CT Patch Candidate Profile: Paul Cappiali For State Representative

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5 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 the state and the towns in their district.

The 150th State House District covers Greenwich's shoreline.

Candidate’s Name

Paul Cappiali

What office are you seeking?

State Rep 150

District

150th house district

What city or town do you live in?

Greenwich

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Arizona State University (Criminal Justice), UCONN Stamford (Finance), Harvard Law School (Executive Education Leadership Program)

Occupation

Sales (31 years)

Family

Yes, Wife: Victoria, Son: Paul (14), Daughter: Katie (11).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I am the (2x) Governor appointed Harbor Master for the Town of Greenwich

Age

54

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe it’s time to restore common sense to governance and forge a path that works for every family in Greenwich. This town is not just where I grew up—it’s where I’m raising my three kids. My roots and heart are here, and my commitment to our community is strong. I'm seeking office because I want to deliver practical, bipartisan solutions that reflect our values and improve the lives of residents.

Here’s what I’ll focus on: 1. Fiscal Responsibility and Tax Relief Connecticut’s high tax burden—on income, sales, property, and more—hurts families, small businesses, and stifles growth. I’m committed to sensible tax relief measures and cutting wasteful government spending. My opponent continues pushing to raise taxes, but I will fight to keep taxes low, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure our taxpayer dollars are used effectively. Together, we can build a prosperous future for Greenwich by promoting economic stability and fiscal discipline.

2. Public Safety Our community thrives when residents feel safe, yet recent legislation has made it harder for the police to do their jobs. Crime, from car theft to assault, is rising, and we need policies that empower law enforcement. My opponent supported laws that limit our police force, but I’m committed to amending these laws and strengthening protections against violent crime and property offenses. Public safety is a top priority, and I will work to ensure Greenwich remains a safe place for everyone.

3. Local Control Over Housing The 8-30g law and other measures threaten our local control over zoning, paving the way for overdevelopment that could irreversibly change Greenwich. My opponent supported legislation like the "Work Live Ride" bill, which hands our zoning decisions to Hartford. I will fight to keep local control and oppose efforts that would impose dense, unwanted developments on our community. We need housing solutions that reflect our town's needs, not the agenda of outsiders.

4. Women’s Health I’m pro-family and believe in protecting every child, but I also recognize that difficult decisions around health care are best made between a woman and her doctor. I support Connecticut's current law allowing abortion up to viability and advocate for expanded access to birth control. I will work to ensure women have the resources they need to make informed health decisions.

5. Combating High Taxes and Outmigration Years of Democratic control have led to excessive taxation and policies that drive businesses and residents out of Connecticut. The state’s fiscal mismanagement has created a less competitive economy and made it harder to live here. I’ll fight to reverse this trend by implementing common-sense solutions, keeping taxes low, and improving Connecticut’s economic attractiveness.

By running for State Representative, I’m committed to making government work for the people of Greenwich—ensuring fiscal responsibility, public safety, local control, and a brighter future for all.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

The No. 1 issue facing Connecticut is the supermajority of Democrats in state government, and it’s at the root of many of the challenges our state faces. A supermajority creates an imbalance in government, where one party has unchecked power and can push through its agenda without meaningful opposition or debate. This lack of balance leads to a cascade of problems that hurt Connecticut’s residents, businesses, and economy.

Here’s why the supermajority is such a problem: 1. Lack of Accountability With one party in overwhelming control, there is little incentive to negotiate or find bipartisan solutions. A supermajority can pass laws with little to no input from the other side, resulting in legislation that might not represent the best interests of all Connecticut residents. This unchecked power has led to policies that favor short-term political gains over long-term solutions, like increased taxes and burdensome regulations that harm our economy.

2. High Taxes and Fiscal Mismanagement One of the direct consequences of the supermajority is Connecticut’s heavy tax burden. The Democratic supermajority has consistently raised taxes to fund ever-expanding government programs, without addressing inefficiencies or reducing wasteful spending. As a result, Connecticut has some of the highest taxes in the nation—on income, property, sales, and more. This over-taxation hurts families and businesses, driving people out of the state in search of more affordable living and better opportunities elsewhere. The state's fiscal mismanagement, under a supermajority, has resulted in budget deficits, pension liabilities, and slower economic growth.

3. Economic Stagnation and Outmigration The policies pushed through by the supermajority have made Connecticut less competitive. Overregulation and high taxes have driven businesses away, reducing job opportunities and slowing economic growth. Residents, particularly the wealthy and business owners, are leaving the state, shrinking the tax base and further straining the state’s budget. This creates a vicious cycle of higher taxes and fewer opportunities, making it harder for Connecticut to thrive.

4. Public Safety and Law Enforcement Legislation passed by the supermajority has also weakened law enforcement’s ability to keep our communities safe. Recent laws have made it more difficult for police to combat rising crime, from car thefts to drug offenses, making residents feel less secure. Without balanced input, these laws pass without proper consideration of their consequences on public safety, and we are left with policies that hinder rather than help law enforcement.

5. Loss of Local Control A supermajority in Hartford has also led to efforts to erode local control over issues like zoning and housing. Laws such as 8-30g and proposed measures like the “Work Live Ride” bill impose state mandates that take away the ability of local communities, like Greenwich, to make decisions that best reflect their own needs and character. This overreach is a direct result of one-party dominance, where local voices are often drowned out by a centralized agenda.

