Newtown Election 2021 Profile: Jeffrey Capeci

NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Newtown will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next couple of weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Republican Jeffrey Capeci, 56, is running for Legislative Council member in Newtown.

Occupation: Business Analyst

Family:
• Tanya - spouse
• Bradley - son, a recent college graduate and Newtown High School graduate
• Greta - daughter, a senior in college and Newtown High School graduates
• Clover – 16, our stately Pug/Jack Russell mix while he is showing his age, he lives a comfortable life
• Wrinkles – 11, our Pug/Dachshund mix who is very protective of our family
• Dior – 4, our black rescue cat who will not acknowledge my existence

Experience: Currently I am a Selectman. In the past I served 8 years on the Legislative Council four of which as chairman. In 2015 I was appointed to serve on a charter revision commission of which I was also elected chairman.

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing Newtown, which the Board of Selectmen under Dan’s leadership is addressing, and is financial stability. The town must provide essential municiple and educational services at a price taxpayers can afford. We have assets that the town either no longer needs or could liquidate to finance new capital needs. The old police facility should be sold to the right developer who will repurpose it in keeping with the charm of Main Street then place it back on the tax roll. We have buildings on Fairfield Hills that are garnering the interest of developers. We need new private investment to defray the burden of demolishing contaminated old buildings. More commercial development will bring new tax dollars to Newtown and help to fulfill the potential of this Newtown jewel.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Experience and knowledge. I have served in many positions in Town government including elected and appointed positions. Participating in government has taught me what works well and what could use improving. I helped to rewrite the charter so I have an understanding of how government is supposed to work. I will use my experience and my knowledge of the system and the contacts I have made to make town government more responsive to the people.

Accomplishments:

As chairman of the Legislative Council, I led the LC to amend the Town charter to bifurcate the annual budget. Prior to this change, the budget was presented to voters as a single bottom line number to be voted on up or down. In the event of a failure, the LC could only speculate or consider anecdotal evidence at best to understand why the voters did not like the budget. Bifurcation allows taxpayers to cast a vote for the education and town budgets separately. As part of this change, ballot questions were added to inform the LC why the voters rejected one budget or the other. Prior to this, Newtown experienced several budget cycles where the budget took two or more referenda to pass. Since this change, all budgets have passed at a single referendum.

Another initiative I took as LC chairman was to improve communications between government and residents. Before COVID lockdowns brough virtual meetings into the mainstream, and I worked with local media to open channels that residents could use to understand how Newtown government worked for them. LC meetings were recorded and uploaded to YouTube. This effort was eventually expanded to include live streaming for other boards and commissions. I will continue to look for new ways to use technology better inform citizens such that they have better oversight over their government.

Other issues:

• Encourage innovative and fiscally responsible government
• Support quality education for every child
• Promote the constitutional principles that encourage government that is closer to the people
• Attract economic development

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am truly honored to have been given the opportunity to serve my community in differing roles since moving here 24 years ago. I have met and talked to many Newtowners over the years. We have not always agreed but I always try to listen to their perspectives and make sure I understand their arguments. Giving back to my community is a pleasure and a value I have tried to pass on to my children. I would be honored to gain your support again on November 2nd. Thank You!