Candidate Profile: Tom Arnone, 58th House District
ENFIELD, CT — The 2020 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 presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats 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 with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.
Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.
Tom Arnone, an Enfield resident, is running for reelection to the House of Representatives District 58.
Age: 59
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family: Wife Janice, children Jason, Bill, Jen, Tom. Three grandchildren.
Occupation: 37-year Water Pollution Control
Previous elected experience: Inland Wetlands, Board of Education, Town Council at large.
Family members in government: No
Campaign website: ArnoneForEnfield.com
The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
COVID-19
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am a compromiser willing to work with both sides. Knowledge of how the government works and experience.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
President Thompsonville Little League, former co-chair Enfield Together Coalition, the Board of Education finance committee, co-chair Enfield Youth and Wellness Commission, CT Public Health Committee, CT Planning and Development committee, CT Regulation Review Committee, House of Representatives Assistant Majority Leader.
Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?
Yes, reform is necessary. I support the governor's decision to change utility oversight. Incentives for good performance, penalties for poor performance. It is important the legislature continue pressure on PURA to make change. We are holding public hearings to get public opinion on Eversource and United Illuminating.
What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
Connecticut was fortunate to have over $2 billion in reserves to help economic recovery. We should continue to support businesses through distributing the CARES Act stimulus, paycheck protection program, business response line of credit program. Continue opening up our economy following science and infection rates and continued testing.
List other issues that define your campaign platform:
Make sure Enfield gets its fair share in Hartford. In my first term Enfield received increased education funding in both years of the budget, $1.4 million for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. $1 million in additional COVID-19 funding for our schools, $23,000 to ensure our polling places are safe.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Enfield is my home and home to my children and grandchildren. I will work tirelessly to support our community and all those who live here.
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This article originally appeared on the Enfield Patch
