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HARTFORD – State Representative Tom Arnone's decision to not seek a fourth term is hardly a time of sadness, but one of reflection, appreciation, and a long-sought mission accomplished.
"I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and serve this community for many years," Arnone, 63, said. "And the main reason that has meant so much to me is my grandfather."
Charlie Arnone was living in Italy when he answered an advertisement for employment at the Bigelow-Hartford Carpet Mills in 1917. He was 14 years old at the time. From Ellis Island, Charlie Arnone took the train to Thompsonville. Charlie Arnone was hard-working, like many of the residents currently living in the town.
It has been almost four decades since a train has run through Thompsonville. Tom Arnone's main goal was to make life a little easier for its residents. He believed it was imperative that train service return to Thompsonville to connect to other parts of the state and further.
Mission accomplished.
Construction will begin on a new one, following the completion of the station currently underway in Windsor Locks. The Thompsonville station will be in the same location where Charlie Arnone was dropped off, 107 years ago.
"It's always been my inspiration for all generations because we need transportation, we need to move, and we need to move cheaply, and the masses need that. It's the future," said Arnone, who has worked in Enfield and Windsor Locks for over 40 years. "My kids are demanding it. They want it. They want trains, they want buses, so this seemed to be the fix we needed in Thompsonville. It's not the answer to everything we need, but it is the spark that Thompsonville will need. Thompsonville is a population center. There are a lot of good, hard-working people, and I think mass transit will do so much for so many people."
There are several pieces of legislation Arnone is proud to have his name attached to over the years, including SB922, An Act Allowing Students to Apply Sunscreen Before Engaging in Outdoor Activities, and HB 6422, An Act To Study The Obstacles To Merging Of Consolidating Municipal Fire Departments. He secured adequate funding for schools and roads throughout his tenure, a notable achievement for sure. He will remember being a part of bringing the train back to Thompsonville more than anything.
It will be a special day when Tom Arnone gets to ride the train through Thompsonville, with his four grandchildren, including the latest addition, 9-month-old Miles.
"That's also one of the biggest reasons I decided not to move forward with running again," Arnone said. "Having four grandchildren and missing so much being in public service for so long, I felt now was a good time to step aside."
"I would like to thank Tom for his service, and for being a true representative of the 58th district," Speaker Matt Ritter said. "It has been an honor and privilege to work with him. I wish him and his family all the best.”
Sincerely,
Tom Arnone
State Representative |
