Guilford Election 2021: Matt Hoey Running For First Selectman

GUILFORD, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Matt Hoey, 65, is running for First Selectman in Guilford.

Occupation: Telecommunications

Family: Wife - Cheryl. Children - Alexandra, Rachel & Matthew, who all attended Guilford schools K-12

Experience: Current - First Selectman / Previous - Board of Finance 26 years and Chair for 24 years

Family in government: Yes, Daughter Alexandra works for the US State Department

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Protecting Our Schools and Children's education. There is a reason that our district is traditionally ranked among the top 10 in the state, while spending significantly less per pupil than the balance of the top ten districts. Great leadership by the BOE and Administration and outstanding teachers is how we got here. We cannot allow a group of extremists running for the BOE to dismantle what we, as a community, are so proud of and are advantaging our children with such a quality education. Additionally, there is a direct correlation between the quality of a school district and property values.

I will continue to work to elect Moira Rader, Arnold Skretta, Kristy Faulkner, Jennifer Baldwin and Noel Petra to the BOE

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am running unopposed.

Accomplishments:

• Effective leadership demonstrated throughout the pandemic, as evidenced by swift and measured decisions, as well as immediately developing consistent and effective communications with community. Issued several Executive Orders
• Bi-partisan leadership - only 2 votes on the BOS over 46 months haven’t been unanimous
• Sustainable Guilford Task Force created with Sustainable CT – Silver Certification 2019
• Anti-fracking ordinance – Plastic Bag Ban/Ordinance
• Secured CDBG – Small Cities Grant 2018– Housing Rehabilitation $440k benefitting 17 homeowners
• Secured CDBG- Small Cities Grant 2019/20 – Housing Diversion- partnership with United Way of Greater New Haven and Women & Family Life Center
• Town Facilities Task Force established and executed recommendations
• Creation of Guilford Human Rights Commission
• Established Summer Intern program for GHS students
• Secured state bond funding for Mulberry Point and Tuttle’s Point watermain project
• Secured Council of Government & State funding for Rte. 146 Corridor Study and Master Plan
• Creation of Guilford Human Rights Commission
• Established Summer Intern program for GHS students
• Proposed and facilitated mediation between Guilford Ag Society and neighbors over expanded use of the venue.
• Guilford Cares Senior Shopping Services
• Secured Vaccine Clinics at Community Center
• Affordable Housing project on Woodruff Property approved
• Instituted Employee Recognition Awards
• Preserved Elderly Tax Freeze Program
• Established annual Special Hazmat collection in Guilford
• Completed training and certification as a Certified CT Municipal Official (CCMO) with CT Conference of Municipalities (CCM)
• Current Board of Directors member of CCM
• Board member and Vice Chair of CIRMA
• Vice Chair – South Central Regional Council of Governments

Other issues:

The culture of collaboration that exists within and between the 3 major elected boards is rarely seen in other municipalities. I would hope that the voters understand the value in preserving same.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am honored to have been able to serve our community and despite the challenges of the past 18 months and this has been the most personally rewarding job I have held.