Patch Candidate Profile: Steven Giacomi For Southbury Board of Finance

SOUTHBURY, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Steven Giacomi

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance

What town do you live in?
Southbury

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
High School Teacher (15 years)

Family:
Wife Kayla, daughter Avery (8) and son Will (6).

Both kids are students in region 15.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Board of Finance (Southbury, CT) 1/2022 - present
Board of Aldermen (Waterbury, CT) 1/2011 - 12/2019
Retirement Board (Waterbury, CT) 2/2002 - 12/2019

Why are you seeking this office?
When my wife and I decided to move to Southbury in 2020 one of the deciding factors (among many) was how well run the town is and when I had the opportunity to join the Board of Finance in 2022 I accepted because I saw it as a chance to give back to an amazing community. It is extremely important that we maintain Southbury’s financial health and make sure every tax dollar is used responsibly. In my mind, transparent financial management is the foundation of good government. When we handle our finances wisely, we can maintain strong schools, safe roads, reliable services, and the long-term stability that makes Southbury such a great place to live.

My background in finance, education, and public service gives me a unique perspective. As a teacher and union president, I understand the needs of families and town employees. As a member of the Board of Finance, I know the importance of balancing those needs with fiscal discipline and accountability. That balance is at the heart of how I try to approach every decision.

I’m proud of what Southbury has achieved: a AAA bond rating, disciplined budgeting, and finances that are the envy of other towns. I’m running to continue that record of success, to keep politics out of financial decisions, and to make sure we stay focused on what’s best for the community.

Above all, I’m running because I believe in good government — honest, responsible, and accountable to the people it serves.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is affordability. Southbury has many longtime residents on fixed incomes and young families working hard to build their future here. As costs rise across the board, it’s critical that we do everything we can at the local level to keep living in Southbury affordable.

That means maintaining strong financial discipline — keeping taxes stable, controlling borrowing costs, and ensuring every dollar we spend delivers real value to residents. It means thoughtful, forward-looking planning that allows the town to meet its needs today without overburdening tomorrow’s taxpayers.

As a member of the Board of Finance, my goal is to continue protecting Southbury’s exceptional financial standing while always keeping affordability at the center of every decision.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The major differences between me and the other candidates seeking this post come down to the range and balance of my experience. I bring a combination of private sector, public sector, labor, and management experience that few others can match.

In the private sector, I worked in banking, finance, and insurance for almost a decade before going into education — gaining firsthand knowledge of how budgets, investments, and risk management operate in the real world. In the public sector, I’ve spent my career as a teacher, understanding the needs of families and the importance of maintaining strong public services. As a union president, I’ve represented employees and negotiated fair agreements, giving me insight into how to balance the interests of workers and taxpayers alike.

I’ve also served in management and elected roles — as a Waterbury Alderman, a member of that city’s Retirement Board, and now on Southbury’s Board of Finance. That combination of experience gives me a well-rounded, practical perspective on how government decisions affect real people. I believe this diverse background uniquely positions me to help keep Southbury financially strong and affordable for everyone.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to maintaining affordability for residents, I believe Southbury’s long-term financial strength depends on growing our commercial tax base. A broader tax base means a more balanced and sustainable revenue stream — one that lessens the burden on homeowners while still allowing the town to fund important services and investments.

As a member of the Board of Finance, I can support this goal by ensuring the town’s finances remain stable and predictable, which helps attract businesses looking for a well-managed community. I’ll continue advocating for strategic investments in infrastructure, such as roads, utilities, and technology, that make Southbury a great place to operate a business. I’ll also support responsible budgeting that gives the town flexibility to pursue economic development opportunities without adding financial risk.

Ultimately, strong fiscal management and thoughtful planning go hand in hand with responsible growth. By keeping Southbury financially sound and forward-looking, we create the foundation for new businesses to succeed — and for our residents to benefit from a stronger, more balanced local economy.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I bring a unique blend of financial expertise and public service experience that directly prepares me for this role. In the private sector, I worked in banking, insurance, and investment management, where I gained firsthand experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and risk management.

In public service, I served nine years as a Waterbury Alderman, including four as Minority Leader, and as Vice Chair of the city’s Retirement Board, overseeing a more than $300 million pension fund. Here in Southbury, I’ve worked on the Board of Finance to maintain our town’s AAA bond rating and strong fiscal position.

Combined with my background as a teacher and union president, I understand both the numbers and the people behind them — ensuring responsible decisions that keep Southbury affordable, accountable, and financially strong.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received was to never compromise my principles.

That advice has guided me in every aspect of my career — in business, education, and public service. Principles are what keep you grounded when decisions get difficult or pressure builds. In public service especially, there will always be competing priorities and differing opinions, but integrity has to come first.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’m a husband and father of two young children, and I feel incredibly fortunate to call Southbury home. This is a wonderful community and I want to do my part to keep it that way.

My goal is to help Southbury grow and thrive, so that future generations can enjoy the same quality of life that drew my family here. That means maintaining the town’s strong financial footing, supporting thoughtful planning, and protecting the character that makes Southbury special.

Serving on the Board of Finance has given me the opportunity to contribute to that vision. I take that responsibility seriously and approach every decision with one question in mind: Is this what’s best for the people of Southbury?