Candidate Profile: Issy Caporale​​, Ridgefield Police Commissioner

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Ridgefield and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Ridgefield Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Issy Caporale, 65, is running for re-election to the Board of Police Commissioners in Ridgefield, as a Democrat.

Education.

14 years

What is your occupation?

Retired

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My 94 year old mom who I caretake for

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, I was honored to be elected to the Board of Police Commissioner in 2019.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because serving the Town of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Police Department is my passion. We have more work to do and I’m ready, able and willing to do it.

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

The biggest issue facing my constituents is safety, both physical and emotional. I am committed to keeping our town physically safe and also assuring our youth, our families and our seniors that are safe emotionally, too.

As a Commissioner, I will continue to ensure that our officers are provided with the best training and equipment to do their jobs well.

Many may not know that Police Commissioners hire all officers who are dedicated to Ridgefield’s safety, and who are interested in growing with the department to become part of the community.

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

I grew up in Ridgefield and I love Ridgefield. After 25 years serving in the Coast Guard, I returned with the express wish to share what I had learned. I served as dispatcher for the Ridgefield Police Department for 11 years, working side by side with our officers, earning their trust and learning how community policing is essential for residents and officers alike. My military background equipped me to be a team player and strong leader. I believe in equality for all and believe that all Ridgefielders should feel comfortable and accepted here. I am committed to making sure our officers receive the training to know how to address residents with mental health issues, mindful of our collective responsibility to remember that the safety of our constituents is not limited to physical safety but also includes emotional safety.

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

Maintaining safety is a job that always needs attention. Training, education and community involvement are the formula to continue keeping Ridgefielders safe.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Best advice was that in order to be a leader you have to learn how to follow. My Dad told me that years ago and I live by that.

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

Many people know me in town, I work for this town and work with our Police Department. I care a lot for our youth, seniors and townspeople and I make sure that our Police Department does the same. I am so happy with the way our Department runs from the Chief down to the Patrol Officers. I will continue to work hard as a Police Commissioner and want to continue with this position for another four years.