Tim O'Neil

Social Services Southbury’s seniors deserve a well-run Senior Center, affordable programming, and reliable public transportation, so they can maintain their independence with dignity. I’m committed to strengthening services, improving access, and deepening our town’s relationship with Heritage Village to ensure every senior feels safe, included, and supported. Social Services I believe no neighbor should ever be left behind. That’s why I will continue to support and promote the vital work of Southbury’s community organizations, like our Food and Fuel Banks, the Southbury Needy Fund, Southbury Women’s Club, Southbury VFW, Sustainable Southbury, our faith communities, and others working to lift up those in need. Environment / Energy ’m also committed to renewable energy solutions that reduce costs and our carbon footprint, aligning with Southbury’s Strategic Plan and our Plan of Conservation and Development. Education I believe a strong educational system is the foundation of a thriving community. As your First Selectman, I will work closely with the Region 15 Board of Education to ensure they have Southbury’s full support. Our schools, libraries, and arts and culture programs deserve policies that are respectful, inclusive, and focused on excellence. Education isn’t just a priority, it’s a promise I’m committed to keeping. Education Supporting our youth goes beyond the classroom. I want to see Southbury offer more opportunities for students to get involved, learn, and grow, especially during summer breaks. That includes expanding community service projects and creating enrichment programs that encourage civic engagement and real-world learning. Infrastructure / Transportation Basic infrastructure like sidewalks remains incomplete. I will prioritize safe pedestrian connectivity, including continuous sidewalks linking Heritage Village to downtown and along Main Street North. Infrastructure / Transportation I’m also committed to ensuring that all town amenities are fully ADA compliant, so every resident, regardless of ability, has safe, equal access to public spaces. Unfortunately, this has been overlooked by current leadership. Criminal Justice / Public Safety I am on record as being in support of forming an Independent Police Force and am pleased the electorate voted to establish such last November. It is a big change for the community, and we need good leadership and collaboration between the First Selectman, Board of Selectmen, our new Police Chief, our officers, and the community at large to make this change successful. I will be the leader we need to ensure continued success. Housing I will immediately form a Task Force on Affordable Housing to get stalled projects moving. These state-mandated goals have not failed due to lack of volunteer effort, but from a lack of leadership willing to confront hard problems. Taxes / Budget Streamline capital project scheduling. Arts / Culture As a lifetime resident of Southbury and longtime member of the Southbury Historical Society, I have the utmost respect for Southbury’s past, local heritage, and historically important properties. I vow to preserve them all for the benefit of future generations.