Candidate Profile: Joe Capodiferro, 21st House District

FARMINGTON, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate.
Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers over Republicans in the House, 97-54, and in the Senate, 24-12.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

GOP hopeful Joe Capodiferro is running for a term in the House of Representatives, 21st House District. He is running to unseat state Rep. Mike Demicco, D-Farmington.

The House seat serves much of Farmington, but not all of it.

Age: 52

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Retired police officer, current real estate agent

Education: High school graduate

Previous elected/appointed experience: Current Farmington Town Council member, second term.

Family: Wife Kim Capodiferro, Sons- Cooper 16, Nathan 19

Campaign website: N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Why are you seeking this office?

To give Farmington a stronger voice at the Capitol

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxes — I will work across the aisle to support responsible budgets that are fair to our taxpayers.

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

I am a third generation resident of Farmington and was a police officer in Farmington for 26 years, retiring in 2016. I belong to two community organization who also do community projects here in Farmington. I care for my two handicapped brothers who live with me. I believe in solar energy and have had a solar home system for over 10 years.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Over the last 10 years, Representative Demicco has voted yes for every budget that raised taxes, which pushes families and businesses out of Farmington and out of CT. Voted for laws that weaken our police and reduced penalties for those who break the law. He has supported efforts to take away local control of education and zoning decisions.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Fight for Farmington's fair share of state and federal aid. I will continue to advocate for our seniors, those with disabilities and our veterans. Tackling issues with juvenile crime and the catch and release system. Find solutions to stop the constant increase of medical insurance.

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

At the beginning of the pandemic, the Farmington Town Council was the first in the area with a zero budget increase, helping our residents in uncertain times, and Farmington's fiscal responsibility is shown with being consistent with one of the lowest mill rates in Farmington Valley. When I was a police officer, I was there for medical emergencies, I was there to catch dangerous criminals, always putting our residents safety first, I was there to bring a smile to a child's face when they saw a police officer or be a shoulder for someone to lean on when in need.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never to rush to judgement

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

My community will always come first.