Capasso Points to Business Experience in Supervisor’s Run

As a longtime businessman, Joe Capasso believes the success he’s had in the private sector can translate into prosperous times for the town of Patterson.

Bringing companies and business growth to a town that sorely needs it, that initiative will be Capasso’s primary focus if elected supervisor. As someone who wants support from “Republicans for Change” Capasso is ready to shake up how things are done in town.

“You look around town, you don’t see any changes,” he said. “I’m here 18 years, the same ‘For Sale’ signs are up. It looks like they don’t try to push for development.”

Capasso, a Republican, said he has many business connections, particularly in Westchester County that he could bring up to Putnam and into Patterson. It’s critical to secure high paying jobs in town so fewer residents have to leave the county for work, Capasso said. By bringing in bigger corporations, it can help the smaller businesses in town.

“I’m talking 30, 40 dollar an hour jobs,” Capasso said, noting the open land is there to accommodate them.

Capasso stressed he wants to bring the amount of business that would match the number of residents in town. More businesses in town result in more of a tax base that would keep residents’ taxes at bay, he said. Putting a better Front Street together would be a top priority.

“We need a town, we don’t have a town,” he said. “ We have a railroad station under-utilized.”

Capasso, who had businesses in Jupiter, Florida, explained how it’s possible for a town’s government to be the catalyst for business growth with the proper leadership and expertise in place.

“Because they have town planners that know what they’re doing,” Capasso said. “They plan things. Our town planner, I don’t know what he’s done because you don’t see anything.”

On top of aiming for more business growth, Capasso wants to get the water quality in Putnam Lake figured out, another aspect of town that hasn’t changed in years.

Before coming up to Putnam, Capasso lived in Yonkers, graduating from Roosevelt High School and soon after was drafted to the Army, being stationed in Germany for two years. When he got home, he worked with his dad for a newspaper company, staying there for 21 years and taking over his father’s position as a foreman after he died.

Eventually, he started his own business, which has lasted for more than 30 years. The father of two came up to Patterson and started the Beaver Creek Farm, turning the eyesore into a beauty. As someone who was always interested in politics, Capasso decided to run for town councilman and won, serving for four years. He went all or nothing when he ran for town supervisor four years ago and lost by three votes in a primary.

As a town councilman, Capasso said he kept his eyes on the town spending, finding ways to reduce bills here and there. Reading bills carefully, as Capasso has done in the private sector, is the scrutiny he would bring to town hall.

Though the supervisor’s position has more power than a councilman, it still is only one vote. Despite disagreeing with much of this administration’s decision-making, Capasso said he could reach consensus with the rest of the town board, stating the board wants to see different action taken.

“I’ll make some noise,” Capasso said. “You’ll see progress right away.”