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Little Things Tell a Lot

Matt Hoey was one of the first people I met when we moved to Guilford 20 years ago. He seemed to know everyone in the neighborhood on a first-name basis, and right off the bat Matt offered to be of help as we settled into our new surroundings.

And so it began: “Hey Matt, where’s a good place to get the car serviced?” “Hey Matt, what the heck is a mill rate?” “Hey Matt, can you hang with the kids at the bus stop so I can make my early work meeting?” True to his word, he came through every time with intelligent suggestions and thoughtful acts of kindness.

As we gained our footing in Guilford, we continued to seek Matt’s advice. He was involved in coaching youth sports, so we asked about Little League and basketball summer camps. Knowing his front-line decision-making on town issues, we looked to Matt for counsel on school policies, land proposals and property taxes. His leadership skills were clear as he offered informed opinion that was fact-based and fair-minded.

Matt’s energy and enthusiasm is obvious in all that he endeavors, whether it’s striving to find reasonable solutions to complex issues in his role on the Board of Finance, or just enjoying a local event with family and friends. Matt’s diverse interests and town involvement provide a wide perspective on Guilford, and as such the ability to see all sides of a situation when considering what’s best for the community at large.

They say it’s the little things that tell a lot about a person. An occasional grand gesture makes a statement, but one’s true character is often revealed in the routines of daily life. Matt embodies this ethos and that’s why I encourage voters to elect Matt Hoey as Guilford’s first selectman.

Emily Walzer

Guilford