Meriden Election 2025: Steven O'Donnell Running For Board Of Education

MERIDEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council and Board of Education.

Meriden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Steven O'Donnell is running for re-election to the Meriden Board of Education as a Democrat.

Campaign Website
http://www.meridendems.com/

Occupation:

Chiropractor (35 years)

Family:
2 sons, James 39 and Steven D 29

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
no

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have been a Meriden Board of Education member for the last 16 years. I also served on the East Haven Board of Education for 1 term

Why are you seeking this office?
I would like to continue the job that my fellow board members and I have been doing. Meriden is a high performing district compared to its peer group and I would like to think this is a result of the board, board leadership as well as the administrative team that has been in place for the last 10-15 years.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Providing quality education to the population of Meriden students that at times has been difficult as a result of limited funding in addition to a population that at times has required more resources

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I would like to think that I am a moderate democrat, being fiscally conservative but continuing to be aware of the students and staff needs.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I will advocate for both new construction as well as renovation of our schools that is currently in the process. In addition, pushing for the continued improvement to our special education programming which to date has been doing very well.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have been on the job for 4 terms and during that time have been part of improvements such as full-time kindergarten being implemented as well as improving the food service program that now offers free breakfast and lunch to all students. Meriden students have consistently ranked at or above other local municipalities as far as growth and I would like to think that the board guidance has facilitated this.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Be yourself, do not try or pretend to be someone that you're not

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would like Meriden voters to know that I continue to put their best interests first as far as the student population is concerned. I will continue to advocate for increased funding including grants or any other additional revenue sources. In Meriden the Board of Education continues to always do what is best for the students.