Patch Candidate Profile: Richard Esposito For East Haven Town Council, District 4

EAST HAVEN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

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

Candidate's Name:
Richard Esposito

What office are you seeking?
Town Council - District 4

What town do you live in?
East Haven

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Investment Advisor - Fundraiser

Family:
I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, Lisa Esposito, since 2021. We have a three-year-old son, Richard Esposito III, and recently purchased our second home in East Haven. Richard loves spending time with our dog, Kona the Corgi, and our cat, Miles. Lisa is a dedicated Registered Nurse who has been caring for patients at Yale New Haven Hospital for over 12 years. I’m also fortunate to have my loving parents, Richard Sr. and Lori Esposito, nearby in East Haven who never miss an opportunity to spend time with their grandson.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
I do not have any family who work in politics or government.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I currently hold public office. I have served as an incumbent member of the East Haven Board of Finance for the past eight years and presently serve as the Vice Chairperson.

Why are you seeking this office?
As a lifelong East Haven resident, homeowner, and family man, I have a personal stake in our town’s success. My wife Lisa and I recently purchased our second home in East Haven, where we’ve chosen to raise our family.

Having served four terms on the Board of Finance, where I currently serve as Vice Chair, I bring a proven record of managing budgets, promoting fiscal responsibility, transparency, and maintaining a genuine connection with our residents.

I am seeking public office to help improve the lives of my friends, neighbors, and family. The Town Council addresses broader issues that impact our community, and I see it as my responsibility to use my experience and professional knowledge to make a positive difference for East Haven every day.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
It’s difficult to identify just one single issue facing my constituents, as the challenges we face are interconnected and constantly evolving. After eight years in public office, I’ve seen how factors such as uncertain federal and state funding, unfunded mandates that impact public safety, and the ongoing need to balance our town’s budget all work together to shape our community’s priorities.

Our greatest challenge is maintaining this balance, ensuring East Haven remains affordable for residents while continuing to invest wisely in public safety, education, and infrastructure. I intend to apply my professional experience and collaborative approach to address each issue thoughtfully and transparently.

We must continue making smart capital investments, keeping our debt at sustainable levels, and providing our educators with the resources they need to teach and protect our children. Through responsible, transparent budgeting, we can provide the stability and quality of life that East Haven residents deserve.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
We all share a love for our town, but the biggest difference between me and the other candidates is experience. Professionally, I bring over 13 years of expertise as an investment advisor. Politically, I’ve served four terms on the Board of Finance, where I’ve gained a deep understanding of fiscal management and municipal operations.

This combination of professional and public service experience allows me to approach decisions with both financial insight and a commitment to what’s best for our community. Above all, I will always put the residents of East Haven first.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The issues I intend to address through this campaign are the same priorities shared by every East Haven resident, creating and sustaining a safe, welcoming, and beautiful town where we can raise our families, educate our children, and face future challenges together.

One of the most important issues I aim to focus on is ensuring that East Haven receives its fair share of benefits and protections related to the expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport. East Haven will not be left behind.

We will remain accountable, transparent, and committed to making decisions that serve the best interests of our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I take great pride in the fact that, since being elected to the Board of Finance, we have balanced our municipal budget, strengthened the town’s financial standing with strong credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s, invested in capital improvements that enhance the beauty of our community, and made sound financial commitments to public safety through continued support for our police and fire departments.

Throughout my service, I have demonstrated the ability to listen first and always put the needs of our residents above all else.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
It's not about where you start, it's about where you finish.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I love this town, and I’m deeply invested in its future. I will always listen to the needs of my neighbors and act in the best interests of our community.