Thomas Sullivan

Thomas Sullivan was born in New York, New York. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1993 to 2023. He earned a bachelor's degree from Mount Saint Mary's University in 1993, a graduate degree from Mount Saint Mary's University in 1996, and a graduate degree from the United States Army War College in 2018. His career experience includes working as a financial consultant.[1]

Sullivan has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Veterans of Foreign Wars

American Legion

77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association

Knights of Columbus

Ancient Order of The Hibernians

Kiwanis

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Thomas is a proven leader who has helped businesses, the military, and his community successfully navigate through crises. For over three decades, he has simultaneously pursued a business career while backing his commitment to serving his country and his community with impactful action. He will use his experience as a small business owner, financial services professional, military veteran, and community leader to reduce crime, secure the border, enforce immigration laws, lower taxes, to reduce wasteful spending, and fight tirelessly to represent the people of this district.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

With over three decades of experience in the financial services field, Thomas is as comfortable working with federal and state regulators as he is with business owners and families planning for their future. He has been on the front lines in helping his employers respond to crises ranging from the devastating loss of 107 office mates and colleagues on September 11 to the challenges facing his clients during the Dot-com bubble 2000-2002, and the nation’s financial crisis in 2007-2008. Thomas will work to address the high cost of living and quality of life issues that his clients and our neighbors say could drive them out of New York.Thomas is a 30-year military veteran who has been responsible for the “Good Order & Discipline,” and welfare of as many as 7,300 soldiers and civilian employees. He has commanded Soldiers at the detachment, company, battalion, and brigade echelons during three combat deployments. He retired from service in June 1, 2023 at the rank of Colonel serving as the Deputy Commanding Officer at the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command Headquartered in Des Moines, IAOne of seven sons of a retired New York City Police Detective and a Nurse, Thomas grew up working in the family’s restaurant (Brennan & Carr) in Brooklyn. He eventually opened a restaurant (Brennan & Carr) in Rockville Centre, NY where he employed 15-20 people. Thomas also handles all matters related to taxes, banking, insurance, licensing, legal matters and bill payments of the 86 year old family business. Thomas has a deep knowledge and personal understanding of the struggles of small business owners and the impact that high taxes and burdensome regulations pose to their success.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Economic Development, Financial (Banking), Election Law , Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Veterans Affairs, and Environmental Conservation.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father. He was a good husband, loving father to 7 sons, a good friend to many, and a kind & generous man.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Lincoln on Leadership (Book), Saving Private Ryan (Movie)

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Leadership, Selfless Service, Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Duty, and Respect.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a diversified background and well educated. I have worked for over 30 years in the financial industry, served 30 years in the United States Army Reserves, a restaurant owner for 10 years, and was a community representative for 5 years.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Served with competence, honesty, and integrity. Restored a good positive image for our law enforcement agencies, advanced New York States status as a leader in education, and preserved our natural resources for the future generations.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. I was 11 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Washing dishes at the family restaurant, one year! I continued to work various positions in the kitchen for 8 years. I now, 30 years later, handle the payroll, pay weekly bills, food license, liquor license, and insurances.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Lincoln on Leadership. Simple lessons that have helped me throughout life.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Maintaining good mental health. I am a survivor of September 11, 2001 and 3 overseas combat tours.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

A relationship based on trust and open communication for the benefit of all our constituents.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Educational competitiveness, financial solvency, public safety, & illegal immigrants.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, we need people with vast experience outside government who understand our educational system, law enforcement agencies, legal systems, financial industries to represent our communities.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, we all need a better understanding of the needs of our constituents throughout the state. Each area of the states has specific needs: law enforcement, economic development, agriculture, environmental conservation, tourism, etc...

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

George Pataki

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Yes, I have future aspirations of serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, we need to have the ability to act quickly and trust our executors to act in the best interest of "the people."

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Protections for those who serve in law enforcement.

What committees interest you?

Education, Economic Development, Banking, Ethics & Guidance, Election Law, Veterans Affairs, and Environmental Conservation

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We, "the elected" need to be good stewards of the tax payors resources. Focus on the core services of government: public safety, education, public health, emergency services, sanitation, transportation, and infrastructure.

Thomas Sullivan did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Thomas Sullivan did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.