Guilford Republican Town Committee Unveils Its Full Slate Of Endorsed Candidates

(Editor's Note: Submitted and written by the Guilford Republican Town Committee).

Guilford Republicans have endorsed their slate of candidates for the upcoming local elections in November, following a rigorous interview and endorsement process. Robert J Hartmann Jr., who had the endorsement of the Candidate Recruitment Committee (CRC) and the Republican Town Committee (RTC), won the town wide endorsement from Republicans at their Caucus held in late July. Hartmann, a tax consultant with a successful business in Guilford, President of Guilford Rotary and member of numerous local Boards and Commissions, is currently serving the Town as a member of the Guilford Pension Committee.

Hartmann received resounding endorsements from our current First Selectman, Joe Mazza and former First Selectman, Gene Bishop. Mazza said “He has a vision that we need clear thinking backed not only by a sense of where we’ve been – but where we are going as a wonderful, thriving community. I believe Bob will continue the progress we made during my administration – and that he will rise to the challenge of dealing with our most pressing issue, – the financial crisis in Hartford”

Hartmann, who has extensive managerial experience as a former Fortune 100 company executive, successfully thwarted the efforts of resident Ken MacKenzie, who failed to receive an endorsement from either the CRC or the RTC, was elected the GOP endorsed First Selectman candidate.

Hartmann, in addressing the Caucus, promised to continue the sensible approach to managing our town in a fiscally responsible manner that focuses on maintaining the culture and character of Guilford. He proposed appointing a new Efficiency Task Force Committee to continue looking at ways to streamline expenses without sacrificing necessary services. He also promised to work closely with the Board of Education to make certain our school system continues to maintain the excellence in education that is the envy of most other towns across the state. In closing his remarks, he assured the Caucus that he has no plans to institute fiscal policies that would decimate town services for the sake of political expediency.

The Caucus also unanimously endorsed candidates for the following offices: Charles L. Havrda and

Susan Koch Renner for Board of Selectman; Jeffrey T. Beatty, Peter Goletz and Jonathan Trotta for Board of Finance; Amy Sullivan, Theodore D. Sands and Vincent Baglio for Board of Education; and Michael P. Basso for Board of Assessment Appeals.

Gloria Nemczuk

Chairman, Republican Town Committee