Stamford Election 2021: Karen Camporeale For Board Of Reps.

STAMFORD, CT —Election Day on Nov. 2 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Stamford.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Democrat Karen Camporeale, 58, is running for Board of Representative, Stamford Connecticut in Stamford.

Occupation: Founder And Ceo Of The Urban Apparel Group

Family: Ariel and Sophia Camporeale (daughters) Sven Erlandson (partner)

Family in government: No

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

Over-development, which I believe has led to higher taxes. People cost money. I’m all for responsible development. However, the breakneck pace of development over the last 20 years has not been matched by the requisite development of infrastructure necessary to sustain growth. Like a tree with tall branches and short roots. Thus, we need to solve the problems with our zoning, schools, roads/traffic, and the effects of growth on our environment.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Twenty-seven years ago, I created a small business that, at its peak, would become a multi-million dollar, woman-owned company with 2,500 employees globally. As founder/president, since Day 1, I have had to bring creative solutions to many problems to keep us in business, when the odds were very much against us, and the weight of the entire team was riding on my decisions. There is a Latin phrase "creatio ex nihilo," which means "to create something out of nothing." This is what I have done. Additionally, though I have been a resident of Stamford for 23 years, I have zero business interests in Stamford. My only goal is to represent and fight for the people that will hopefully elect me.

Accomplishments:

• Started a small business with $1, 250 that grew into a multi-million dollar company that is still in business after 25 years in a contracting industry, and which has employed thousands of people globally and domestically. I did all of this while simultaneously raising two wonderful daughters in Stamford schools as a single mom.
• Owned and operated factories.
• Negotiated with unions and employees.
• Oversaw the healthcare contracts for my employees.
• Organized blood, food, and coat drives.
• Organized community events.
• Spoken numerous times before the Stamford Board of Reps on behalf of my neighbors.
• Multiple times engaged in door-to-door canvassing for ‘get out the vote’ drives.

Other issues:

Big swaths of District 18 have been largely ignored and taken advantage of. Services are almost nonexistent. The schools are crumbling and taxes are climbing. My neighbors in the Springdale area are dealing with bad roads, flooding, and ridiculously high taxes. Yet, no one is listening to them! No one is fighting for them! Just south of the Merritt Parkway – significantly affecting the part of my district that is in north Stamford — the zoning board is constantly trying to change our neighborhoods by proposing things like multi mid-rise apartment buildings that in no way comply with the original constitutional plans for the city and exponentially exacerbate existing infrastructure problems.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I’m a down-to-earth, boots-on-the-ground person. I care about people & families, and the incredible land that surrounds us. I am passionate about serving my community in any way that I can. During the height of COVID-19, I spent most of my free time shopping for elderly neighbors and bringing services to them. During the 2020 Holidays, I led an effort to help needy Stamford residents provide gifts, food, and money for their families by connecting them with families who could reach out and provide. I love this city and its residents and I will continue to work hard for them.