Patch Candidate Profile: Matt Hoey For Guilford First Selectman

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: Matt Hoey

What office are you seeking?

First Selectman

What town do you live in?

Guilford

Campaign Website

hoeyforguilford.com

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

First Selectman

Family:

My wife, Cheryl, and 3 adult children: Alexandra, Rachel and Matthew.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, but not locally.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Guilford Board of Finance, 1991-2017 — 24 years as Chairman. First Selectman, 2017-present.

Why are you seeking this office?

The Guilford community has given so much to my family, and I’ve spent my adult life trying to give back. Cheryl and I raised our three children here, where they received an outstanding public education and grew up surrounded by neighbors who care. Over the past eight years as First Selectman, I’ve had the privilege of working collaboratively with my colleagues on the Board of Selectmen to preserve, protect, and strengthen all that makes Guilford special — so every family can share in the same opportunity and good fortune that mine has.

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

How to plan for the future: I’ve prioritized smart financial management to keep costs down for taxpayers — which is more important than ever as so many families feel the strain of rising expenses — while maintaining the strong services and quality of life that make Guilford such a special place to call home. The town is also planning for the future as well, making sure we’re building a strong foundation for generations to come.

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

I bring a combination of experience and perspective that matters for this job, including a strong background in municipal finance, senior management experience, and a deep familiarity with how Guilford operates. More importantly, I lead by working with others, building consensus, and keeping our focus on what’s best for the town. I don’t give in to the kind of divisive politics that we’ve seen distract and divide communities elsewhere.

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

I’ll continue focusing on responsible growth, housing that meets the needs of families and seniors, and sound financial management that has earned Guilford one of the highest municipal bond ratings in the state.

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

Over the past eight years, I’ve focused on making Guilford more sustainable, resilient, and prepared for the future. I created the Sustainable Guilford Task Force and led the town to earn recognition from Sustainable CT as a Climate Leader. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I prioritized consistent, transparent communication to keep residents informed and confident that their town was managing resources responsibly. Since taking office, I’ve secured nearly $35 million in state and federal grants for major projects, partnered with The Guilford Foundation to distribute $1 million in ARPA funds to local nonprofits, and acquired key properties for future municipal use and open space. These efforts reflect my commitment to responsible leadership and long-term planning for our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

You learn more by listening than talking. It's among my favorite pieces of advice I was ever given.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I've truly enjoyed serving as your First Selectman and am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from so many residents. Guilford is a special community, and it’s been an honor to help lead it forward. I look forward to continuing this work together. There’s still more to do for the town we love.