After a long career in corporate marketing, Jane became a conservator and fiduciary serving adults who face healthcare and financial hardships. For the last 15 years, she has been working specifically in elder care services.  
A committed public servant, Jane is a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, a member of the Old Saybrook Board of Education, and Vice Chair of the Old Saybrook Democratic Town Committee. She also serves on the board of directors of the Valley Shore YMCA.
Jane’s candidacy comes with several endorsements, including from Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, CT Against Gun Violence, and American Federation of Teachers Connecticut.

What is the most serious problem currently facing the state of Connecticut? What proposal(s) would you make to alleviate the problem?

I believe the most serious problem facing the residents of Connecticut is the high cost of living, especially the high cost of housing. The lack of affordable housing has reached a crisis. Many seniors can’t afford to remain in the communities they built. Young people can’t start their families here and businesses can’t attract the workers they need. We must address this crisis, but for shoreline communities like those I seek to represent, we must do so in a way that respects the small town feel we are committed to maintaining. 

As a state representative, I would support setting achievable goals for affordable housing across the state and would fund programs like HB 5390—the so-called “work, live, ride” bill which provides access to discretionary funds for qualifying communities—a much needed “carrot” approach. I’d support programs that actively re-develop existing vacant properties and brownfields to put back into productive use as housing. Also, converting vacant commercial space into housing addresses multiple issues—it avoids developing open space, keeping the character of our towns. It also makes unproductive assets more valuable on municipal tax rolls and adds much needed housing stock. In my own community of Old Saybrook, we are using ARPA money to fund a Housing Task Force that will develop a plan for building many more affordable units that fit our small town feel. We are also using surplus money to secure the necessary grants at the State level to attract developers to make these plans a reality. This is the kind of public-private partnership at the state and local level that could serve as a model statewide.  

‘Book-banning’ has been a significant issue in the community—where do you stand on the matter?

As a mom of two college students, I recognize the importance books play in developing critical thinking. I support every parent’s right to decide what is appropriate for their children to read, but I equally oppose every attempt to ban and limit access to age-appropriate books in our libraries.  As a member of the Board of Education, I meet regularly with educators. I understand how their expertise shapes their thinking and ensures they make terrific decisions for our children. I do not believe that I, or most members of a Board of Education, have the expertise to make these important decisions. I have also been extremely displeased to learn that many book banning efforts are not the work of well-intentioned but misguided parents. They are often well organized efforts across the country funded by right-wing extremist groups who don’t have children in our schools.

I was also disappointed to learn from the Connecticut Education Association that my opponent was opposed to a bill introduced in the legislature this term (but not passed) to limit the authority of local boards to ban books. While “local control” has its place, it’s often nothing more than a set of political buzzwords designed to divide us – to pit people against the state and stir up fear. This has no place in controlling what books our children have in their libraries.  

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for State Representative because I love this community and have made it my home for 25 years. It is where I raised my two sons and where I intend to retire. I believe it is critical to preserve its natural beauty and make it a more vibrant and equitable place to live.

Even as I built my corporate marketing career, I worked countless hours volunteering for school and charity events and more recently, serving as an elected member of the Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation Commission as well as the Board of Education. Like many women, I struggled to conceive but, through IVF, I was able to start my family.  And through my work with the Agency on Aging and as a conservator, I have learned about the hardships many older adults and people with mental illness face and the role that the government can play in easing their burdens. These experiences have helped me recognize what’s important for our community.

Unlike my opponent, I believe you should be represented by someone who will vote your values. I will vote to protect women’s reproductive rights; to preserve our coastline from the ravages of climate change; to make life more affordable for seniors and working families; to enhance our schools, prohibit book bans and protect our children from gun violence. I think it is time for a change and for a strong voice for our district in Hartford, not to continue with someone who claims to be a moderate but votes quite the opposite.

Once elected, I will work with any colleague, no matter their party, to deliver measurable results for Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. I will fight for the unique needs of these small towns.  I will work with the leadership of the State Assembly to assure our voices are heard and bring funding back to our projects.  You can count on me to always represent our values.

I’m Shaun Mastroianni, and I’m honored to run for the 20th District in the Connecticut State Senate. I live in Old Lyme with my husband Antonio, our spirited daughter Sophia, and our energetic dog Bruno. As a father, healthcare professional, and small business owner, I understand the challenges faced by hardworking families, seniors, and taxpayers. With extensive experience operating senior care facilities, I’ve gained insights into the needs of healthcare providers and patients. My mission is to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and fight for the extraordinary results our communities deserve, standing against the broken politics that have long plagued Hartford.

