This morning Veronica Wallace, a member of the Guilford Board of Selectman since 2005, announced her candidacy to run for first selectman of Guilford on the Democratic ticket. Rounding out Wallace’s slate for the Board of Selectmen will be incumbent Selectman Gary MacElhiney and former three-term first selectman Carl Balestracci

“I was born and raised in Guilford. My children thrived in our exceptional school system,” stated Wallace. “Our natural resources, as well as our historic heritage, are our gifts to our children and grandchildren. I am committed to protecting the quality of life we enjoy in this wonderful town. Yet of paramount importance is respecting the ability of our taxpayers to support needed changes. I believe that Gary MacElhiney, Carl Balestracci, and I have the expertise and understanding of how to balance the two.”

Wallace and her running mates MacElhiney and Balestracci plan to stress economic development, infrastructure, and the environment as key issues. Wallace has been a vocal schools advocate, having supported the renovations of Guilford’s schools and the construction of the new high school. She is also committed to build on her record of open space acquisition.

“Maximizing available funding from both the federal and the state government is key to our successful management of projects. Outside funding keeps us moving forward and keeps our local property taxes down,” she said. “We can’t afford to be complacent and must continue to be alert to improving Guilford’s infrastructure and school services. Our children’s education can’t wait, our seniors can’t wait, our roads can’t wait. It requires innovative thinking to undertake important projects in this economic environment, and I have both the experience and commitment to do that.”

Having served on the Board of Selectmen since 2005, Wallace cites her recent accomplishments as securing federal grants for Jacobs Beach improvements and the marina bulkhead reconstruction to control storm damage. She also supported acceptance of the updated Harbor Management Plan, establishment of the Clean Energy Commission, acquisition of the 600-acre East River Preserve, expansion of the Guilford Library, construction of the new train station as well as the Hubbard and New England Road extensions, the Woodruff Property Day Care Center, and the Emergency Disaster Plan.

Along with serving as selectman since 2005, Wallace is a senior office administrator for a national accounting firm and former chair of the Marina Commission. She is also the chair of the Guilford 375th Anniversary Committee.

Balestracci served as first selectman for three terms. He is a retired teacher and principal in the Guilford system. Gary MacElhiney, a retired financial executive and former chair of both the Guilford Land Acquisition Commission and Shellfish Commission, has been on the Board of Selectman since 2009. Also running are Ken Gamerman and Lou Federici for the Board of Finance, Alan Myers and Chris Moore for the Board of Education, and Dennis Dostert for the Board of Assessment Appeals.