4 Guilford Selectmen Say Goodbye

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

GUILFORD, CT – Not only is there a new first selectman in charge of the town but there are also three members of the old Board of Selectmen that will be joining outgoing First Selectman Joe Mazza in stepping down from the board.

All four of the selectmen who will no longer be on the selectmen made brief statements at the last selectmen meeting held in November.

Mazza, who served two, four-year terms as first selectman, announced earlier this year that he would be retiring.

The Republican said he “wanted to thank the people of Guilford for the honor of allowing him to serve these past eight years as (first) selectman.”

Mazza noted that he served the town close to a quarter-century on both the boards of finance and selectmen. He also thanked his current fellow selectmen, the previous board, “and the support of the Guilford citizens.

“This has been one of the most enjoyable jobs I have ever had,” said Mazza, who is being replaced by Democrat Matt Hoey, who won the November election against Republican Ken MacKenzie.

Also stepping down from the selectmen, is Carl Balestracci, Gary MacElhiney, and Cynthia Cartier.

Balestracci said “it has been a pleasure to serve with this board and I wish the incoming board well. He said “he feels good leaving, because he believes the town is in good hands.”

MacElhiney thanked “the town for the privilege of serving the last eight years. I have learned a lot by doing this. There are a lot of complexities within government even at the town level,” he said, but added that he believes the selectmen “have done their best and done a good job.”

Cartier said “It has been an honor serving the town” and said “she will continue to serve in other capacities."