What is the most serious problem currently facing the state of Connecticut? What proposal(s) would you make to alleviate the problem?

The most serious problem currently facing Connecticut is the crushing cost of living that hardworking residents are grappling with daily. Whether it’s housing, groceries, healthcare, or energy bills, these rising costs are overwhelming families and individuals across our state. We must promote policies that drive down expenses and embrace financial discipline.

To address the energy crisis, I propose capping power purchase agreements with utility companies to prevent overcharging ratepayers. It’s crucial to end the practice of shifting Hartford taxes and fees onto ratepayers by moving the costs of public policy changes into the state’s general budget. We need to hold state regulators accountable for overseeing energy utilities and reduce the cost of our clean, homegrown nuclear and hydropower by eliminating unnecessary classifications that inflate costs.

In terms of pensions, Connecticut has contributed over $7 billion to state employee and teachers’ retirement systems since 2020, with a significant portion allocated to addressing past underfunding. There’s no need to cut retirement benefits; instead, we must prioritize consistent pension contributions in future budgets. Enhanced fiscal management is essential, so I advocate for independent auditors or an independent board to oversee pension fund management, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, we need comprehensive healthcare reform that lowers costs while improving care. I will propose policies that increase transparency in medical billing, expand access to preventive care, and support our dedicated healthcare workers. Together, these measures will help alleviate the burdens faced by Connecticut residents and create a more sustainable future. 267

‘Book-banning’ has been a significant issue in the community—where do you stand on the matter?

I firmly believe that while books should remain age-appropriate, book banning has no place in Connecticut. It’s crucial to foster an environment where children can learn and explore diverse ideas. As a party that champions parental choice, we cannot simultaneously dictate what children can or cannot read. 

History has shown us that banning books is a slippery slope that undermines freedom and open dialogue. Instead of restricting access to literature, we should encourage discussions around the content, promoting critical thinking and understanding. Our schools should be safe spaces where children can engage with a variety of perspectives, fostering growth and empathy. 

As your senator, I will advocate for policies that promote literary diversity and empower parents to guide their children’s reading choices without imposing restrictions that limit access to important narratives. Let’s create a community where learning thrives, and every child has the opportunity to explore the world through the written word.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for state Senate to give a voice to everyday people who are struggling to make ends meet. It’s disheartening to see our current senator only engaging with the community when seeking votes, rather than actively listening to the concerns of constituents. I want to change that narrative.

As a father of a young daughter, my motivation is deeply personal. I want to ensure that Connecticut is a place where she can stay, learn, grow, and ultimately raise a family of her own. I envision a prosperous future for our state, one where families can thrive and enjoy a high quality of life.

I care deeply about our community and the challenges we face. I believe in bringing people together to create meaningful change, focusing on policies that prioritize affordability, healthcare, and education. I am committed to working across the aisle, recognizing that true progress comes from collaboration rather than partisanship. My goal is to listen to the needs of our district and make decisions that reflect those needs, rather than simply voting along party lines.

By fostering open communication and building relationships with colleagues from both parties, I aim to create solutions that benefit all residents of Connecticut. I want to lead with integrity and compassion, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. Together, we can build a Connecticut that supports families, promotes economic growth, and enhances the quality of life for everyone.

I believe that when we prioritize the interests of our community over political affiliations, we can truly make a difference.

Norm Needleman has served in the State Senate since 2019 and is now in his third term. He serves as Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee. In addition to the State Senate, Norm is also First Selectman of Essex and the owner of Tower Laboratories, a manufacturer of effervescent products headquartered in Centerbrook. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family and spoiling his many grandkids.

What is the most serious problem currently facing the state of Connecticut? What proposal(s) would you make to alleviate the problem?

The biggest issue impacting Connecticut today is housing affordability, especially for the lifeblood of our economy, young workers and middle income families. The rising cost of housing combined with shortages in our communities are impacting our workforce, making hiring more challenging for some companies, and could cause ripple effects that negatively impact our economy over time. We need to find solutions, but as no two towns are the same, we can’t apply an overarching strategy statewide. I believe that pushes for workforce housing and middle income housing are key. Having housing built to support our businesses, companies and industries will have a directly positive impact and alleviate much of this pressure, and designing future housing around key transportation hubs – bus lines, train lines, and highways, among others – can provide direct in-roads for access to jobs and support communities in the process. We need to make sure new housing and redevelopment in our communities supports our overall needs, and this overarching effort would be transformative in a positive way for our state.

‘Book-banning’ has been a significant issue in the community—where do you stand on the matter?

