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.