The Solution: Restoring Balance To address these issues, we need balance in government. When one party has unchecked power, it leads to policies that don’t represent the full spectrum of residents’ needs and values. A balanced government encourages debate, fosters compromise, and results in more thoughtful, well-rounded policies. We need more fiscal conservatives in Hartford to push back against the tax-and-spend mentality, ensure accountability, and fight for common-sense solutions that will strengthen Connecticut's economy and protect its communities.

By electing representatives who will challenge the supermajority and advocate for practical, bipartisan policies, we can restore balance, improve fiscal responsibility, and secure a brighter future for Connecticut.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

Improving road infrastructure is crucial to addressing the rise in roadway deaths in Connecticut. Legislative actions can enhance road safety through targeted infrastructure improvements, such as investing in smart traffic signals that respond to real-time traffic conditions, reducing accidents. By prioritizing infrastructure-focused legislation, Connecticut can significantly improve road safety and reduce fatalities. Well-designed, well-maintained roads with enhanced features for all users will have a meaningful impact on traffic safety.

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

Our major differences revolve around our approaches to governance, particularly in areas like fiscal policy, public safety, and local control.

1. Fiscal Policy and Taxes • I am advocating for fiscal responsibility and tax relief through tax cuts and reducing wasteful government spending. Connecticut’s high taxes—on income, property, sales, and more—hurt families, small businesses, and drive residents away. My campaign is focused on lowering taxes and fostering economic growth by ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. • Meskers has supported the current taxation and spending policies in Hartford, which rely on progressive taxation and expanding public services. I view these policies as contributing to economic stagnation by increasing the tax burden on residents and businesses.

2. Public Safety • I am a strong proponent of preserving local control over zoning laws. I oppose the 8-30g housing law and other measures that erode local decision-making power. Legislation that promotes overdevelopment will stress our infrastructure—increasing traffic and straining local resources in Greenwich. I stand firmly against these proposals. • Meskers, on the other hand, supports relinquishing Greenwich’s zoning control to Hartford. He voted for the "Work Live Ride" bill, which promotes increased housing density. I strongly oppose these efforts to impose overdevelopment on our community.

3. Local Control Over Housing • I am a strong proponent of preserving local control over zoning laws, I oppose the 8-30g housing law and other measures that erode local decision-making power. I oppose legislation that will lead to overdevelopment and will cripple an already stressed infrastructure (including more traffic) in Greenwich. • Meskers, on the other hand, supports overdevelopment by through relinquishing Greenwich zoning control to Hartford. Meskers voted for the "Work Live Ride" bill, supporting increased housing density, something I strongly opposes.

4. Political Alignment and Governance • I am an advocate for balanced government and an end to Connecticut’s Democratic supermajority, which has led to unchecked power and policies that negatively impact our economy, taxes, and public safety. My focus is on restoring common sense, fiscal conservatism, and opposing one-party dominance in Hartford. • Meskers is part of the existing supermajority and supports a progressive approach to governance. His policies align with broader Democratic goals that prioritize party interests over the specific needs and priorities of Greenwich.

In summary, my campaign is focused on lowering taxes, empowering police, promoting balanced government, easing traffic by improving infrastructure, and maintaining local control over zoning. In contrast, Meskers focuses on over-funding public services, supporting housing overdevelopment, and endorsing Hartford's all-or-nothing Democratic policies, often at the expense of the specific needs of Greenwich residents.

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

I have the experience and skills needed to serve as State Representative for the 150th District in Connecticut: Harbor Master of Greenwich: Serving as Harbor Master for the past three years has given me direct experience managing complex local issues, working with various stakeholders, and enforcing regulations. This role has required me to balance the needs of our community while ensuring safety and maintaining environmental standards.

Community Leadership: My extensive involvement in charitable work within Greenwich has earned me recognition from both the town and the state. These honors reflect my deep connection to the community, my leadership, and my ability to bring people together to achieve common goals.

Maritime Expertise and Certifications: I’ve earned degrees and certifications from maritime colleges and been recognized for excellence within the maritime community. This shows my ability to master complex technical subjects, apply them in real-world situations, and lead in a highly regulated field—skills that translate directly to policy development and problem-solving as a State Representative.

Experience Working with Government: I have collaborated with various government entities and departments, giving me a deep understanding of how local and state government processes work. This experience has prepared me to navigate state-level issues and advocate effectively for Greenwich in Hartford. I am a capable and experienced leader who understands the challenges of governance and has a proven track record of public service and dedication to the Greenwich community.

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

Yes, there are a few more things I’d like voters to know about me and my positions: Commitment to Bipartisanship: I believe that the only way to effectively govern and solve problems is by working across the aisle. I'm committed to finding practical, bipartisan solutions that meet the needs of all Greenwich residents, regardless of political affiliation. My focus is on common-sense policies that benefit the community as a whole.

Family-Oriented Values: As someone raising my family here, I’m deeply invested in ensuring that Greenwich remains a place where families can thrive. I will always prioritize policies that support families, from maintain our town's character to ensuring our schools remain top-notch.

Accessible and Transparent: I’m committed to being an accessible representative, ready to listen to the concerns of my constituents and be transparent in the work I do. I will make sure that voters' voices are heard and that government remains accountable to the people it serves. I want to make sure voters know that I’m running to ensure that Greenwich remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come. I will always put the needs of our community first and work to ensure a prosperous, safe, and vibrant future for all.