Candidate Profile: Kim McNeill, Southbury Board Of Selectmen

SOUTHBURY, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Southbury and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Southbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Southbury resident Kim McNeill tells Patch why she should be elected to Board of Selectmen.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

52

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.southburydemocrats...

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Rutgers University College of Engineering

What is your occupation?

Volunteer, previously website for local activities, homeschooler and Senior Engineer with Danbury Optical Systems.

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

I have lived in Southbury for 24 years with my husband and raised three children here.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

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

Naugatuck Valley Council of Government Regional Planning Commissioner, Southbury Planning Commission Alternate Member, Economic Development Commission Alternate Member, Vice Chair of the Arts & Culture Subcommittee of the Southbury Economic Development 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’m seeking office to advocate for Southbury and its values of community, history, and responsibility to its residents. Having lived here for 24 years, I’ve experienced firsthand Southbury’s unique challenges and opportunities. I am deeply committed to ensuring transparent and communicative governance and making informed, long-term decisions for the well-being of all residents.

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

The most pressing issue our constituents face is a lack of foresight and responsible governance, which has manifested in a series of imprudent decisions detrimentally impacting our town’s finances, safety, and long-term planning. The allocation of $24,000 taxpayer dollars which benefited a Middlebury business was not only an egregious misuse of public funds but also a clear demonstration of misplaced priorities, poor judgment, and a vulnerability in safeguarding Southbury funds. The mismanagement which led to the expiration of the marijuana retail establishment moratorium and left our town vulnerable and unprepared for months. Furthermore, the decision to withdraw funding for the vital engineering study of River Road–despite warnings and ongoing, costly patchwork. Abandoning the Southbury Town Beach/River Road Park led to ongoing parking (causing driving safety issues), noise, and litter which were ignored for years. Neglecting ADA accessibility, routine maintenance and repair of town-owned facilities has negatively impacted use by our community. Each of these instances underscores a pervasive issue: a governance approach that is short-term in its thinking, negligent in safeguarding the town’s interests, and lacking in effective communication and engagement with the residents. I am running to help rectify these issues, advocating for transparent, accountable, and proactive leadership that is focused on our long-term interests and protects and serves the interests of all in Southbury.

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

My unique combination of technical proficiency as a mechanical engineer, extensive community service, and deep understanding of our town’s dynamics sets me apart. With experiences ranging from managing processes and developing improvements while an engineer, years running a local family activity platform, assisting parents of children with disabilities navigate the school system, to serving on multiple Town agencies, I’ve demonstrated a hands-on, community-oriented, service approach to Southbury.

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

I am not challenging an incumbent. I will be respectful of those who come before us in their capacity as volunteers, leaders of organizations with which Southbury works, or citizens expressing concerns.

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

Beyond a long-term, responsible approach to decision making and investment in Southbury, I believe in supporting growth respectful of Southbury’s unique combination of service to our residents, rural roots, and our beautiful Main Street South with its Town Center. Additionally, I support an inclusive environment, for instance, where our residents with disabilities can participate in Town programs. I will also work to foster communication and community engagement.

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

My track record includes not only professional success in engineering but also significant contributions to the community through volunteering and service. Helping start the Arts & Culture Subcommittee, a local group for parents of children with disabilities in our school district, and prior, a platform connecting families to local activities, demonstrates my initiative and understanding of community needs and working to meet them. A decade spent assisting families with disabled children navigate the educational system underscores my commitment to inclusivity and support for all. Participating in multiple commissions, in Southbury and regionally, especially helping create and serve as Vice Chair on the Arts & Culture Subcommittee, has provided me with direct experience of our town governance including multiple meetings with the Finance Director.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Lead with head and heart; both are needed to be effective. The blend of analytical thinking while not losing sight of the people and community we serve is how I hope I have helped our community in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

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

I want voters to understand that my candidacy is deeply rooted in a love for Southbury and a vision for a future where our facilities are cherished and maintained, residents have access to Town programs, and where communication and engagement with residents is ongoing. With a unique blend of skills, a history of service, and a longer history of meeting community needs, I’m ready and eager to contribute positively to Southbury's legacy and future.