CT Patch Candidate Profile: Tom Tesoro For State Representative

TRUMBULL, 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.

Tom Tesoro, 70, a Democrat, is running for state representative of the 123rd House District.

What city or town do you live in?

Trumbull.

Education

J.D. Fordham University School of law. B.S. Fordham University.

Occupation

Chief Human Resources Officer (retired) Professor at Quinnipiac University and University of New Haven.

Family

Vicki A. Tesoro Wife (married 40 Years in 2025). She is currently First Selectman of Trumbull, CT. Melissa Filomio, Director of HR at NBC Sports (mother of 8 week old Frederick Thomas Filomio). Laura Ganim High School Science Teacher in Virginia.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Vicki A. Tesoro: Currently in 4th Term as First Selectman of Trumbull.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes, two terms as member of Trumbull Board of Finance.

Why are you seeking this office?

Our current representative has been in office 10 years. it is time for a new set of eyes and ideas. Also, Trumbull needs a strong democratic voice in the Democratic caucus in Hartford so that Trumbull can get its fair share of State money. Finally my opponent is wrong on issues such as gun violence and a women's right to handle her own healthcare.

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

The high cost of housing hurts both citizens and businesses. We must incent municipalities of all kinds to diversify its housing stock by building workforce housing and affordable senior housing.

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 state need to provide funding for more police to patrol state roads and higher fines for moving violations.

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

As the Supreme Court, by its decisions, such as the Dobbs case, moves more issues to state control, we must elect legislators who will protect a women's right to make her own healthcare decisions and seek to enact legislation that put limits on gun ownership without violating the 2nd Amendment.

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

I have been a successful C-Suite executive in a multinational corporation and have budgeting and government experience as an elected official in Trumbull.

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

Other than my family and the great job my wife is doing as First Selectman in Trumbull, I am most proud of the opportunities I have given to the children of Trumbull to get a start on a great career. Paid internships, job shadowing , mentoring and skills building are a few of the ways I have done this. Finally as a legislator, I am an independent thinker. am moderate in my views and have no problem working across party lines to get a good result. I have no business or industry to protect. I will do what I think is right and hold myself accountable for the decisions and votes I make.