Candidate Profile: Stephanie Thomas For 143rd Assembly District

WILTON, CT — Stephanie Thomas, a Norwalk resident is running for House of Representatives District 143.

Age: 51

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: A wonderful husband

Occupation: Fundraising Strategy Consultant for Nonprofits for 25 years. In the field for 30 years.

Previous elected experience: Zoning Commission, Democratic Town Committee

Family members in government: No, although all are active members in their respective communities.

Campaign website: votestephaniethomas.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There is nothing more pressing for the 143rd district than the economy. The pandemic has created untenable conditions for local businesses. As we work towards returning our economy to normal, we need to create a bridge for businesses to survive in the interim by restoring consumer confidence and ensuring healthcare becomes more affordable. With a powerful ally in AdvanceCT, I will work with my colleagues in Hartford to bring new businesses to our area and improve conditions for existing businesses. We also need to evaluate our tax structure and invest our money wisely to ensure growth in the coming years. As people move to Connecticut to take advantage of green spaces and excellent schools, they also drive revenue to the state. This will increase our tax base and help improve our transportation system and other public utilities, which in turn will serve to keep these new residents, building our economy in the years to come.

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

You will never have any doubt what it is that I stand for and that I believe in the power of our democracy. The critical difference is that I have already been a voice for you, long before I decided to run for public office. I’m deeply invested and active in our community, which is borne out in my participation in leadership roles in my town, volunteerism, charitable giving and activism around the issues we care about such as climate change mitigation, gun safety and affordable healthcare to name a few. I have spent my career working in and advocating for the public sector, and I see my future role in Hartford as a natural extension of the work I’ve already devoted my life to. I have always used my voice to speak up for those who needed a louder voice. I promise to be your voice in Hartford and advocate for the needs and wants of our community.

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

I am fortunate to have had three careers in one - and each has helped me build a unique skill set. Working in nonprofits has taught me how to solve intractable problems, on budget, with evidence-based data. As a fundraising strategy consultant, I have implemented creative solutions when other plans have failed, and derived success by listening closely and looking for smart compromises, all while overcoming the politics of various stakeholders. As a small business owner, I know there are no shortcuts for hard work, that transparency and fair dealing are essential, and investing in my team is key. Being responsive to my environment and adaptable as circumstances change is imperative as a business owner, especially in times like these. I will bring these experiences and more to Hartford as your State Representative. I will listen, make tough decisions when necessary, and advocate for your needs. More specifically, I am no stranger to hard work - poverty, race and gender have all taken their toll, but instead of making me bitter, I have worked harder to build ladders to success for others. In addition to my nonprofit work and volunteerism, I have managed a business through 9/11, the 2008 recession, and Bernie Madoff pyramid scheme which hit the nonprofit sector hard. I started my own business without nepotism or start-up capital and grew it to seven-figures in under 2 years. When I became chair of a board that had passed deficit budgets for years, I brought us into the black by focusing all efforts in one direction. Hard work and heart is what I offer the residents of the 143rd!

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?

With the increase in catastrophic weather events threatening to constantly disrupt our electrical grid - and with affordable and reliable access more important than ever as we need electricity to keep us connected, working, and safe - it is critical that we reform our electric utility oversight. I supported the Take Back Our Grid bill and am glad that it recently passed. I am particularly focused on ensuring “opt out” options for electrical customers, allowing residents to operate “off the grid” using batteries, solar energy, and other renewable resources which provides for greater flexibility, and reduces stress on the grid, as well as on our reliance on fossil fuels. I also support public utilities increasing their local staffing levels to ensure they have enough people to respond in crises while increasing jobs in the community during this difficult economy.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

The pandemic has been devastating for many local businesses. We need to support them with cash infusions, workforce training, and serious reform in the bureaucratic hurdles required to access funds and improve their businesses in this time of need. In Hartford, I will fight for access to low or no interest loans and affordable healthcare options that lower their overhead. We also need to make sure that customers and clients feel safe returning to patronize local businesses by implementing universal safety protocols and enabling another sales-tax-free week to drive consumer demand and confidence. As the conditions of the pandemic continue to evolve, we must remember that businesses aren’t one-size-fits-all. We need to remain responsive and flexible to help all sizes of businesses thrive during the coming years.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am running to bring urgency and action to Hartford. We can no longer afford to take a long term approach to problem-solving. We need urgent action to capitalize on the opportunity to bring individuals and businesses to Connecticut, thereby growing our tax base. We also need to be proactive about assisting Connecticut residents with everything from our tax burden to prescriptions costs to climate change mitigation. Should I be elected, a few of the issues I will fight for include: voter access, healthcare costs, mental health support, funding for K-12, strategies to make college more affordable for families, exploring opportunities for economic growth, gun violence prevention, review of our tax codes and budget, our environment, economic security and safety of our seniors, and creating 21st century infrastructure.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My work has always been valued because I am not afraid to ask difficult questions, challenge historical assumptions, or speak my mind – even when my opinion is not the popular one. Board and committees often seek my involvement because I don't go along with the conventional responses, earning me the nickname "Doubting Thomas." I don't ask if something has worked in the past, I ask why it will work in the future. My goal for our district is simple, to fight for the values that keep our community safe, productive and thriving: access to affordable healthcare, investing in our business community, resolving the crushing weight of college costs on families, protecting our community from suicides and violent acts involving firearms, meeting our climate change goals, and protecting our seniors, children and frontline workers during this pandemic. I will also carry your voice to Hartford to make it clear that we are already working to diversify housing stock and don’t require intervention, to work with my fellow legislators to maximize income back from the U.S. government, to urge a realistic review of our budget and tax code, and work to identify areas of investment that will stimulate growth. Thank you for the opportunity.