Manville Seeks Re-Election As Southbury's First Selectman

The following release is from Jeffrey Manville's campaign:

SOUTHBURY, CT — Southbury First Selectman Jeffrey Manville announced this week that he will seek a fourth term as First Selectman. He also announced that he is running for re-election with a strong team of candidates who will work collaboratively together with him and other members of the Board of Selectmen to continue to move Southbury forward. The slate includes incumbent Selectman Jason Buchsbaum as well as Holly Sullivan, and Gregory Kuehn. They will all seek the endorsement of the Republican Caucus that will take place in July. All Southbury Republicans are encouraged to attend the Caucus and support this team of candidates.

During the announcement, Manville discussed the many accomplishments of his first three terms in office. In his six years in office, the Town budget and tax rate have remained steady, while the Town has continued to provide high quality services. Most recently, Moody’s increased the Town’s credit rating, a key sign of sound fiscal management. Southbury’s parks are well maintained, the life of Southbury’s roads has been extended, and police officers have been hired to fully staff the department. During this time, the Town has also added a full-time Economic Development Director and Emergency Management Director, both of whom played key roles during the difficulties of the past year as Southbury responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, while assisting and continuing to attract business to come to Southbury. Despite the many challenges of the past year, Southbury has flourished and remains an ideal location to live, work, raise a family and retire.

Jeffrey Manville is a lifelong Southbury resident. He resides in town with his wife Barbara and has three adult children. Manville said of his tenure and the team he has assembled to move Southbury forward: “I am proud of all that we have accomplished over these last six years. Our community has endured a number of challenges, and each time we came out ahead and better than we were before. I am confident that this team of candidates will work together in a respectful manner to provide the leadership that our town needs.”

Jason Buchsbaum is seeking reelection to a fourth term on the Board of Selectmen. He is a member of the Town’s Local Emergency Planning Committee and has served as the Selectmen Liaison to the Library Board (2015-2020), Tree Committee and Historic Building Committee. He is a municipal and litigation attorney, and regularly represents and advises municipalities, including their selectmen, boards and commissions. Given this experience, he brings a unique perspective to the role of Selectman. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the 2013-2014 Charter Revision Commission. Jason has two children who attend Region 15 schools. As to his time in office, Jason stated, “It has been an honor and a privilege to engage in public service as a member of the Board these past six years. I believe government is most effective when leaders work together cooperatively and respectfully, while putting the interest of its citizens above all else. I look forward to serving with this highly qualified and motivated team of candidates who are dedicated to working together in a positive and proactive manner to achieve results in the best interests of our community.”

Holly Sullivan brings her background as a human resources professional with more than a decade of experience in her field to the role of Selectman. For many years, Holly volunteered as a member of Southbury’s Human Resources Committee. Holly serves as president of Connecticut’s pre-eminent Second Amendment organization with more than 40,000 members. She has proven herself as a thoughtful and respected leader in her community and nationally. She has been recognized as the only female in the country leading a state-level Second Amendment non-profit. Holly is a single mother raising a seven-year-old daughter in Southbury who attends Region 15 schools. Holly is looking forward to getting to work for the people of Southbury, “I understand the importance of solid schools, responsible spending and a vibrant community. As a single working mother, I also realize and share in the challenges Southbury families face and am committed to ensuring that our town is an affordable, welcoming place to call home.”

Gregory Kuehn has over 15 years of experience in the electrical utility industry and has worked in both union leadership and management positions. He also has extensive emergency management and response training and experience. He currently serves as an Alternate Member of the Southbury Planning Commission. He is a member of the South Britain Congregational Church and regularly volunteers his time to the Church, including the Church’s annual Apple Festival and served as the Church’s webmaster for many years. He has lived in Southbury since 2009 with his wife Mimi and has five beautiful grandchildren. Greg will bring his respectful, collaborative work ethic to the Board, “I’m excited to engage the people of our town, listening, learning and leading in a way that recognizes and respects our differences. I love Southbury and look forward to serving our community, embracing change that is meaningful for our collective future, and helping to be a part of the positive work that can be done together.”

Southbury Republicans will select their candidates for the November election at a caucus that will be held in July. The date and location of the caucus will be announced soon. All Southbury Republicans are encouraged to attend and vote at the Caucus.