2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Mike Makuch​, Willington First Selectman

WILLINGTON, CT — Mike Makuch is running for Willington First Selectman.

Candidate's Name:
Mike Makuch

What office are you seeking?
1st Selectman

What town do you live in?
Willington

Campaign Website
https://www.makuch4willington....

Party Affiliation:
Democrats

Occupation:
Fire Marshal

Family:
Wife and 4 school aged children and 1 college student child

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
N/a

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Selectman in Willington from 1/23-11/23, board of finance Nov 2017-Jan 2023, many committees and boards

Why are you seeking this office?
Desire to serve my hometown at a key time when infrastructure is in need of care, we face economic development challenges, and our tricentennial is being planned.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Tax impact of the need to fix schools and fire stations is a critical issue right now. We need to be sure to get the most effective solutions, with the most outside funding possible, to reduce the impact on tax-payers, many who are on tight and fixed budgets. We also need to be sure that our government is communicating clearly and in a timely fashion to accomplish this.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have a lifetime commitment to Willington from cub scouts to 40+ years of volunteering in the local fire department. I have served on many boards and committees. I have significant management, construction project management, fire and life safety code, and large budget (capital and operating) experience to draw from. I am a strong communicator and team builder.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Public safety/emergency management, town hall operational efficiency and effectiveness, capital planning, economic development, promotion of volunteering in town, community building, senior and retirement housing, and jobs in town.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Because of successes, I have been assigned multiple times to bring a troubled work group or department back together through trust building, honest communication, and fair treatment. I have managed hiring, developing, and even firing of employees. I have worked with staff across many disciplines, in multiple bargaining units as well as management exempt, supervising up to 65 people. Many peak budget management experience was being directly responsible for $10m per year of operational, capital, and deferred maintenance funding in a large institutional setting, while also serving on the board of finance in Willington with care over development of the annual operating budget of $16m.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
People have a long memory for what they think you did wrong, and a short memory for what they thing you did well, so learn what they want, and be ready to do it or defend the decision not to.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Willington is my home town and I don't say that because it's a fact. It really is a feeling for me. I have served Willington's people on their worst days through the fire and EMS services in our town for decades, through which I have built trust and have gained an understanding of people of every description in our community. I went to our schools. I watched my parents serve on boards and committees in Willington. I work in another municipal town hall, which I love...but it's not home -Willington is. I want to work day in and day out to keep what's great and build upon that in careful ways.