Patch Candidate Profile: Mark Moyher Orange First Selectman

ORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Matt Moyher, 60, is running to be the First Selectman of Orange as a Democratic candidate.

Moyher holds an accounting and finance degree from Fairfield University. His occupation is vice president and head trader.

Moyher’s family includes his wife of 28 years Ilene and while they have no children, Moyher said they love spending time with their nieces and cousins.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Volunteering in my community has inspired me to run for First Selectman as I see an opportunity to move the town forward for everybody. I'm a moderate Democrat who looks towards working with both sides to achieve common goals. This is how politics was done when I was growing up and I'm saddened how far-removed government has become in working together to serve as many people as possible.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is __, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We currently face the pressures of inflation and taxes. I believe that our town's constant high fund balance is a result of overtaxing the residents and I would like to review the effects of the upcoming revaluation that will have an adverse impact on our tax structure to see how we can phase it in to lessen the overall impact for everyone.

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

I believe we need to create a commercial development plan in collaboration with our community and business owners to make the best choices for the future of the Post Road. I will make sure we support education and the budget for our schools. I will look to make sure we are investing the right amount into keeping our infrastructure of roads and town buildings up to date and safe for everyone.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I believe the incumbent is satisfied with keeping the town in neutral. There has been little done to upgrade and modernize our town buildings. There has not much support for the Amity school budget that gets criticized for their surplus when our town runs a much higher than needed fund balance. There is no effort to collaborate on big issues with the community for input from our bright residents who want to get involved.

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

I will look into maintaining and upgrading our recreational areas, especially the trails and tracks of the open spaces that need maintenance. I will update the communication with our community by upgrading the town website and how quickly we disseminate information to our residents on key issues. I want to meet and work with everyone in a bi-partisan way to do what's best for our kids and all of our town residents.

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

I have 39 years of business experience in the financial industry, and I've been a supervisor for more than 30 years. My understanding of business, budgeting and finance more than qualifies me for this position. I'm in constant communication with clients, trust officers and operations departments so I am well versed on handling many different business situations. I have acquired several security licenses over the years in order to further my desire to learn and improve my knowledge.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To be confident that you don't need to have all the answers when asked a question. It's best to seek help from more knowledgeable people in order to get things done right and that there's no weakness in doing that.

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

I will make sure we remain fiscally sound with solid budgeting. I am proud to live in a town with such a rich history and I will support our Historical Society to continue their efforts to preserve this history, not only for current, but future generations as well. I volunteer my time as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Orange Recycling Committee and participate with other volunteer organizations when I can. I'm very approachable and I look forward to working with everyone to achieve the goals our residents want from their town leaders. I will respect everyone's point of view and work hard for our community.

Does your campaign have a website?

morewithmoyher.com