Patch Candidate Profile: Matt Wexler, New Canaan Board of Education

NEW CANAAN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in New Canaan and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

New Canaan Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Matt Wexler, 41, is a New Canaan resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

BA from Franklin and Marshall.

What is your occupation?

Marketing and Advertising 20 years.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

A wife and two children, one at south school and the other at Saxe.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

To ensure New Canaan Schools remain among the best in the nation and to provide the greatest opportunity for our students to succeed and become happy productive adults.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is keeping the schools focused on academic excellence and I intend to ensure that the board and administration continues to focus solely on this goal and does not get distracted by national discussions.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Unlike the other candidates, I grew up and graduated from New Canaan High School which gives me a unique perspective on the town as I have lived here as a student and as a parent. More than anyone, I know what this town values and how to make it the best environment for all students to thrive.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

My opponents clearly want to radically change the school system and have not been honest about this priority. He has been on the wrong side of many of the arguments, despite his constituents wishes but later claimed credit for the win. That isn't what New Canaan wants. New Canaan wants someone who will listen to the parents and students of this town and work collaboratively to come up with the best solutions for our schools and children.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Individual student opportunity and excellence, school safety and SROs and ensuring the parents are informed and providing input as to what is happening in the schools.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I own my own marketing consultancy and so am used to laying out a vision and working with a diverse set of stakeholders to reach consensus as to the best way to move forward for our clients. This very much mirrors the needs of a Board of Education member, working across the aisle and with administration to ensure the best outcomes for our parents and students.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Put service above self.