2025 Patch Profile: Edward Matteo, 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.

Edward Matteo is running for the Simsbury Board of Selectmen as a Republican.

The following is Edward Matteo's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Edward Matteo

What office are you seeking? Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in? Simsbury

Campaign Website: https://simsburygop.com/ed-matteo-candidate-for-board-of-selectmen/

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: IT project manager (25 years), sports coach (25 years)

Family: Wife, three sons, and one daughter.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Why are you seeking this office?

I may be new to the political landscape, but I am not new to Simsbury.

I grew up here, and my parents still live in the same house where I was raised.

My wife and I raised our four children here, and they were deeply involved in youth sports, high school sports, and town activities.

For more than 20 years, I have worked closely with youth organizations and coached at the high school level.

Through those experiences, I’ve seen the heart of our community, and I know how important it is to make thoughtful decisions that keep Simsbury strong.

As a candidate, I believe I bring a deep passion and understanding of Simsbury.

I understand the challenges families face as parents raising children here, and I also understand the challenges that come with being an empty nester.

Above all, I have a strong desire to keep Simsbury the special community it has always been.

My focus is simple: our community.

I am concerned about overspending that hurts families and drives people away.

I support smart, measured growth that strengthens our community without straining our resources.

I am committed to driving tactical new business to help keep property taxes under control and strengthen our financial future.

And I want to ensure we develop a vision plan for Simsbury — one that addresses immediate concerns while also creating a clear pathway for future growth.

Just as important, I want to hear from you — to understand your concerns and your pain points.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: My focus is simple: our community.

I am concerned about overspending that hurts families and drives people away.

I support smart, measured growth that strengthens our community without straining our resources.

I am committed to driving tactical new business to help keep property taxes under control and strengthen our financial future.

And I want to ensure we develop a vision plan for Simsbury — one that addresses immediate concerns while also creating a clear pathway for future growth.

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

I grew up in Simsbury, and my parents still live in the same house where I was raised.

My wife and I raised our four children here, and I understand firsthand what makes Simsbury such a special community.

I bring leadership experience not only from my professional career, but also from years of running both local and national organizations.

In those roles, I’ve developed short-term and long-term goals, built execution plans, and delivered results.

I will bring that same focus to Simsbury — with a financial discipline that emphasizes smart economic growth.

My goal is to preserve the small-town character we value while creating opportunities for tax relief for families.

Most importantly, I want to listen. I want to hear residents’ concerns, understand their pain points, and work toward solutions that put Simsbury first.

My focus is not politics — it’s doing what’s best for our town.

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

1. Smart Spending & Fiscal Responsibility: Prioritize careful budgeting and eliminate unnecessary spending.

Ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently to provide the best value for residents.

Protect families from overspending that drives people away.

2. Expanding Revenue Sources: Drive tactical new business development to broaden Simsbury’s tax base.

Support small businesses while attracting the right kind of growth that complements our community.

Balance residential and commercial tax contributions to relieve the burden on families.

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

My background as a project manager has prepared me to take on complex challenges — working with people to find solutions, driving tasks forward, and ensuring we stay financially responsible.

I understand the importance of balancing short-term solutions with a long-term vision to achieve real results.

In addition, my experience working with national committees has taught me how to collaborate with diverse groups and partner across different segments of an organization.

Those skills will translate directly to serving the town — bringing people together to make the best decisions for Simsbury.

Most importantly, I have a deep passion for Simsbury.

This is my home, where I grew up and raised my family, and I want to do everything I can to ensure it remains the special community we all love.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Leadership is not about controlling others. Leadership is about lifting others.

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

Passion and purpose in guiding Simsbury.