Board of Finance Member Seeks Guilford GOP Support For First Selectman Race

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

GUILFORD, CT – While the Republican Town Committee has endorsed Robert Hartmann for first selectman there will be a challenge at this Thursday’s nominating caucus. Board of Finance member Ken MacKenzie, who ran for first selectman as an Independent candidate four years ago, plans to challenge Hartmann at the caucus.

MacKenzie said: “I will continue to be vocal in my belief that our governing process, including access to boards and commissions, is open and transparent to all. I have devoted countless hours to issues and causes that are in the best interests of the residents.

As an elected member of the Board of Finance, I have demonstrated my fiscal conservatism. I have shown that prudence and restraint in spending can be achieved without sacrificing quality of services,” MacKenzie said.

MacKenzie noted that in his unsuccessful Independent run for first selectman four years ago he received 1,551 votes, “many of which were from Independent and Democrat supporters,” he said.

“Winning the fall election as the Republican nominee will require broad based support from all parties, as there are fewer registered Republicans (3,443), than there are Unaffiliated (5,921) or Democrat (5,336) voters,” MacKenzie said.

MacKenzie said he is in support of economic development that “is sensible and in keeping with Guilford’s character, however, it is important to recognize that economic development alone will not shift the needle away from our reliance on residential property taxes.”

MacKenzie added: “People in Guilford are all aware of the dire straights of our State’s economy. They are also well aware of the 3.5 percent annual Guilford spending increases that have taken place for the past 25 years, and the commensurate increase in property taxes.

“Regardless of party affiliation, everyone knows that prudent fiscal management is now critical. I have demonstrated both the commitment to this and to the preservation of Guilford as a wonderful place to live.”

MacKenzie said he expects Thursday night’s caucus to be well attended.

He also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of running in a primary against Hartmann in September if he didn’t win on Thursday.

Whoever the Republican candidate eventually is, he will face Democrat Matt Hoey in the November election.

Incumbent Republican First Selectman Joe Mazza is not seeking re-election after running the town for two, four-year terms.