CT Patch Candidate Profile: Thomas Egan For State Representative

DERBY, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

Thomas Egan, 36, an Independent, is running for state representative of the 104th House District.

What city or town do you live in?

Ansonia, CT.

Party affiliation

Independent.

Education

Juris Doctorate.

Occupation

Attorney 5 Years.

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for State Representative because I believe the people of the 104th district deserve a pragmatic, centrist voice that truly represents their needs. My career as an attorney has given me a unique understanding of the challenges our community faces—whether it's housing, small business growth, or fair treatment in the legal system. Having worked with both tenants facing eviction and small business owners, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles everyday people face, and I want to bring that experience to the State House to create real, meaningful change. In recent years, I’ve seen our political system become more polarized, with extreme ideas dominating the conversation, while practical solutions are often ignored. My focus is on making progress that works for everyone—whether that’s ensuring access to quality education, supporting economic growth, or addressing issues like zoning and small business development that directly affect our neighborhoods. I believe in common sense legislation that works for the people of Ansonia and Derby, not partisan gridlock. I want to bring my experience in both the private and public sectors to ensure we make smart investments in our community's future while staying grounded in what actually works. This district deserves someone who will work across the aisle and focus on results, not rhetoric. That’s why I’m running.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

I believe the biggest issue facing Connecticut right now is economic stability and growth. For too long, we’ve seen businesses leave the state, taxes rise, and families struggle to afford living here. If we want to create a thriving future for all residents, we need to focus on smart, sustainable economic policies that encourage businesses to stay, grow, and invest in our communities. To address this, we need a multi-faceted approach.

First, I believe we should provide targeted tax relief to small and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy. This would encourage growth and job creation in places like Ansonia and Derby. We also need to cut bureaucratic red tape and streamline the process for new businesses to open and expand, which includes revisiting outdated zoning laws that stifle innovation and growth. At the same time, I would advocate for workforce development programs, especially in high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and green energy. We need to ensure our schools and vocational training programs are preparing people for the jobs of tomorrow, and that businesses have access to a skilled workforce right here in Connecticut.

Finally, a key part of economic growth is addressing the affordability of living in Connecticut. Property taxes, housing costs, and healthcare are all too high for many families. I would work to reduce these burdens by supporting legislation that encourages affordable housing development, strengthens healthcare access, and ensures that our tax policies are fair and sustainable. By focusing on making Connecticut a more business-friendly and affordable state, we can create a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

The increase in roadway deaths is a serious issue that requires a comprehensive approach from both a legislative and community perspective. From a legislative standpoint, there are several steps we can take to make our roads safer for everyone—whether they’re drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists. First, we need to invest in better infrastructure. Road design plays a huge role in safety. I would support legislation that funds improvements to high-risk intersections, implements better lighting in dangerous areas, and creates safer crossings for pedestrians. This includes expanding "Complete Streets" initiatives, which ensure that roadways are designed for the safety of all users, not just cars.

Second, we need to enhance traffic enforcement and implement measures that target dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding and distracted driving. Strengthening penalties for repeat offenders and increasing funding for local law enforcement to monitor high-risk areas are essential steps. Technology can also help—implementing automated speed enforcement in known problem areas could serve as a deterrent and lower accidents. Third, education and public awareness campaigns are crucial. We need to prioritize driver education programs, especially in schools and communities, to encourage responsible driving habits. Reinforcing the dangers of distracted driving, driving under the influence, and speeding is vital to changing behavior.

Lastly, we should explore legislation that encourages the adoption of new safety technologies in vehicles, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings, which can significantly reduce accidents. Incentivizing the use of these technologies through tax credits or insurance discounts could encourage more drivers to take advantage of them. By improving our infrastructure, enhancing enforcement, and promoting responsible driving habits, we can make Connecticut’s roads safer for everyone.

