Proven Hartford Clout
vs. Freshman Uncertainty
An objective, deeply researched comparison of candidate records, legislative influence, and policy positions for Danbury. Discover why Representative Bob Godfrey's seniority as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore delivers irreplaceable funding for Danbury's schools, seniors, and working families.
Meet the Candidates for CT House District 110
An honest evaluation of their backgrounds, qualifications, and core platforms for Danbury.
Bob Godfrey
“Danbury's working families deserve an experienced fighter in Hartford who not only writes the laws but holds the gavel to ensure our schools, seniors, and neighborhoods receive our fair share.”
Unmatched Strengths & Proven Record
- ✓ Unmatched seniority in the legislative majority, granting direct influence over the state budget
- ✓ Instrumental in securing the historic $10M state reimbursement fix for Danbury Career Academy
- ✓ Authored the landmark 1990 'Kids and Guns' child-access prevention law, praised nationally
- ✓ Passed landmark firearms surrender requirements (HB 5054) for domestic violence offenders
- ✓ Eliminated state income tax on Social Security, pensions, and 401(k) distributions for middle-class seniors
Anthony Rongetti
“I see the everyday struggles of our taxpayers from the driver's seat of a city truck. Hartford needs less political maneuvering and more common-sense tax relief.”
Stated Strengths & Intentions
- • Hands-on municipal infrastructure experience as a dedicated city public works employee
- • Valuable public safety background as a former volunteer fire chief in Danbury
- • Authentic working-class, blue-collar perspective on daily burdens of inflation and taxes
- • Strong local Danbury roots and approachable community presence
As a freshman in the Republican minority, Rongetti would hold no committee leadership, no gavel, and no influence in majority budget caucuses. Proposing to abolish the car tax without state funding would create an immediate multimillion-dollar shortfall for Danbury city services.
Why Majority Seniority Protects Danbury Taxpayers
The Connecticut House operates with a commanding 102-49 Democratic majority. Understanding how power works in Hartford reveals why losing Bob Godfrey would set Danbury back decades.
Holding the Gavel
As Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore, Bob Godfrey presides over House floor debates and determines which bills advance to a vote. He is in the room when the Speaker and Majority Leader negotiate the final state budget.
Bonding & School Aid
When Danbury needed a special statutory amendment to protect $10 million in state reimbursement for the Danbury Career Academy, only a majority leader like Bob Godfrey had the leverage to attach and pass the measure.
The Minority Dilemma
A freshman Republican backbencher, no matter how well-intentioned, has zero votes in the majority caucus where the budget is written. Electing a minority freshman would strip Danbury of its most influential voice.
Head-to-Head Hartford Clout Comparison
| Key Dynamics | Rep. Bob Godfrey (D - Senior Leader) | Anthony Rongetti (R - Minority Freshman) |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Godfrey: Leader in Majority Party (Holds Gavel) | Anthony Rongetti: Backbench Minority (Zero Clout) | |
| Bob Godfrey: Direct negotiation power with Governor | Anthony Rongetti: Excluded from budget writing | |
| Bob Godfrey: Delivered $10M Career Academy fix | Anthony Rongetti: No record in securing state bond aid | |
| Bob Godfrey: 36 years of direct state agency relationships | Anthony Rongetti: Starting from scratch as an outsider |
Where They Stand on the Issues That Affect Danbury
We present Anthony Rongetti's campaign platform with fairness and respect, then provide the critical, fact-based context on why Bob Godfrey's leadership delivers the superior outcome.
The Danbury Deliverables Tracker
Concrete funding, landmark legislation, and community investments won directly by Representative Bob Godfrey for our city.
Danbury Career Academy $10M Funding Fix
When procedural issues threatened state funding for Danbury's groundbreaking Career Academy (Danbury High School West), Bob used his legislative leadership to insert and pass an emergency reimbursement fix, saving Danbury taxpayers $10 million.
Landmark Kids and Guns Safe Storage Act
Authored Connecticut's pioneering safe storage law holding adults criminally liable if a child accesses an unsecured loaded firearm. Reduced accidental child firearm deaths by over 50% statewide and adopted by over 20 other states.
Senior Retirement Tax Elimination
Co-sponsored legislation completely exempting Social Security benefits, qualifying pension earnings, and 401(k) retirement distributions from state income tax for single filers under $75K and joint filers under $100K.
Danbury Hospital Cardiac & Surgical Investments
Consistently advocated for state bonding and regulatory approvals for Danbury Hospital, ensuring Western Connecticut has top-tier trauma, neonatal, and cardiac care without forcing patients to travel to New Haven or New York City.
Historic Richter House & Arts Center Restoration
Secured substantial state bonding for the historic preservation and structural modernization of the Richter House arts center adjacent to Richter Park golf course.
Danbury Branch Rail Improvements & Signals
Pushed through vital signalization upgrades and dual-mode locomotive acquisitions on the Metro-North Danbury Branch, enabling more one-seat rides to NYC.
APEX Community Care Support & Mental Health Grants
Board member and legislative champion for APEX Community Care, securing essential state grants for harm reduction, HIV/AIDS support, and counseling.
Immigration, Public Safety & Community Trust
In Danbury, immigration is central to downtown commerce, neighborhood vitality, and school growth. Here is where both candidates stand on state protections, local policing, and civic integration.
The CT TRUST Act & Local Police Priorities
Danbury Reality::
Voted to strengthen the TRUST Act in the General Assembly, closing loopholes while preserving clear exceptions for violent felony judicial warrants.
Courthouse Due Process & ICE Enforcement
Danbury Reality::
Joined Mayor Roberto Alves and Danbury legislators in issuing formal state declarations demanding constitutional due process and uninterrupted court access for all residents.
Public Road Safety & Drive-Only Licensing
Danbury Reality::
Co-authored Public Act 13-89, resulting in over 50,000 tested and insured motorists statewide, directly reducing uninsured accident liabilities for Danbury drivers.
Public School Resources & Bilingual Learner Funding
Danbury Reality::
Secured the $10M state reimbursement fix for the Career Academy and supported in-state tuition equity and institutional aid for qualified Connecticut high school graduates.
Practical Safety and Shared Prosperity for Every Danbury Neighborhood
While Anthony Rongetti views immigration primarily through the lens of municipal fiscal strain and federal enforcement, Representative Bob Godfrey has proven for over three decades that protecting community trust, ensuring licensed drivers on our roads, defending courthouse due process, and delivering millions in state school funding creates a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Danbury for all residents.
Where Do You Stand in the 110th?
Answer 5 quick questions to see which candidate represents the most effective path forward for Danbury.
Which Candidate Delivers for You?
When Danbury's $100M+ Career Academy faced severe state funding delays, what was the most effective solution?
Danbury 110th District Voter Resources
Make your voice heard. Here is everything you need to cast your ballot in Danbury.
Early Voting in CT
Connecticut now features multi-day in-person Early Voting! You can cast your ballot early at Danbury City Hall prior to General Election Day.
110th District Polling Sites
Key district voting locations include Danbury High School, Broadview Middle School, and South Street School. Confirm your specific ward assignment.
Ballot Lines for Bob
Representative Bob Godfrey appears on Row A (Democratic Party) and Row C (Working Families Party). Both lines vote for Bob!
An independent research platform contrasting candidate records, policy stances, and legislative clout in Danbury, CT.