About Clark

Representative Clark Chapin was first elected in November 2000 to serve the people of the 67th District. He was re-elected to his fifth term in November 2008. The 67th district encompasses the majority of New Milford. Rep. Chapin serves as Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the General Assembly’s Environment Committee and as a member of the Public Safety and Security Committee and Human Services Committee.

In January 2009, Rep. Chapin was appointed an Assistant Minority Leader by House Republican leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. In this position, he helps formulate the Caucus’s positions and policy.

In addition, Rep. Chapin serves as Chairman of House Republican Bill Screening Committee. The committee meets prior to each legislative session day to conduct a comprehensive review of legislation that will be brought before the full House of Representatives. Committee members review each bill and amendment for potential flaws, hidden clauses, unintended consequences and improvements that can be made either through revised language or the amendment process.

During his tenure in state office, Rep. Chapin played an instrumental role in the agreement to build a new Litchfield County Courthouse and to renovate the existing historic one. As part of the agreement, Rep. Chapin introduced legislation to allow New Milford residents to file civil suits and claims at the Danbury Courthouse and also have the option to file civil suits and claims at the current Litchfield Courthouse and a Bantam Superior Court facility if they wish.

Rep. Chapin has also played a key role in facilitating progress of the Route 7 expansion project, which widened the roadway from Bridge Street in New Milford to the Brookfield town line and was completed in 2008. These efforts include working with other area legislators to see that state Department of Transportation (DOT) officials reinstated the original project timeline after it was marked for delay in 2003.

Rep. Chapin has been a strong advocate for agriculture during his tenure in the Legislature as evidenced by the Working Lands Alliance bestowing him its Legislator Appreciation Award. The organization is a coalition that includes farmers, conservation organizations, food security groups and local government association that works to halt the loss of Connecticut’s remaining farmland.

In 2008, the Litchfield County Fire Chiefs bestowed a plaque of appreciation for Rep. Chapin’s support of area firefighters and the Burrville Training School. In 2006, he received the Connecticut Water Works Association’s ‘Legislator of the Year Award’ for his leadership on issues affecting Connecticut’s public water supplies and water quality.

Rep. Chapin was also named “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association in 2003 and 2005. In bestowing the award, the association lauded his work on the Environment Committee and commended his experience and knowledge of agricultural issues.

Raised in a family actively involved in local government, Rep. Chapin was no stranger to public service prior to his election to the Legislature. In 1995, he was elected to the New Milford Town Council. He was re-elected in 1997 and 1999 and also served as the council’s vice-chairman. He resigned from the council in December 2000 to assume his legislative responsibilities.

His lengthy public service record includes present service as chairman of the New Milford Fire Alarm Appeal Board and past service on the Local Emergency Planning Committee and as an alternate to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority. In addition, he has served as Vice-Chairman of the Municipal Pool Committee, as a member of the Long-Range Capital Planning Committee for Unimproved Roads, Chairman of the New Milford Traffic Authority and as a member of the Water Pollution Control Authority.  He also served as Vice-President of New Milford Youth Baseball/Softball.

Rep. Chapin attended New Milford public schools, graduating from New Milford High School in 1979. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Technology at the University of Rhode Island and recently earned his Master of Science degree in Community Development from Iowa State University.  He has been a self-employed carpenter in New Milford since 1988.

Rep. Chapin has two sons, Ryan and Michael.