matt plourd

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our community on the Newington Town Council. Newington is my hometown and my pride and joy, where I was raised just down the street from where my dad grew up. Our community has shaped who I am — and it is a privilege to give back to the town that gave me and my family so much.

In a time when division is louder than dialogue, I’ve made it my mission to listen — deeply, honestly, and with respect. I believe good government starts with understanding the needs of our neighbors above all else, and then using good arguments and good data, not needless political games, to find pragmatic solutions that push us forward. Whether helping residents navigate local services, finding common ground on tough issues, or making sure every voice is heard, I lead by bringing people together — not driving them apart. And, I always stand up for our shared values when they’re under attack.

That’s how we’ve made progress: investing in our schools, increasing funding in Human Services and programs at the Senior & Disabled Center that serve our most vulnerable, protecting our public safety heroes, cutting waste, and passing stronger oversight rules and tighter constraints for how we spend taxpayers hard-earned dollars and construct public buildings — all by focusing on shared values and pragmatic solutions. And, as a townie myself, I’ve found common cause across the aisle fighting to preserve what makes Newington special — our historic buildings, our small businesses, our neighborhood parks and open space — while working to ensure our town remains welcoming for the next generation.

Finally, as a young person, I also feel the weight and frustration of the housing crisis everyday — a crisis affecting us all. While the dream of homeownership — once our community’s most enduring way to build stability and generational wealth — feels further and further out of reach for many, we can’t wait for rescue. We need solutions that meet the moment, right here in Newington: thoughtful development that fits our community, stronger protections for tenants, more coordinated care for the unhoused, and the courage to stand up to big corporate developers. Housing is a human right, and I’m committed to doing everything we can to make Newington more affordable for seniors, young people, and working families.

I look forward to meeting you at your door, hearing your ideas, and earning your trust to continue serving you and your family.