Farmington Candidate Profile: C.J. Thomas, Town Council Chair

FARMINGTON, CT — Farmington's election season is heating up, and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to represent their town in November's municipal election. Farmington Patch asked candidates in the town council chair race to answer questions about their campaigns, and is publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

C.J. Thomas is running for election as Farmington Town Council Chair, as a member of the Republican party.

Family: Alex - wife of 30 years, Charlie – son FHS class of 2012, Chris – son FHS class of 2013, Regina – favorite mother-in-law

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government: No.

Education: Tulane University – BA, Political Science

Occupation: R.H. Morris Co. – owner and president, 2000-present; Legg-Mason – bond trader, broker, 1989-1999

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Town Council 2011-2013, 2018-2019; Town Plan & Zoning 2008-2009; Inland Wetland & Watercourses 2008-2009; Green Efforts Committee, Chair; Retirement Board, Chair; Bicycle Advisory Commission, Chair; Water Pollution Control Board, liaison; TP&Z, liaison; WPCA, liaison; Library Board, liaison; Chamber of Commerce, liaison; UConn Communications Committee; Joint Farmington / Hartford Committee; Recreation Committee; Board of Education - Teachers negotiation Committee; Bailey-Taylor Foundation Scholarship Trust Committee; Stephen A. Flis Scholarship Fund; FHS Community Survey Ad Hoc Committee; CRCOG Legislative Board / Policy Board

The single most pressing issue facing our town is: The High School building is unquestionably the most pressing issue facing our town in the coming years. In our recent survey, over 80 percent of residents identified the need to solve the problems that the building faces, including security, code violations, and ADA requirements. We are in the early stages of a process that will be addressed by the new Town Council elected on November 5th. I have spent many hours in that building as a parent of two recent FHS graduates, and worked there when the building served as our town shelter during emergency weather conditions. As the designated Town Shelter, the building’s condition is not only a “school” issue; it is a public service and a public safety issue as well. As Town Council Chair, I will study the options in depth, fully explain their impact to our residents, and work hard to build consensus for a comprehensive solution.

What are critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post: My experience and leadership in Farmington over the past 16-plus years gives me a deep understanding of the Town’s residents and their diverse perspectives, the Town’s staff and processes, and the complexity of the issues ahead. In addition, I have demonstrated that my professional background in both finance and running a business gives me the ability to balance fiscal responsibility, quality education, and topnotch town services.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: Uniting people with diverse viewpoints to work towards a common goal has been an achievement I am quite proud of. When I sat with the Teachers’ Contract Negotiating Committee in 2011, our teachers accepted a 0 percent increase for one year during some very trying financial times in Farmington. When negotiations were concluded, participants noted that this was one of the most amicable negotiations in recent years.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job: As Chair of the Green Efforts Committee, I led a $3.7 million upgrade to both Town and School buildings – all costs are covered by efficiencies generated by the upgrade, and $700,000+ has come back to Farmington as rebates/incentives. As Chair of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, I worked with the State, Town, and others to construct the $3.4 million bridge across Route 6, ensuring that was fully State funded. As Chair of the Pension Board, I oversaw the reduction of investment assumptions to a more realistic level and secured the proper funding for our employees’ pensions plans.

The best advice ever shared with me was: My Grandmother would tell me, “God gave you only one mouth, but he gave you two ears for a reason.”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions: I moved to Farmington for the same reason many residents did - we have excellent schools, excellent town services, and low taxes. Since moving here, I have worked closely with thousands of volunteers and our incredible town and school employees. What I have learned is that in Farmington, we always strive for maximum value - top quality at the best possible cost. As Town Council Chair I will offer no less.