Looking to understand why to support the Manville ticket?
*This guide offers clear, evolving talking points to support the Manville ticket as we approach Election Day.
This article is for anyone who wants to feel confident talking about why Jeff Manville deserves your vote this November. Whether you’re chatting with neighbors, posting online, or just thinking it through for yourself, these points are here to help.
Jeff Manville isn’t just our First Selectman — he’s a lifelong Southbury guy who’s spent the last decade leading with a steady hand and a listening ear. He’s not flashy, and he’s not chasing headlines. He’s doing the work, day in and day out, to keep Southbury the kind of town we’re proud to call home.
If you’ve ever felt like local government doesn’t hear you, Jeff’s the exception. He’s built a reputation for being approachable, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in what matters to folks here — whether you’ve lived here for generations or just moved in.
Supporting Jeff Manville means backing a kind of leadership that’s rooted in care, common sense, and a real love for Southbury. Let’s talk about why that matters.
Southbury: The Values, The Vision
Jeff Manville didn’t show up with a flashy campaign or a big political machine. He came with deep roots and a relentless determination to become a community leader by example. And over the years, he’s proven to be one of the most valuable leaders this town has ever had.
His connections run deep. Not just the usual ones you’d expect from a First Selectman — business owners, civic leaders, and longtime residents — but generational ties to the families who built Southbury from the ground up. These are the pillars of our community, and Jeff is part of that fabric. When you talk to Jeff, you’re talking to someone whose conscience is shaped by hundreds of years of shared experience. That’s not an exaggeration. It’s something truly special.
But Jeff isn’t stuck in the past. He’s got a clear, thoughtful vision for Southbury’s future — one that respects our character while making room for smart, meaningful progress. He’s talked often about affordability, and he means it. His plans for the Main Street South district reflect that: preserving the charm we all love while exploring ways to add housing above commercial spaces — mixing market-rate and affordable units in a way that protects dignity and strengthens community.
He’s also thinking strategically. By relocating town resources off Main Street South, we open up commercial space that grows our grand list — which means more commercial tax revenue and less burden on residents. It’s a smart move that keeps Southbury affordable and vibrant.
This isn’t just about buildings and budgets. It’s about honoring the voices of people who’ve shared their stories — families who need affordable housing, seniors who want to stay close to home, and young people trying to build a life here. Jeff listens. And he acts.
That’s why he keeps winning elections. Because strong values lead to strong conversations. And strong conversations build strong communities.
Jeff Manville is more than a First Selectman. He’s a steward of Southbury’s past, present, and future. And we’re lucky to have him.
Public Safety: A Bold Step Forward
For years, Southbury operated under the Connecticut State Police Resident Trooper Program. It worked well enough — until it didn’t. Our town grew, our needs changed, and it became clear we had outgrown the model. We needed more oversight, more community connection, and a department that truly belonged to Southbury.
Jeff Manville saw that. He didn’t just talk about change — he led it.
After months of study, public forums, and careful planning, Jeff helped usher in one of the most significant changes in Southbury’s history: the creation of our own independent police department. He supported the referendum that gave voters the final say, and when it passed, he got to work. [www.newstimes.com], [www.southbury-ct.org]
Southbury hired its first-ever police chief, Christopher Grillo, and Deputy Chief Steven Cifone — both committed to building a department rooted in trust, safety, and service. Jeff didn’t just support the transition — he was instrumental in making it happen. He even served as the department’s ex-officio chief during the transition. [www.southbury-ct.org], [www.nbccon…cticut.com] [archives.rep-am.com]
This wasn’t about politics. It was about doing what’s right for Southbury. Jeff understood that public safety isn’t just about responding to emergencies — it’s about building relationships, being visible, and creating a legacy of service that reflects the values of our town.
That’s the kind of leadership Jeff Manville brings. Thoughtful. Courageous. Community-first.
Finance & Budgeting: Built to Last
Southbury didn’t just wake up one day with a AAA bond rating. That kind of recognition takes years of steady, smart financial planning — and it’s something our Finance Board has been working toward for decades. Jeff Manville didn’t start that vision, but he sure embraced it and helped push it across the finish line.
Under Jeff’s leadership, Southbury earned its first-ever AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s. That’s the highest rating a town can get, and it means we’re seen as one of the most financially stable and well-managed municipalities in the state. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about how we run the town, how we plan for the future, and how we treat taxpayer dollars with respect. [www.southbury-ct.org]
Jeff’s approach has always been about discipline and long-term thinking. He’s not chasing short-term wins or flashy projects. He’s focused on keeping Southbury strong, stable, and ready for whatever comes next. That kind of leadership doesn’t just help today — it sets us up for success for decades to come.
Taxes: Let’s Talk About the Realities
We all know taxes are a touchy subject. And after COVID flipped the housing market upside down, a lot of folks—especially retirees in places like Heritage Village—have been hit hard. People who bought a modest condo years ago, thinking they could live comfortably on a fixed income, are now facing new valuations and tax bills that feel overwhelming. It’s not just frustrating—it’s scary.
