Patch Candidate Profile: Karen Camporeale For Stamford Board Of Representatives

STAMFORD, 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 the city.

Candidate's Name:
Karen Camporeale

What office are you seeking?
Board of representative's district 18

What town do you live in?
Stamford, CT.

Campaign Website
https://www.2025endorseddems.c...

Party Affiliation:
Democrat. Endorsed by Stamford Professional Firefighters and Sierra Club.

Occupation:
CEO Urban Apparel Group 30+

Family:
I come from a big Italian family, and I feel so lucky to have grown up surrounded by that love and connection. Many of my childhood friends have become family to me too, bonds that have lasted a lifetime.

As a single mom, I raised my two daughters, Ariel and Sophia, in Stamford schools. Over the years, their friends also became part of our extended family. For nearly 12 years, I’ve shared my life with my partner, Sven. His two children and their spouses are like my own, and last month we welcomed twin grandsons.

Family means everything to me, and that includes our dogs. We have three, but my little morkie, Tom, has a special place in my heart. :-)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I am currently serving on The Board Of Representatives - District 18

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking this office because I believe deeply in Stamford and its people. This city is truly special, from its trees, wildlife, and Long Island Sound to its architecture, neighborhoods, and vibrant restaurants, but above all, it’s the people who make it unique. I love Stamford and want to give back to it. Residents deserve a strong voice who will work tirelessly to preserve what they have built and ensure their concerns are heard.

At its core, my candidacy is about protecting and enhancing Stamford’s quality of life by supporting safe roads, the environment, strong schools, and responsible spending that eases the tax burden on families. I am committed to making sure every resident’s voice is represented. I also want to stand up for our civil servants, who give so much to our community yet often receive too little recognition in return.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Residents of District 18 overwhelmingly say to Stamford government:

• Development has in the past grossly outpaced infrastructure, the adverse effects of which are felt across the city.
• Property taxes continue to rise, making affordability a hot-button issue as many aging, long-time residents and young families are squeezed out. I have fought, and will continue to fight if reelected, to reduce taxes.
• As development has increased, ever worsening congestion is driving traffic deep into neighborhoods never designed to accommodate it. These crowded streets have become unsafe, endangering our children and even claiming the lives of residents. I have fought to get our streets not only on the paving list but recently added Hope Street to the top of a 29-street paving list. I am also advocating for more enforcement on roads where speeding is a persistent problem.
• Residents love their city and that it has always felt like a “town.” Stamford feels like both a town and a city, which makes our city and our neighborhoods unique and worth protecting. To that end, I will continue to fight for neighborhood preservation, green space, and maintaining the look and feel of our neighborhoods.

Therefore, if reelected, my highest priority will be to take D18 voices, particularly on these issues, to the Board and Mayor, and fight for them!

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe the major difference is my experience and track record serving Stamford. I have served on a committee, as a commissioner, and am currently a member of the Board of Representatives. When I first took office, I had no idea how much work this role would require, most people don’t realize the level of commitment involved. Experience truly matters in a position like this, and I have already spent two years learning the intricacies of the job while continuing to grow and adapt. I understand the challenges, the process, and the importance of delivering results for our residents, and I am committed to continuing to learn and serve effectively.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I enjoy knocking doors and listening to the things that are important to the people of this city. Ill be taking their stories, their voices, back to the full board in the next term if they allow me.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I would point to my long track record of leadership and results as evidence that I can handle this job. I have built several successful companies that have lasted more than 30 years, and at my companies’ peak, I oversaw over 2,500 employees globally, with offices in Manhattan and Asia.

I have also served successfully on the Board of Representatives for two years, building consensus among its members and culminating in the passage of one of the 31st Board’s most comprehensive environmental ordinances. This ordinance will reduce pollution, ban toxic eating materials, cut waste, transition the school system to reusable, healthier dining ware, and save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars over time in purchasing and hauling costs.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received was: “Listen first, act second.” It taught me the value of understanding people’s perspectives before making decisions. Whether in business, public service, or daily life, taking the time to truly listen helps build trust, find common ground, and make solutions that work for everyone.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe we all want the same things, regardless of party. I deeply respect the people of this city and their opinions, Democrat, Republican, Independent, and Unaffiliated. At the municipal level, we have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. I’ve found that, at the end of the day, we all want the same basics: clean air and water, safe schools, welcoming communities, and a place to put our heads down at night.