2025 Patch 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.

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

The following is Steven Antonio's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Steven Antonio

What office are you seeking? Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in? Simsbury

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Restaurateur

Family: Lisa, my wife, is also a lifelong resident of Simsbury, and we share three children. All are Simsbury school system graduates, and we could not be prouder of them. Katherine, our daughter, is 21 and finishing her senior year at my alma mater, Bryant University. Tommy is 19 and a sophomore at Keene State in New Hampshire. Last, but most certainly is Johnny. He is 18 and at Suffolk University in the heart of downtown Boston. Not sure they count for this article, but they do to us: Hazel is 9 years old, a Blue Heeler, and considers herself the head of the family. Fiona is our 4-year-old Yellow Lab and considers herself the luckiest and happiest of the family, but we all feel that way, too.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My first cousin, Charlie Holder, is the Mayor of Newport, R.I.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

My father taught me to give back to the town whenever I can.

My mother taught me that complaining about the way things are or have been does nothing, but getting involved does.

With that in mind, I ran for and was elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals for many years, culminating in being the chairman.

I was also a member and Chair of the Design and Review Zoning Board for many years.

In addition to these, I was a member of the Fair Rent Commission as well as the Building Code Board of Appeals.

Why are you seeking this office?

As I mentioned a moment ago, my father taught me to give back to the town whenever I can, and my mother taught me that complaining about the way things are, or have been, does nothing, but getting involved does.

I am proud that I have been a positive influence on the efficiency and positive workplace environment of our town hall. I hope to continue to be and do so.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: That's a tough one because there are really two that are equally important.

The first is the escalating expenses of operating a town such as ours, and being respectful that our residents do not have bottomless pockets.

I have proposed and had support for more reductions to the budget than any other member of the Board of Selectmen.

This being said, I have had the full support of the Board after I proposed them.

I intend to be even more frugal going forward, while maintaining the wonderful town charm we all love and want.

The other pressing issue tied for the most important issue is the onslaught of unfunded and uncaring government mandates being sent down from the State Government.

We have to cope with them and minimize the damage to our financial health, and more importantly, our magical charm as a town.

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

I was born in and grew up in Simsbury over the past 62 years, and as a result, my knowledge base is far deeper than any other candidate.

Our opportunity to run a local restaurant has exposed me to a wealth of information and input from an enormous number of town residents.

I have also seen how the town government works with a local business, as I own and operate several.

I see the town through the lens of a private resident, a business owner, a commercial property owner, a residential property owner, and from the standpoint of those working within our town government.

I bring this business approach to our government and insist on financial feasibility before spending someone else's earned tax money.

I have been able to work with many different personality types to arrive at amicable solutions and an agreeable path forward.

I am proud that, although Simsbury has changed from 10,138 people to almost 25,000 here now, we have maintained almost all of our charisma.

I hope to continue respecting the past while planning for an equally enchanted future.

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

The Simsbury Town Charter is in the hands of a Charter Review Committee, but we need to finalize the changes.

It is the first time it has been reviewed since we changed our form of government to a town manager form.

The updates and clarifications are necessary for a safe and secure pathway to the future.

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

I have successfully handled multiple tasks and opportunities, from being the President of Simsbury High School Class of 1981 to operating Antonio's Restaurant and opening a new business just last year.

I have been involved in everything from special education students to non-profits as well. I run things with care and concern for the people involved. I always have and I always will.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

That's an easy one, and I've heard it over and over throughout my life as well as seen the benefits of adhering to it. It is, "treat others as you would want to be treated."

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

My favorite M&M color is green, and my favorite position is seated at the dinner table.