Patch Candidate Profile: Charles Havrda For Guilford Board Of Selectmen

GUILFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Charles Havrda

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectman

What town do you live in?
Guilford, CT

Campaign Website
https://www.independentguilfor...

Party Affiliation:
Independent Guilford

Occupation:
Retired Business owner

Family:
Wife, Marlene of 53 years, retired 2nd grade teacher Melissa Jones school, son Matthew, PhD Biochemistry; At. Dean Uni. of New England Med sch, son Jonathan Ast Director of Radiology at Maimonides Hosp, Brooklyn NY, 2 Grand daughters students at St Michaels college and Uni. of Vermont

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
no

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Planning and Zoning, Inlands Wetlands, Economic Development, Emergency Service Building Com, 2 Charter Revision Comm, 4 terms Board of Selectman

Why are you seeking this office?
I have many years invested in helping build Guilford into the thriving community that it is. These are challenging times at both the state and National level, but also a time of great opportunity. We do not exist in a vacuum and I want to do my part to ensure Guilford is managed in a transparent, efficient and environmentally respectful way devoid of partisan influences.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Inflation has affected each and every one of us, whether at home where we work and even the community we live in. The cost of operating a community is a balance between the Grand List , Taxes, necessary services and Quality of life our citizens expect and deserve at all stages of their life. To ensure Guilford maintains its affordability requires constant vigilance and foresight. Thru my years of service, I have demonstrated my willingness to put in this effort and am committed to continuing to do so in the future.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My experience in public and private life. I have owned and operated a local business, Chairman of the board of Guilford Savings Bank, served on 7 boards and commissions. I have the experience and willingness to lead this community into a continued successful future

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
There are a number of Town Properties that are in various stages of planning. Each one has different challenges, which will have to be sorted out. Education is a large part of our overall budget. We must ensure that our facilities are safe and conducive learning environment. Housing is becoming an issue as our citizenry shifts to both older and younger populace.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
During My first campaign for BOS, Joe Mazza and I promised to get the issue of building a new high before the voters. We were successful and got the new building built. During my first two terms I was involved in many labor negotiations which resulted in fairer compensation and long-term viability for our employees. I have been a member of the BOS under both Republican and Democratic administrations and demonstrated an ability to work with both for the betterment of the town.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Be a good listener

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am running as an Independent because I want Guilford to be a community we can all be proud of. I cannot always agree with everyone, but I can always respect their point of view.