Book bans are an ineffective and overly controlling effort often made to restrict people from accessing information others don’t want them to read. I oppose book bans barring specific circumstances where materials can be determined to be truly harmful to the public. Many publicized book bans in recent years have targeted books focused on topics including the LGBTQ+ community, racism and discrimination, sexual assault and other topics. It often seems these bans are being made to limit access to books on these topics for purposeful reasons, and they often lead to overstepping that limits educational and representational reading. A book isn’t “dangerous” on its own, and the consequences of a book ban are often are worse than the materials being limited in the process. Add in that many analyses have shown that the majority of book ban suggestions come from a very limited number of people and the purposeful banning of books on important topics is often done with political purpose. A vast majority of parents – 70% – oppose book bans. I join them in my opposition.

Why are you running for this position?

After serving my community as the First Selectman of Essex, as well as other local community service and aiding local communities as a business owner, I’ve continued to feel a desire to give back to our community that goes beyond what I’ve accomplished in these roles. Working as State Senator has given me the ability to give our community a say in Hartford in every major bill discussed, proposed and enacted. Using my experiences as a business owner and local leader, I know no two communities are the same, and I’ve been able to voice that concern throughout my work in the Senate. I want to serve for another term to build on the good work we’ve accomplished to move Connecticut forward, including cuts to the state’s income tax, policies supporting families such as paid family and medical leave, new regulatory control over state utilities to reduce costs and support ratepayers and protecting the rights of everyone. I want to give back to my community and cannot fathom a better way than continuing to serve.

Martha Marx has been a trusted leader for decades, a visiting nurse for over 30 years, a State Senator, a two-term City Councilor, a union president for over a decade and a mother raising her family in New London.  She knows how to advocate for patients, neighbors and the community.  While growing up in Waterford in a family of eight children, she learned early how to listen, collaborate and negotiate – learned how to speak up when she needed to and has never stopped.  We need this kind of passion, grit and advocacy continuing to represent us in the State Senate.

What is the most serious problem currently facing the state of Connecticut? What proposal(s) would you make to alleviate the problem?

The most serious problem facing the state of Connecticut is housing.  This is a multifaceted issue and has different solutions in each community.  I do not believe the eight towns in my district would benefit from a state mandated one-size-fits-all zoning approach.  I would like to see the state incentivise communities to solve the housing crisis in ways that fit each town.  We need to allow for all types of housing, not just apartment buildings.  Providing support for accessory dwelling units and small, starter home neighborhoods with smaller ranch- and cape-style housing on smaller lots will allow young families who work in their towns to live in their towns and allow retirees to downsize.  This will not only help solve a fiscal crisis for many families, but also bolster the fiscal health of our municipalities.  We also need to stop predatory landlords from evicting tenants or boosting rents by hundreds of dollars, forcing long-term tenants to leave.  Housing problems are public health problems.  We need to seriously look at creative ways to protect current residents while also increasing housing options. Housing needs to be a priority, but also needs to be enticing for municipalities to make these projects become reality.  I am very proud to be a community member in the 20th District and I want to ensure that all residents in this district have a safe and affordable place to live. 232 words

Book-banning’ has been a significant issue in the community—where do you stand on the matter?

Access to books should not be limited.  I believe librarians are highly educated and are fully capable of determining which books should be in their library collections.  People of all different backgrounds and walks of life use public libraries and librarians are tasked with making sure their collections are meaningful to as many people as possible.  Sometimes that means some people won’t like certain books, and that is okay.  We all need to find tolerance for differences in our communities and work together to realize that public library spaces are meant to be places to explore and learn about things that might be outside of our normal days, and that we will be better community members for having that knowledge.

Why are you running for this position?

As a visiting nurse I have seen policies that have worked and don’t work in all of our homes, around many kitchen tables.  As a nurse I have been a constant advocate for my patients.  After seeing decades of policies that needed to be changed, I decided that if I wanted change, I needed to be a part of making it happen, and ran for office.  I love being in Hartford and being an advocate for so many people.  I love being a part of changing the policies that do not work well in our communities.  

Life can be really hard for all of us, and improving policies to make lives easier brings me joy.  I want to work on and pass legislation that makes lives better.  Being that I continue to work as a visiting nurse, I am ever-present in our communities, in homes of people of all races and incomes across the district.  This gives me a perspective that most legislators do not have – I am having conversations, with regular people everyday, about what would make their lives and our communities better.  I hear what our residents would like to see from their government.  I take those conversations straight to the Senate chambers and work on policies that make sense and are a direct result of listening to my constituents.  Helping people has been my life’s work, it is my passion.