2025 Patch Candiate Profiles: Zachary Scott Reichelt, Mayoral Challenger

MANCHESTER, CT — Zachary Scott Reichelt is the 2025 mayoral challenger in Manchester.

Candidate's Name:
Zachary Scott Reichelt

What office are you seeking?
Mayor

What town do you live in?
Manchester

Campaign Website
https://zachrformayor.com/

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Owner/Founder of Reichelt Construction Since 2012

Family:
My Wife Vanessa and my three kids Hunter, Sam and Norah. They are all in public school, Sam and Norah at Keeney, Hunter attends Bennet. My wife is a 1st grade teacher in South Windsor and is the president of the PTA at Keeney.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes I have been on the Cheney hall foundation, Building Committee, Charter Revision Commission and Two terms on the Board of Directors. First Term Appointed, Second Term Elected.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking to be the net Mayor of Manchester because I love my community, During my time on the Board of Directors we have accomplished many things that I am extremely proud of. But when it comes to the approved street scape plan for Main Street I ultimately believe there should be a referendum and I want to give residents a voice when it comes to Main Street.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is increasing the grand list and I would be seeking to present our town as a more business friendly community to attract more diversified business as a way to grow the grand list. We also have a lot of vacant town owned buildings that need a plan and purpose and I would be prioritizing the sale or development of those properties.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
This is the first time Manchester has had a competitive Mayoral Race. I would say the biggest difference between the other Mayoral Candidate and myself is our stance on the need for a referendum for Main Street. I believe residents deserve the right to a vote for their main street.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I am a large proponent of open space. I know there are large initiatives for Solar and green space seems to be easy for installing solar fields. I think quality of life is directly connected to the quality of land resources and that we would should be cognizant of our local zoning laws.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have been a resident of Manchester my entire life, attending Washington elementary, Bennet Middle School and Manchester High School, I went to college and graduated with a BS in Engineering Management. After graduating I started a business that I own today Reichelt Construction since 2012. During my time running a small business and raising my three children, I have served my community on the Cheney Hall Foundation, Building Committee overseeing the renovation of the schools. I served on the Charter Revision Commission in 2022. I was appointed then elected to the Board of Directors. While a director I served on many commissions but most notably the repurpose schools taskforce, land/historic preservation and the Library Building Committee. Manchester is a wonderful town and I believe my perpetual optimism for Manchester's future is what makes me qualified to be the next Mayor of Manchester.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
If you want to fix something you have to stand up and do it yourself.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Running for Mayor is an incredible experience, I appreciate all the support that I have received.