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04/19/2017 12:00 AMGUILFORD — On Wednesday, Guilford Board of Finance Chairman Matt Hoey announced he would run for First Selectman in this November’s election.
“I’ve spent the last twenty-five years serving our community as a coach, volunteer and chairman of the Board of Finance. I’m running for First Selectman to use my experience and passion for serving my neighbors to lead Guilford into an even more prosperous future,” said Hoey.
Hoey has served on the Board of Finance since 1991 and has been chairman since 1993. In that time, Hoey created a bi-partisan, collaborative culture between the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Board of Education which resulted in the creation of a healthy rainy day fund to help the Town of Guilford protect itself from the effects of an economic downturn and countless successful capital projects completed, including the new high school, which was built under budget and on time.
A lover of the outdoors, Hoey set out to improve the quality of life in Guilford by working with the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance to establish the Land Acquisition bond fund that enabled the town to acquire and preserve open space. His efforts and ability to bring people together to preserve open space also allowed the town to protect the beloved Goss property.
As chairman of the Board of Finance, Hoey has been a strong advocate for Guilford’s seniors. After hearing that more and more seniors on fixed incomes were finding it difficult to stay in Guilford after raising their families here, Hoey ensured the Board of Finance played a prominent role in solving this problem and supported the formation of a bi-partisan committee that established the town’s Senior Tax Freeze program which allowed thousands of seniors to stay in their homes.
“Guilford is an incredible community. My wife Cheryl and I have been lucky to call this town home for many years and to have raised our children here with the support of a great school system. I want to make sure that same opportunity is open to all our residents,” said Hoey.
His announcement comes after Tuesday’s successful passage of the town referendum.
“The passage of Tuesday’s referendum is encouraging to me because it shows that the majority of Guilford citizens have confidence in the direction we are moving as a town. Yet, I also know that we have more work to do. I look forward to getting out and sharing my ideas on how we can continue to make Guilford an even better town and listening to the voters between now and Election Day. With the support of my neighbors, I will work to continue to move Guilford forward as one of the most desirable places to live, work and play in Connecticut,” explained Hoey.
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