Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Lisa Thomas, 35th Senate District

TOLLAND COUNTY, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Lisa Thomas, a Coventry, resident, is running for State Senate in the 35th District.

Campaign website

https://www.lisaforstatesenate...

Party affiliation

Democratic Party; Endorsed by the Independent Party & Working Families Party

Education

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law. I have a background in labor and employment law, and I am a member of the Connecticut Bar Association. I recently retired after a 37 year career as a special education teacher. I spent the first half of my career in the Hebron School District and the second half in the Windsor School District. In May 2020, I was named Teacher of the Year at Clover Street School in Windsor. My husband and I raised our daughters here in Eastern Connecticut, and I am ready to champion our region in Hartford. I am an advocate for the families, workers and small businesses that are the backbone of this community.

Occupation

Retired Special Education Teacher at Windsor Public Schools

Family

My husband Eric and I have been married for 36 years. We have 2 daughters: Emma, who works in communications for reproductive justice, and Olivia, who is a healthcare worker here in Connecticut.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband works for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as clean water manager for eastern Connecticut and is the Governor's Liaison to The Last Green Valley.

Age

60

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I'm currently serving as the Chair of the Coventry Town Council. I have been on the Town Council for 13 years. In that time, I have also been Chairwoman of the Steering sub-committee, member of the Finance sub-committee, and served one term on the Coventry Board of Assessment Appeals.

Why are you seeking this office?

As an elected leader for my town, I know firsthand the struggles that communities in the 35th district face. After working for many years to problem solve as a local official, I recognize that many require state level solutions. I’m prepared to take my extensive leadership experience to Hartford and fight for our towns.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Keeping money in your pocket. I have a long history of keeping taxes low, and I work to do so by finding creative solutions and working with all people in my community to meet their needs. Just this year, I’ve secured over $1,000,000 in state funding for my town – which helps improve our community while making sure that we’re not raising taxes to do so.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I unequivocally support access to abortion care and contraceptives. I have the experience of overseeing police, fire, and EMS first responders, and making sure they have the tools they need to keep us safe. I am bipartisan – unlike my opponent, I’ll put our community before partisan politics.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

After 37 years in the classroom, I know the unique needs of our students, parents, and schools. I am prepared to be a steadfast educational advocate in our legislature. I serve on the Reading Leadership Implementation Council and the Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant Advisory Council, which means I’m already working with leaders state-wide to match our communities up with agricultural and educational resources in an unprecedented way. I am a tested leader – I am getting the job done now, and I will do the same in the senate.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?