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04/11/2017 04:17 PMAt a gathering of family and friends, Robert (Bob) Hartmann, Jr., announced his intentions to seek the office of first selectman for the Town of Guilford in the upcoming November elections. He will be seeking the endorsement of the Guilford Republican Party in the coming months. Hartmann was joined by Charles Havrda (a current selectman), who is seeking re-election, and Susan Renner, a current member of the Board of Education, who intends to run for the Board of Selectmen this November.
In making his announcement, Hartmann noted that he was inspired to venture into the world of politics by the current administration and their many achievements in restoring Guilford’s fiscal affairs.
He said, “With the announcement that our first selectman, Joseph Mazza, would not seek re-election, I saw an opportunity to give back to the town I love so much and fill the void that will be left with the departure of Mr. Mazza. I have greatly admired the enormous efforts that Joe made to improve the wellbeing of our town in a non-partisan way and I plan to carry on with many of his plans and strategies that are moving our town forward.”
Hartmann, a Guilford native, is a graduate of the Guilford School system, who went on to earn a B.A. in government and economics from Connecticut College. He enjoyed a 30-year corporate career in international finance, holding executive positions for some of America’s leading financial institutions. In 2011, Hartmann left behind the corporate world so he and his wife, Laura, could continue the local family tax preparation and consulting business started by his parents, Bob and Ellie Hartmann, Sr. The Hartmanns have two children, Christopher and Kate, who both live and work in Guilford.
Hartmann, 59, is a newcomer to politics, but no stranger to community service. Among his many lifetime civic contributions, he is currently a member of the board of the Guilford Community Fund, board member and former treasurer of the Guilford Keeping Society, board member and president-elect of the Guilford Rotary, corporator for the Guilford Foundation, and member of the Guilford Pension Committee.
In commenting about his running mates, Havrda and Renner, Hartmann said, “Our democracy is an institution of the people, not just one person. I carefully and thoughtfully sought out what I consider the best people to be part of my team in leading our community forward as a team in the years ahead. Both Charles and Sue have time and again demonstrated their dedication and commitment to our community.”
Havrda, a former local small business owner in Guilford for more than 25 years, is chairman of the Board of Trustees of Guilford Savings Bank, Guilford’s representative to the Regional Water Authority, board of managers member of Soundview YMCA, and member of numerous town boards and committees.
Renner, a CPA and the treasurer of a cruise line based in Guilford, has served as treasurer of Guilford Rotary and conducted volunteer work at her church and throughout the Guilford schools.