Candidate Profile: Lisa Thomas, State Senate, District 35

COVENTRY, CT — Lisa Thomas, a Coventry, CT resident is running for Senate District 35.

Age: 58

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: My husband, Eric, and our two adult daughters, Emma and Olivia.

Occupation: Special Education Teacher at Windsor Public Schools

Previous elected experience: I'm currently serving my 6th term as Coventry Town Councilwoman. I've served as Chairwoman of the Town Council, Chairwoman of the Steering sub committee, member of the Finance sub-committee, and one term on the Coventry Board of Assessment Appeals.

Family members in government: My husband works for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as clean water manager for eastern Connecticut.

Campaign website: lisa4easternct.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. Economic recovery from the current pandemic is the most pressing issue facing Connecticut. In the 35th Senate District our communities have unique needs that range from the town of Vernon with the most commercial base to Union, the smallest town in our state. It includes a large agricultural community. We must include both our small businesses and our agricultural producers in our recovery plans.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Our current senator is not addressing the urgent needs of our district: quality healthcare, equity for our schools, support for our agricultural economy and environmental justice. I am eager and ready to fight for these issues for every citizen in our great district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have had the privilege of serving Coventry as a town councilwoman for many years, including serving on the Finance Committee as an advocate for budgets that balance the needs of the community with residents’ ability to pay. I am recognized for my collaborative skills and was elected the Chairwoman of a Republican majority Town Council. As a 36 year public school teacher I have the compassion and patience that make for strong leadership. My years as an educator also give me significant understanding of the needs of working families.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken? I believe there must be accountability for the services that our constituents’ hard earned dollars pay for. Amidst a pandemic and economic crisis, the citizens of our district do not need the additional burden of power outages and skyrocketing increases to their electric bills. Legislators must continue to demand answers and hold the electric utilities accountable to the response priority plans that were developed over ten years ago but not followed during and after Storm Isiais.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses? I am committed to supporting small businesses through and after COVID-19, fighting for local businesses, agriculture producers, and investing in the economic success of our area. Now is the time to invest in major infrastructure projects that have been delayed for too long. By focusing on education and economic development, we will bring back a thriving economy and workforce.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: Mental health care is on the forefront of my platform. Our region has some of the highest mental health care needs, yet receives some of the least state support, and I plan to bring more mental health support into our district. Racial justice is also a pressing issue in our communities. We must recognize the disparate and inequitable access to education, services, programs, and resources in Connecticut. As an advocate for justice, I will bring this perspective to every aspect of my work in Hartford. Finally, the 35th District includes a large part of the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. I will tirelessly lead initiatives that promote natural resource management and environmental quality, both of which can support economic growth.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I’ve been an educator for 36 years, and as a Councilwoman I’ve led policy initiatives on public safety, green energy, and fiscal management. My husband and I raised our daughters on the waterways and trails throughout eastern Connecticut. In Hartford I will advocate for the families, workers, and small businesses that are the backbone of this common. I’m ready to champion the safety, security, and sustainability of our region. Thank you for your support.

Lisa Thomas. (Ash Bailot)