Patch Candidate Profile: Steven Antonio Simsbury Board of Selectmen

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Simsbury resident Steven Antonio is running for the Simsbury Board of Selectmen as a Democrat.

The following is Antonio's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Steven Antonio

How old will you be as of Election Day?

59 + 361 days

What city or town do you live in?

Simsbury

What office are you seeking?

Board of Selectmen

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democratic

Education

Simsbury Public Schools from kindergarten through Class of 1981, Bachelors Degree from Bryant University 1985.

What is your occupation?

Restaurant Operations and Property Management

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Our oldest Katherine is 20 and attending her Sophomore year at Bryant University.
Tommy is 17 and graduating from Simsbury High School this year.
Our youngest, Johnny is 16 and a Junior at Simsbury High School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

none

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

At present
I am the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals
I am the Chairman of the Design Review Board
I serve on the Building Code Board of Appeals
I serve on the Fair Rents Commission

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am proud to be a Simsbury native and resident. I have extensive experience with the town and its government. I have seen when things work and more importantly where there's room for improvement. I have a great respect for the path and what makes our town so special. I'd like to protect it while embracing the changes needed for our future

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Affordable housing - I understand why so many want to enjoy what we are so fortunate to have, and it is only fair to share it. This being said, we need to have a plan embracing the state mandates regarding our allotment of affordable housing, while protecting the serenity and environment that makes us all want to live here.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Honestly, I'm psyched that all candidates are "Simsbury First," and politics plays less of a role in town politics than it does on the state or national level. My experiences of being born, raised and immersed in so many aspects of our town is what truly sets me apart from all others.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

There are only two incumbents for the entire Board of Selectmen this year. Wendy Mackstutis has been completely transparent and easily accessible. In all fairness so has the other incumbent; so instead of the negative connotation of the question, I'm proud to want to emulate both incumbents.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The town charter has not been revisited for 8 years now. To my understanding, 7 years is the target and the fact that we have not revisited the charter since we switched to a Town Manager form of government after almost 350 years, makes it an urgent need.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am proud to have grown up and done business here for such a long time span. My role as President of SHS Class of '81 and working with our reunion committee has kept my entire class close. We still have well over 100 people at every reunion and we maintain an active network. I have been a sitting board member of Simsbury Main Street for well over a decade. I have organized the North Village Business community and remain a cohesive force. My restaurant has allowed me to not only interact with a large amount of Simsbury residents, but more importantly, I've been allowed to participate in many aspects of their lives. I have successfully operated multiple businesses in Simsbury as well as contributed my time and resources to a large variety of town interests and needs.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat others the way you would like to be treated

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I prefer green peanut M&M's, but am willing to welcome the other colors as well.