2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Matt Clark, Willington Board Of Selectmen

WILLINGTON, CT — Matt Clark is running for a selectman's seat in Willington.

Candidate's Name:
Matt Clark

What office are you seeking?
First Selectman

What town do you live in?
Willington CT

Campaign Website
http://www.willington-republic...

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
35 years as a market research consultant, now semi-retired

Family:
Married to Allison. We went to our 45 high school reunion this year. My son Matthew is 30. He is a welding foreman and my daughter Laura is law office manager.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
None.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Board of Selectmen. Economic Development Commission. Board of Finance.

Why are you seeking this office?
Willington families deserve stability, not sudden, crushing tax hikes and we deserve an efficient town government that spends taxpayer dollars efficiently.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The most pressing issue facing Willington is balancing spending on needed services against our ability to pay ever increasing taxes. Balancing spending and taxes will be aided by carefully managing operations and spending and taking steps to build our grand list.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have broad private sector experience leading teams working on budgeting, efficiency improvement, system development, and communications. Workable solutions require listening and balancing, not ever increasing spending.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Responsible Spending & Taxation:
Willington families deserve stability, not sudden, crushing tax hikes. The recent large residential tax increase—driven by revaluation—was a clear example of what happens when we fail to protect taxpayers. Republicans supported a four-year phase-in to soften the impact; Democrats opposed it and forced the entire increase at once. As First Selectman, I will fight for fair, responsible budgeting.
Efficient & Accountable Government:
Taxpayers deserve a town government that runs efficiently. I will scrutinize operations and ensure every tax dollar is working for our families. Listening to taxpayers and increasing transparency will be central to my leadership—our residents should always know where their money goes and have a strong voice in how decisions are made.
Supporting Education:
A strong school system is essential to Willington’s future, but school investments must be responsibly sized and budgeted. I support a right-sized school infrastructure project—one that meets student needs without burdening taxpayers with huge costs. Fiscal responsibility and support for public education can and must go hand-in-hand.
Supporting First Responders:
Our fire and EMS first responders keep Willington safe. A properly planned firehouse project will support our first responders while respecting taxpayers.
Balancing Capital Investments:
Willington faces major capital needs, including responsibly scoped and budgeted Hall School and a firehouse projects. Both are important—but both must be done with minimal or no additional tax increases on our residents. As First Selectman, I will carefully balance the size of these competing investments.
Responsible Grand List Growth
The long-term solution to responsible taxation is growing Willington’s grand list. I will actively pursue responsible economic development—welcoming businesses that fit our community while protecting our town’s character and rural charm. Where appropriate, I will also pursue tax stabilization agreements that encourage new business investment, helping Willington grow without shifting the burden onto our residents. By encouraging sustainable growth, we can strengthen our commercial tax base, reduce the pressure on homeowners, and expand opportunities for local jobs and services.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
35 year business career. Record of public service as Selectman, Economic Development Commission member, and Board of Finance member

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"When reaching decisions, spend some time walking in the other guy's shoes. The path forward will become clear." My first hospital client in 1987. "Walking in the other guy's shoes" means having empathy.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
No. I've been fairly thorough.