2025 Patch Profile: Kristen Marie Guida, Southington Town Council

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Kristen Marie Guida is running for the Southington Town Council as a Democrat.

The following is Kristen Marie Guida's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Kristen Marie Guida

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? Southington

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Director of nursing/advanced practice registered nurse

Family: My husband Jon and I have been married for 24 years. We have four children, Derek, Jared, Kyleigh, and Owen. Kyleigh and Owen attend Southington High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? I work for the State of Connecticut. I am the director of nursing at the CT State Capitol.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I have been a member of Southington's Townwide Effort to Promote Success since 2012 and am a past president.

I have served on the Southington Library Board and Southington's Zoning Board of Appeals as an Alternate commissioner.

I am currently on the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission as an alternate commissioner.

I am a past president of The Connecticut Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Society.

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for Southington Town Council because I care deeply about this community. It's been my home for nearly my entire life.

As a lifelong resident, I am invested in ensuring Southington continues to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.

I believe in thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, and supporting strong public schools and local businesses.

I want to work collaboratively with fellow council members, including local Republicans, to find common ground and make decisions that serve the best interests of all residents.

My goal is to give back to the town that has given me so much and help Southington thrive for generations to come.

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 constituents is the rising cost of living, which affects everything from property taxes to access to essential services.

I intend to address this by supporting responsible budgeting, encouraging smart economic development that broadens our tax base, and investing in infrastructure that attracts businesses while maintaining the character of our town.

By working collaboratively and prioritizing fiscal responsibility, we can ease the burden on families while continuing to provide high-quality schools, public safety, and community services that make Southington such a wonderful place to live.

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

One of the major differences between me and others seeking a position on the Southington Town Council is my unique blend of healthcare, education, and community leadership experience.

As a nurse practitioner and director of nursing at the CT State Capitol, I am trained to listen, assess, and make evidence-based decisions — all skills that translate into effective public service.

My background has taught me how to collaborate across disciplines, advocate for people, and problem-solve under pressure.

Additionally, I bring a proven record of civic engagement and leadership.

I have served as a past president of both STEPS and CTAPRNS, on the Southington Library Board, and as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

These roles reflect my deep investment in Southington's growth and quality of life.

What also sets me apart is my commitment to collaboration over partisanship.

I want to work with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike for the common good of our community.

My focus is always on integrity, transparency, and doing what's best for Southington's residents — ensuring our town continues to thrive for generations to come.

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

Issues that I intend to address during my campaign are civic improvement, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life.

Responsible fiscal management: Keep Southington affordable for working families through balanced budgets, efficient town operations, and smart long-term planning.

Infrastructure and safety: Invest in maintaining and modernizing roads, sidewalks, and public spaces while supporting our police, fire, and emergency responders.

Strong public education: Ensure schools remain well-resourced, inclusive, and innovative so every student can thrive.

Sustainable growth and economic vitality: Encourage thoughtful development that protects neighborhoods, supports local businesses, and expands the tax base responsibly.

Community well-being: Promote public health, recreational opportunities, and environmental stewardship so Southington remains a healthy, welcoming town for all residents.

These issues reflect a commitment to collaboration, transparency, and steady leadership focused on Southington's future.

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

Global and Community Health Leadership: I have participated in three medical missions to rural Haiti, where access to basic necessities such as running water and medical care was limited.

These experiences required teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving under challenging conditions, skills that translate directly to thoughtful, community-focused leadership here in Southington.

Service to Underserved Populations: I have volunteered with Remote Area Medical, providing essential healthcare services to individuals and families in the United States who face barriers to access to healthcare.

This work reinforced my commitment to compassion, equity, and finding practical solutions for people in need.

Professional and Civic Leadership: As the Nursing Director at the CT State Capitol and a practicing nurse practitioner, I have led teams, managed resources, and made evidence-based decisions in high-stakes environments.

I have also served as past president of Southington's Townwide Effort to Promote Success [STEPS], and past president of The Connecticut Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Society [CTAPRNS], as well as a previous member of the Southington Library Board, and a previous alternate commissioner on The Southington Zoning Board of Appeals, and a current alternate commissioner on the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission.

Commitment to Collaboration and Community: Across all of these roles, I have worked collaboratively with diverse groups — educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and residents — to achieve common goals.

I believe the same spirit of service, teamwork, and problem-solving is exactly what effective town governance requires.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I have ever received was, "to lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and always leave things better than when you found them."

This guidance has shaped how I approach both my professional and personal life when caring for patients, mentoring nursing students, or serving my community.

It reminds me that true leadership is not about titles or recognition, but about service, collaboration, and doing what's right even when it's difficult.

I carry that advice with me every day, and it's what motivates me to work hard, stay grounded, and help make Southington an even better place for everyone.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

What I want residents to know is that I am running for Town Council because I truly love Southington.

I have lived here nearly my entire life, raised my family here, and built a career centered on service to others. I care deeply about the people who make this community so special.

I am not running for politics. I am running to make a difference.

My healthcare background has taught me how to listen with empathy, think critically, and work collaboratively under pressure.

My community service — from medical missions to Haiti and volunteer work with Remote Area Medical, to leadership roles on local boards and commissions — reflects my belief in giving back and improving the lives of others.

I want to bring that same compassion, professionalism, and teamwork to Town Council.

My goal is to serve with integrity, work across party lines, and help Southington continue to grow responsibly while preserving the character and values that make it such a great place to call home.