Patch Candidate Profile: Wendy Mackstutis, Simsbury First Selectman

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Simsbury resident Wendy Mackstutis is running for another term as Simsbury First Selectman as a Democrat.

The following is Mackstutis' questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Wendy Mackstutis

How old will you be as of Election Day?

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.wendyforsimsbury.c...

What city or town do you live in?

Simsbury

What office are you seeking?

First Selectman

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education

UCONN Executive MPA Fellows Program 2025, BS in Business Admin, University of Hartford

What is your occupation?

Information Technology Director - retired, 30 years at Travelers and then Optum (UHG)

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

Lifelong CT resident (Bloomfield High grad), moved to Simsbury in 1987; Married to Max (Brian); Kevin - SHS Class of 2008; Leah - SHS Class of 2011; Sarge the rescue dog, age 15

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Board of Selectmen 2019-2021, First Selectman 2021-2023

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?

I love serving the people of Simsbury and hope to continue to do that. The best part of the job is talking to residents, members of the business community and anyone else who happens to be out and about in town. I also feel that experience and continuity are critical in this election as Simsbury residents elect a new board and bring on a new Town Manager. My four years on the board and my six budget cycles will be critical this year. I am also looking forward to working with members of the board who are doing this for the same reasons that I am, which is the best interests of our community, without politics.

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

It's really about finding the balance between providing the services and infrastructure that we need as a community and figuring out how to pay for it. We can't have a mill rate that will drive people out of town or will make us an unattractive place to settle in. I am always focused on the budget each year, and not afraid to vote no, if I have to. I have been doing that for the last 4 years.

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

The other candidate has not served on the Board of Selectman for the last 4 years, with 2 as Chief Elected Official, and has not worked in Simsbury's new Town Manager form of government. I've now worked under 2 different Chief Executive Officers, and we are about to hire a new permanent one. The experience I have gained will provide consistency in bringing on our new Town Manager, with what will be a predominantly new board. This will help all of us work effectively together, given the lessons learned during this transition, so we can best serve our constituents and support town staff. I am also enrolled in UCONN's Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) Fellows program (2025) and have now been spending my Saturdays learning to better understand public policy in government organizations. I regularly attend CCM, CRCOG and COST meetings, which is where I have established relationships with other mayors, first selectmen and town managers, giving me a resource pool to work with (not to mention new friends across the state).

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

I am not facing an incumbent but each elected official sets their own path on how they choose to lead, so I would not call anyone a failed leader. Simsbury will always be a great community.

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

I don't have anything pressing I am hearing from residents at their doors, but they can always reach out to me.

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

I've already proven that I can handle this job over my last 2 years on the job. I have the strength and determination to do what I feel is right and fair, even if it looks easy (yes, just kidding). One of my biggest accomplisments was effectively using the $7.5M American Rescue Plan Act Federal funds on planned capital and new projects for the community to avoid having taxpayers fund them. We also used these funds to pay down debt service, as a way to minimize the tax impact this year and over the next few. Another accomplishment I am proud of is putting a focus on Tariffville, with the support of another key member of the board, to fund the multi-use trails, pickleball courts and the potential 'charette' for the village.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Follow your instincts and use common sense in doing what is in the best interest of our town.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I think most people know who I am, which is pretty much an open book. I don't see myself as a politician. I have lived here for 37 years, raised a family here, volunteered at the schools and in my kids sports, and after leaving corporate life, have the time to give back to the community.