as “hospitable”. I’m welcoming and I like to feed people. If you had come to my office while I was on City Council you would have been served tea and coffee and cookies and cake. If you met with me for lunch you would have been! offered a salad or sandwich. So now I have a real dilemma. I will solve that problem. I just want you to know that I will meet with you in the Capitol; a coffee shop; in your neighborhood (so you don’t have to pay for a parking space that you wouldn’t find anyway) or at my home when we’re not in session like I did when I was campaigning for this office. By the way, I’m in room 348 in the Capitol unless you find me wandering the halls in search.

In January I was sworn in as Senator representing District 35. My sincerest appreciation to you for your support and encouragement during this past year as you advised me; walked with me; made phone calls for me; shared your resources with me, and most importantly, voted for me.

Words can’t possibly thank my dear friend, Senator Ken Gordon enough for his friendship over these past sixteen years. He has led our district with integrity and brilliance. I honestly look forward to receiving his advice on many issues for years to come.

During this time of economic uncertainty and families experiencing so much instability my actions need to be bold and courageous otherwise we’ll just be re arranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic. Write, call and visit me with your thoughts because it’s going to take each and every one of us to turn the tide.

I’m filled with hope and excitement as I enter this new phase of my life. Looking at the beautiful faces of my six grandchildren; my children and my husband I’m certain that we will all achieve great things this year.

I look forward to chatting with you soon.

Joyce Foster
Colorado Senate District 35