But here’s the thing: those assessments aren’t something the First Selectman controls. They’re part of a state-mandated process tied to market values. Blaming Jeff Manville for that doesn’t make sense.
What does make sense is recognizing how Jeff responds. He listens. He cares. He doesn’t brush people off or hide behind bureaucracy. If you’ve ever sat down with him or even just spoken up at a meeting, you know—he’s the kind of guy who takes your concerns seriously. That’s not politics. That’s compassion.
And while some folks are struggling, it’s also true that for many homeowners outside HV, taxes have stayed low and steady for years. That’s not luck. That’s the result of careful planning, conservative budgeting, and a long-term commitment to keeping Southbury affordable.
So how do you keep services running strong without raising taxes? That’s where leadership comes in. And Jeff’s got a plan. Keep reading.
Roads & Bridges: We Don’t Cut Corners
Let’s be honest — if you’ve driven through some of the neighboring towns, you know Southbury’s roads and bridges are in a league of their own. It’s not just about paving a few potholes. It’s about doing the job right, with long-term durability and smart planning.
Jeff Manville treats infrastructure like a priority, not an afterthought. He’s hands-on when it comes to overseeing roadwork and bridge maintenance, making sure we’re getting quality work without wasting taxpayer money. That kind of personal oversight has saved Southbury hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. [www.newstimes.com]
We don’t just maintain—we invest wisely. And it shows every time you drive through town.
Staffing: Smart, Practical, and People-Focused
One of the things Jeff Manville has done really well is rethink how we bring people into town government. Instead of hiring full-time staff right out of the gate, he’s introduced part-time “floater” positions — folks who get hands-on experience across different departments, learning the ropes and figuring out where they fit best.
It’s a win-win. The town gets flexible help where it’s needed, and the workers get real exposure to the way Southbury runs. When a full-time spot opens up, these folks are already trained, already familiar, and ready to hit the ground running.
It’s also a smart way to save money. We’re not overstaffing or rushing hires. We’re building a pipeline of capable, experienced people who care about the town and know how to get things done.
That’s the kind of practical leadership Jeff brings to the table — thoughtful, efficient, and always looking out for both the town and the people who serve it.
POCD: Planning with Purpose
Every town in Connecticut is required by law to have a Plan of Conservation and Development — or POCD — updated every ten years. It’s not just paperwork. It’s the blueprint for how we grow, protect, and preserve what makes Southbury special.
If you’ve never heard of it, now’s a good time to get familiar. The POCD is what guides every planning and zoning decision in town. It’s the backbone of how we keep Southbury’s character intact while still making room for thoughtful progress.
The latest POCD was adopted in early 2023, and a lot of folks — myself included — had a hand in shaping it. It reflects what we value: open space, smart development, historic preservation, and a strong sense of community.
Jeff Manville gets it. He understands how important this plan is and what it protects. He’s committed to making sure Southbury stays the kind of town people want to move to — and stay in — for generations. The POCD isn’t just a document. It’s a promise to keep Southbury, Southbury.
Farming: Rooted in Southbury
Jeff Manville isn’t just someone who supports farming — he’s a farmer himself. He grew up on his family’s farm right here in Southbury, and anyone who knows him knows how much he cares about the farming families in our town. It’s not just talk. It’s personal.
Farming is tough. It’s a life of early mornings, unpredictable weather, and razor-thin margins. Yet a handful of families in Southbury have chosen this path — growing food, caring for the land, and keeping alive a tradition that’s part of who we are.
Jeff gets that. He respects it. And he’s made sure that farming stays a priority in town planning and policy. Whether it’s land use decisions, conservation efforts, or just showing up to listen, Jeff stands with our farmers.
Supporting Jeff Manville means supporting the people who work the land — the ones who make Southbury feel like home.
The Legacy and the Choice
Jeff Manville’s leadership isn’t just about what he’s done — it’s about what he stands for. He’s shown us what steady, thoughtful, community-first leadership looks like. He’s proven that you don’t need to be loud to be effective, and you don’t need to be combative to make a lasting impact.
From building a financially sound town to creating our own police department, from preserving farmland to planning for smart growth — Jeff has led with integrity, humility, and heart.
Now, we have a choice.
We can continue building on this foundation with someone who listens, collaborates, and leads with respect. Or we can hand the reins to someone whose public behavior has raised real concerns — someone who has shown a pattern of disregarding respectful discourse, resisting collaboration, and choosing confrontation over conversation, even when offered a chance to engage constructively.
This election isn’t just about policies. It’s about trust. It’s about values. It’s about keeping Southbury strong, safe, and true to itself.
Jeff Manville is the kind of leader who brings people together. He’s earned our respect, and he’s earned our vote.
Let’s keep Southbury moving forward — with Jeff Manville at the helm.