Beyond the Podium: Helena Foulkes, (D) Candidate for Governor

<p>Helena Foulkes, a former business executive seeking the Democratic nomination in the race for governor of Rhode Island, says she stands out from her primary opponents because she's not a career politician.</p><p>Foulkes said she was born and raised in Rhode Island, and over 25 years worked her way up the ranks of Woonsocket-based CVS, where she says she tackled really hard problems.</p><p>"I think that I am a really good leader. I know how to attract great talent. You can ask anyone who worked with me over my career," Foulkes said.</p><p>She said she led 200,000 people and managed a $80 billion budget.</p><p>"I think the most important important thing a governor can do is attract the best possible talent around her and make sure that we're tackling the problems that Rhode Islanders really care about," Foulkes said.</p><p>The candidate identified&nbsp;<a href="https://turnto10.com/politics/rhode-island-governors-race-helena-foulkes-education-ricas-standardized-test-scores-one-term-democratic-primary-election-decision-2022" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">education as the number one issue</a>&nbsp;facing Rhode Island. She said children continue to struggle as the state emerges from the pandemic.</p><p>Foulkes said her view of the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare, has evolved over the years.</p><p>"I came to realize so many people needed the help of the federal government," she said.</p><p>She said her political hero is FDR.</p><p>"He led in a time that was just such a crisis for this country," Foulkes said. "I think he surprised many people. He made tough decisions. He showed the important role government can play in lifting people up."</p><p>Foulkes said the best advice she's ever received is: "You have to really give before you can receive."</p><p>"I think one of the reasons I've built good relationships -- both personally and professionally -- is that people know they can trust me," Foulkes said. "It's based on this foundation of listening really hard and understanding how I c