Patch Candidate Profile: Sandra Ruoff 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:
Sandra J. Ruoff

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in?
Guilford

Campaign Website
https://guilforddemocrats.org

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Professional Librarian, 47 years

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes. Elected member of the Board of Selectmen for two 4-year terms. I am seeking a third term.

Why are you seeking this office?
I believe that I work well with all groups of people. I believe I can continue to contribute energy and thoughtfulness to local government.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Home affordability. I am on Guilford's Affordable Housing Commission and have been a member for 10 years. This commission is slowly but surely creating housing at varied price points.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My 40 years at the Guilford Free Library (10 years as Assistant Director and 30 as Director) has given me extensive background in all aspects of town government.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
As a member of the Board of Selectmen, I have and will continue to scrutinize all municipal expenses, balancing town improvements versus taxpayer costs.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Creating an Affordable Housing Commission from an existing committee. I also managed an $8 million library expansion project which included a fundraising goal of $1 million.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
If a project or plan fails the first time, don't give up. Look for a compromise or workaround to the original proposal.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I care deeply about listening to all points of view of Guilford residents. I believe in trying to come to a reasonable compromise on most issues.