TIM'S PROMISE
"As your First Selectman, I will work to preserve the past, improve the present, and plan for the future of Southbury. I don’t profess to know everything that will come our way and I cannot predict the future. The only thing I will promise is to handle whatever lies ahead in the same way I will manage what’s right in front of us, with professionalism, a spirit of collaboration, and a commitment to honesty and transparency."​​​
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PRESERVE THE PAST
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.
IMPROVE THE PRESENT
As a former business owner and current property manager, I have the experience needed to manage our town in a professional and ethical manner. I am committed to improving the quality of life of all our citizens with an emphasis on our children, seniors and the vulnerable.
I will commit to implementing a written maintenance plan for all town assets to set standards and guidelines that will enhance the beautification of our community.
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I will support rural preservation, open space, and our Land Trust, respectfully communicating with our town employees, boards, commissions, and venders to assure the needs of our citizens are met.
Southbury has important projects ahead, and these ventures will require the right leadership to be successful. Thanks to the voters of Southbury, Ballantine Pool was finally rebuilt. I want to remind voters that I consistently opposed the proposed Edgewood purchase in Middlebury and championed Ballantine Pool from the start, almost six years ago. We are stewards of our land and should be committed to the preservation of all town owned property, particularly those donated to the town in the name of one of our lost veterans.
PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
As the grandfather of a three-year-old granddaughter who is the 6th generation family member to be raised in Southbury, I am committed to keeping Southbury a strong, and viable community in which to live, work, and shop. I will plan for the town’s future by collaborating effectively with local and state officials to ensure we are meeting state mandated goals in a timely and financially beneficial manner.
We have challenges that lie ahead, but the current administration moves at an unacceptably slow pace to address the inevitable. We need to think critically about the future of the Southbury Training School property, how to grow our commercial grand list, senior and affordable housing options, sustainable energy for town properties, and how to best protect our environment, just to name a few.
I have studied the Strategic Plan and the Plan of Conservation and Development. I respect the hard work that went into these plans and will make them some of the cornerstones of my administration.
Tim O'Neil
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THE ISSUES
OUR QUALITY OF LIFE​
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Towns thrives when we invest in strong programs, reliable services, and well-maintained parks and public spaces. As your First Selectman, I’ll work to improve town services while staying fiscally responsible.
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Two years ago, we saw a proposal, for a walking and biking trail through Heritage Village and throughout town, that was rolled out without proper planning, cost analysis, or safety considerations. This concept was initially intended to include New Wheeler Road which is difficult terrain and hard to develop and maintain. Projects like these require experienced leadership, collaboration, and thoughtful execution, not rushed ideas with no follow-through.
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At the same time, 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.
I’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.
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With smart planning and strong leadership, we can build a more connected, efficient, and sustainable Southbury, for today and for the future.
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OUR FAMILIES
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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.
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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.
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I will also advocate for our Parks & Recreation Commission to introduce more vocational and trade-based programs, giving students a chance to explore hands-on skills and potential career paths early on.
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When we invest in our young people, we’re investing in the future of Southbury, building a generation of responsible, engaged citizens who care about their community.
OUR SENIORS​
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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.
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But a strong community must support all its residents. Southbury’s working families and seniors face a growing challenge: access to affordable housing. With a six-year waitlist at Grace Meadows, it’s clear we need to act.
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As your First Selectman, 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.
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I bring the skillset and mindset to get results. Done right, Southbury can build well-planned, sustainable, and dignified housing for essential workers, families, and seniors, without compromising the character of our town.
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OUR VULNERABLE
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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.
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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. As your First Selectman, I will make accessibility, inclusion, and community support top priorities for Southbury.
OUR BUDGET & FISCAL RESPONSIBLITY​​
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With over 30 years of experience running a successful business, and current work managing commercial, residential, and HOA properties, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility. I respect the strong financial discipline maintained by Southbury’s Fiscal Office, Board of Selectmen, and Board of Finance.
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But financial responsibility also means planning ahead. As your First Selectman, I will commission an independent Reserve Study to create a long-term capital plan for all town properties, infrastructure, and assets. This will help:
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Streamline capital project scheduling
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Reduce long-term maintenance costs
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Ensure fair cost sharing between current and future residents
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Provide a complete inventory of town assets
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Keep Southbury’s finances on track, now and in the future
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I will build on Southbury’s solid fiscal foundation with forward-looking, practical solutions that protect our town’s financial health for years to come.
OUR ACCESS TO TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT​
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Transparency is the foundation of good government. Southbury residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent, and to trust that their local government is working for them.
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As your First Selectman, I will restore accountability by completing the Annual Report every year, as required by our Town Charter. This important document, neglected by current leadership, provides a clear, comprehensive overview of the town’s budget, activities, and accomplishments.
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I will also ensure that all board, commission, and budget meetings are livestreamed and recorded, making it easier for residents to stay informed and involved. There is no excuse for limiting public access to information.
Open, timely, and consistent communication will be a priority in my administration. I’m committed to keeping residents connected, engaged, and confident in their town government.
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OUR TOWN EMPLOYEES
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Our town employees are a critical force for ensuring excellent community services. There has been far too much turnover over the past few years.
As your First Selectman, one of my first priorities will be to form a Task Force that examines how to enhance recruitment, retention, and training of a motivated workforce. Whether the factors behind the departures are purely economic or the result of mismanagement, we must determine why retention is poor and make this a top priority as the issue has become a liability.
OUR TOWN PRIDE
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I have great respect for the dedicated team in our Public Works Department, but their efforts have been hampered by a lack of direction from current leadership. Our employees deserve clear priorities and strong oversight to guide the maintenance of Southbury’s roads, buildings, parks, and public spaces.
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With years of hands-on experience in property and facilities management, I bring the skills needed to provide that leadership. While our roads benefit from a consistent maintenance schedule, our parks and town facilities need the same level of planning and care.
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As your First Selectman, I will implement a comprehensive maintenance plan to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality upkeep of all town assets. From every entry point into Southbury to our neighborhoods and parks, we will always put our best face forward.
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OUR VOLUNTEERS
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Southbury truly does run on its volunteers. I have great admiration for the members of our boards and commissions. These volunteers play a critical role in our town’s government. I will make it a point to seek their opinions, respect their expertise, and listen to their concerns and needs. These vital members of our community deserve a proactive and engaged First Selectman who works as hard as they do.
OUR SAFETY
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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.