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

The biggest difference between myself and my opponents, Kara Rochelle and David Cassetti, is my commitment to pragmatic, centrist solutions that put the needs of the people of Ansonia and Derby first. Kara has taken a more progressive approach in her time in office, while David represents a more traditional, conservative perspective. I believe that both extremes can limit our ability to create meaningful, lasting change. My focus is on finding common ground and delivering practical solutions that benefit everyone in the 104th district, regardless of party affiliation. Kara Rochelle has championed progressive policies, which may appeal to some, but I believe many of them don’t address the immediate economic and social challenges we face in a balanced, fiscally responsible way. On the other hand, David Cassetti, while experienced in local government, represents a more partisan stance that doesn’t fully embrace the need for collaboration and bipartisanship at the state level. Both of their approaches, in my view, are more ideological than practical.

As an attorney with real-world experience, I’ve worked directly with tenants, small business owners, and residents of our community. I’ve seen the impacts of policies on people’s everyday lives. I bring a unique perspective on issues like housing, economic development, and legal reform that neither of my opponents can match. My work has always been about solving problems, not scoring political points. I also believe in working across the aisle. While Kara and David are more entrenched in their respective party lines, I see the value in collaboration and compromise to get things done. My goal is to represent the best interests of all people in Ansonia and Derby by focusing on practical, achievable solutions that deliver real results. In short, my centrist, results-driven approach is what sets me apart from Kara Rochelle and David Cassetti. I’m running to represent everyone in our district, not just one side of the political spectrum.

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

There are several accomplishments in my career and public service that demonstrate my ability to handle the responsibilities of State Representative. First and foremost is my work as an attorney, where I’ve successfully represented individuals, businesses, and organizations in complex legal matters. This includes everything from defending people in court to handling personal injury cases and representing companies in defamation disputes. My legal background has equipped me with a deep understanding of the law, negotiation skills, and the ability to craft practical solutions to difficult problems—skills that are directly transferable to lawmaking.

Additionally, I’ve run a pro-bono legal defense clinic for tenants facing eviction, where I’ve seen firsthand the struggles of working families trying to make ends meet. This experience has given me a unique perspective on housing issues and tenant rights, allowing me to advocate effectively for policies that address these concerns. It’s evidence of my commitment to community service and my ability to work with diverse populations to solve real problems. I also have experience working in the environmental industry, where I focused on hazardous waste abatement. This gave me an understanding of both business regulations and environmental issues, and how important it is to balance economic growth with responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

Furthermore, I ran for Mayor of Ansonia as the Democratically endorsed candidate, where I gained valuable insights into the challenges facing our local government and how to navigate the political process. Although I didn’t win that race, the campaign reinforced my commitment to serving this community and brought me closer to understanding the needs of our residents.

Finally, as a centrist, I have experience working with people from across the political spectrum to find common ground. I believe this skill—collaboration and compromise—is crucial in today’s polarized environment, and I’m confident it will help me be an effective voice for the 104th district. Together, these accomplishments show that I have the experience, the dedication, and the practical problem-solving abilities necessary to represent Ansonia and Derby in the State House.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Yes, I’d like voters to know that I am committed to being a true representative of the people in the 104th district. My candidacy is centered on practical solutions, not partisan politics. I believe in focusing on what works—policies that will improve the daily lives of residents in Ansonia and Derby, from supporting small businesses and affordable housing to making our community safer and more economically vibrant. I also want voters to know that I value transparency and accountability.

If elected, I will always be accessible and open to hearing from the community. Too often, politicians lose touch with the people they serve. I will hold regular town halls, make myself available to hear concerns, and be a constant advocate for this district. Most importantly, my focus is on delivering results. I’ve seen how political gridlock and extremism hold up progress, and I am committed to breaking that cycle. My experience as an attorney, my work with tenants, and my understanding of both the private and public sectors have prepared me to lead with a level-headed, common-sense approach.

I encourage voters to reach out to me directly if they have any questions or concerns. I’m running because I believe we can build a better future for our district, and I’m ready to work for everyone, not just one side of the political spectrum. Let’s focus on what unites us and work toward solutions that benefit the entire community.