Democrats React to Guilford First Selectman Mazza's Decision Not to Seek Reelection

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

GUILFORD, CT – First Selectman Joe Mazza’s announcement earlier this week that he won’t seek a third term as the town’s top executive means regardless of which party wins this November, there will be a new top man or woman in charge.

Mazza is a Republican, who will be completing his second, four-year term as mayor. He was first elected in 2009. Guilford, unlike a lot of area towns, has its top executive serve for four years terms, not two.

In 2013, the Democrats ran Veronica Wallace against Mazza.

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Reached for comment this week on Mazza’s decision not to seek a third term, Wallace, who is chairman of the Democratic Party in Guilford said:

“First of all on behalf of the Guilford Democrats, we thank Joe Mazza for his many years of service to the Town of Guilford. He has always worked very hard to better the lives of Guilford residents and provide the best possible services residents have come to expect. He will be missed and we wish him well in whatever future endeavors he aspires to do.”

Asked whether Mazza’s decision not to run presents an opportunity for the Democrats, Wallace said: Every election is an opportunity for Democrats, whether it’s a local election or any election. We will work very hard to elect democrats to those seats.

“There are potential candidates who have expressed interest in running. They all are going through the process and I would expect an announcement relatively soon.

“I am certain the Democrat candidate will have the appropriate experience and a commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining the excellent municipal and educational services Guilford residents have come to expect,” Wallace said.