CT Patch Candidate Profile: Brenda Santopolo Hefferon For State Rep
DANBURY, 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 towns, cities and state.
Candidate's Name: Brenda Santopolo Hefferon
What office are you seeking? State Representative
District:
Campaign website
What city or town do you live in?
Party affiliation:
: Graduated from CT. Center for Massage Therapy Graduated from Danbury High School 1980
: Homemaker and Co-owner of Hefferon Heating and Cooling LLC
: I'm married to Ernie Hefferon and we have 4 grown children. Matthew 35 Glenn 32 Twins Connor and Joelene 23.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Previous public office, appointive or elective
: 62
Why are you seeking this office?
I am a proud longtime resident whose family has lived in Danbury for three generations as well as being a wife, mother and small business owner, I am seeking office because I believe our community deserves a voice that truly represents its values and needs. I care deeply about the future of our town and the well-being of the families who call Danbury home. I am running for state representative because I want to bring strong, transparent, and inclusive leadership to the 109th district— leadership that listens to the concerns of all residents, not just a select few.
Our community is facing critical challenges like affordability and the education system. I believe we need a representative who will fight for local control, ensuring our schools, families, and small businesses are empowered not overwhelmed. My goal is to work across the aisle to advocate for practical common-sense solutions that will benefit everyone in our community. I want to ensure that Danbury continues to be a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and we can all enjoy a high-quality of life. That's why I'm running-to make sure our voices are heard, and our community's needs are met.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
As a longtime resident of this town, and in talking with people, I understand the frustrations that families in Connecticut are dealing with. The top issues impacting our state are undeniably high energy costs, rising taxes, and public safety. High electric bills with unnecessary charges and increased taxes have made affordability one of the most pressing concerns for our families. However, safety has also become a growing issue that we cannot ignore.
The police accountability act, while aiming to improve transparency, has unfortunately made it difficult for law enforcement to do their jobs effectively. This legislation has severely hindered recruitment, leaving us with fewer officers on the roads and making our communities more vulnerable. We need to ensure there is adequate police presence to keep our roads and neighborhoods safe.
I've spent time speaking with our law enforcement officers, and I encourage others same. They are dedicated to protecting our community, but they need more support. I will fight to restore qualified immunity for our police officers. They should never have to choose between safeguarding our community or protecting their own families. Without a safe and secure environment to live, work, and raise a family in, none of the other issues can be properly addressed. Safety must be our first priority, and I am committed to addressing it head on if elected.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The major difference between myself and my opponent is clear: while my opponent is juggling multiple full and part-time paid roles-as state representative, Director of economic development for the city of Danbury, and community relations advisor to the Mayor-I will dedicate my full attention and energy to serving the people of the 109th district. The resident deserve a representative who is fully committed to them, not splitting their focus across multiple positions.
I respect my opponents service, but the demand of this office requires someone who can give it the time and dedication it deserves. This will be my one and only focus and I will work wholeheartedly for the people of our district. My experiences, both personal and in business with clients has given me more insights into building relationships, helping self problems and work through challenges. I'm not interested in simply holding an office-i'm committed to making sure the needs of the people are met.
Unlike my opponent, I won't just vote along party lines. I'll work with both sides of the aisle to find practical solutions that truly benefit our community. This is about real results, not politics. I am ready to give this role, the full attention, dedication, and leadership at demands.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
For many years, I had owned and operated my own massage therapy business, while also playing a role In helping my husband grow our heating and cooling business. All of this while raising our four amazing children (who are all successful adults) and managing a household. I know firsthand what it takes to balance competing demands, help solve problems, and build relationships.
In both businesses, I worked directly with clients listening to their needs and doing everything I could to help. All of these experiences have taught me the importance of hearing people out, understanding their perspectives, and helping with solutions that work for everyone.
If elected as state representative, I will bring this same dedication to Hartford, listening to the concerns of the residents in my district and making decisions that are in the best interest of all the hard-working people and families and Danbury.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I was raised here in Danbury, and this community has provided all of my happiest memories. Many of you knew my parents who were small business owners also (Danbury Chimney Cleaning). They spent their lives giving back to those in need and they taught me to do the same, to step up and help whenever there's a need, no questions asked. That spirit of kindness and community is something I carry with me every day.
Danbury has always been a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, and I want to ensure that continues. I am committed to bringing a fresh voice to Hartford-one grounded in common sense, transparency, and genuine care for this city. I don't have any hidden agenda; My goal is to work for all of us to make sure we can continue to live affordably in a safe and thriving community, just like it has been for so many of us growing up here. I love this city deeply, and I know that together we can protect and strengthen the community we cherish. I'm ready to bring positive, meaningful change that reflects the values we all hold dear.
