Newcomer, Board of Directors member vie for Cassano's seat

Joseph Villanova, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·4 min read

Nov. 2—Education, taxes, and health care are the major issues in the 4th Senate District race, with Democratic nominee, political newcomer MD Masudur Rahman running against Republican nominee Jacqueline Crespan, the minority leader on the Manchester Board of Directors.

Both are immigrants hoping to represent the district, which includes parts of Manchester, Glastonbury, Bolton, and Andover.

MD Masudur Rahman

DEMOCRAT

Hometown: Manchester

Age: 47

Experience: Manchester Charter Revision Commission, 2021-22; Hate Crimes Advisory Council, 2021-present

Education: Commerce College in Bangladesh, business and accounting

Occupation: Business owner of Premium Home Aids and Companion Services, Premium Elderly Care, USBD Petroleum LLC (real estate construction, gas stations)

Rahman, a Bengali native, owns businesses in elderly care, home health care, and commercial real estate, as well as the Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center in Manchester. He serves on the state Hate Crimes Advisory Council and was a member of the Manchester Charter Revision Commission.

Crespan, a native of Uganda, was elected to the Manchester Board of Directors in 2021. She also served on the commission with Rahman, and works as a software engineer and a real estate investor.

Jacqueline Crespan

REPUBLICAN

Hometown: Manchester

Age: 47

Experience: Manchester Board of Directors, minority leader, 2021-present; Manchester Charter Revision Commission, 2021-22

Education: Capital Community Technical College, associate degree in engineering; Central Connecticut State University, bachelor's in Computer Science

Occupation: Software engineer for 20 years, mainly insurance industry; real estate investor for over 18 years

Rahman and Crespan are vying for the seat currently held by Sen. Stephen T. Cassano, D-Manchester. Cassano, 80, who was first elected to the seat in 2011, decided to end a decades-long political career that included a stint as Manchester mayor after his party chose not to endorse him for re-election.

Both of the candidates said they would like more technical and vocational education in public schools.

Rahman said making certifications more available to high school students and graduates could help those who can't afford or choose not to attend college.

"If those students have a plumbing license or an MRI tech certification ... they can still make good money," Rahman said.

Crespan said the country shouldn't fall behind others in STEM fields, and students unsure about college should be encouraged to consider trade schools.

"Our children have different capabilities — going to trade school doesn't mean you're 'less than,'" Crespan said.

Rahman said that, if elected, he would work hard to extend the gas tax holiday, increase the property tax credit, and cut the car tax by at least half. He said he also would investigate supply chain issues that have driven price increases.

Crespan said for her, affordability is "huge" issue to address, and she has voted against property tax increases on the Board of Directors.

"There must be a way of saving money and not increasing taxes" for residents, Crespan said, adding that the revenue could instead come from large businesses.

Rahman said health care has been a personal issue for him after losing family members to COVID-19. He said he supports Medicare for all and reducing healthcare costs.

"Insurance companies have so much influence and I think we need to make sure they can't influence too much ... we don't want our health care destroying families," Rahman said.

Crespan said she believes mental health awareness and care is a critical issue in Connecticut. She said that, if elected, she would try to provide more resources to residents suffering with mental health problems and to break the stigma that goes along with it.

"They're so afraid of mentioning it ... it's killing our people," Crespan said.

Rahman said he would work to ensure reproductive rights remain protected in Connecticut, after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

"I don't see that reproductive rights are in danger here, but ... (women) should have the choice," Rahman said.

Crespan said public safety is a major concern of hers and she would work closely with law enforcement to ensure their needs are met, focusing on building trust between police and residents.

"Where steps were being made already to solidify our relationship, it took a step back, but now it's coming back," Crespan said.

Rahman said he has full trust in the state and federal election processes, and that all U.S. citizens need to put their trust in democracy.

Crespan said she generally trusts the election process and believes Biden is the legitimate president. But questioning the government is a Constitutional right, she added.

Crespan said she would support election reform that would require photo identification for casting a ballot. Rahman said anyone who is eligible to vote should be able to.

Joseph covers Manchester and Bolton for the Journal Inquirer.