Candidate for Board of Finance | 2021
I am Annie Stirna and I am running for re-election to the Board of Finance. I have lived in Killingworth for over 20 years and joined in the volunteer efforts that are the lifeblood of this town. I am a Board Member of the Killingworth Division of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Chairwoman of the Alternative Housing Committee, and I was recently appointed to the Economic Recovery Committee. I have been a Rotarian for many years and I work with refugee resettlement. These activities represent my personal commitment to my town and the surrounding area.
I am a proud mom to two sons and a doting nana to a six year old grandson starting kindergarten in Rhode Island and four year old boy/girl twins who live right here in town.
I am extremely proud of my work on the Board of Finance over the past four years. The mill rate remained stable and the general fund continued to grow. This kept our town fiscally healthy while ensuring the town continued to operate at the highest level of efficiency even as we were challenged with a worldwide health crisis.
My work experience is directly related to the position I am seeking on the Board of Finance. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern Connecticut State University. For the last twenty five years I have been self-employed as Stirna Business Services providing accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, budgeting and business analysis to individuals and mid-size businesses. Previously I worked as a corporate controller for Inland Book Company, Hunter’s Ambulance Service and TPA Books which is the owner of Atticus Bookstores and Chabaso Bakeries. Previously, I worked in a mid-size public accounting firm specializing in auditing and commercial tax areas.
I am very familiar with budgets, financial spread sheets, balancing revenues with capital and operating expenses. I am fiscally conservative in the best sense of the term as most accountants tend to be and will diligently carry out my responsibilities if you honor me with your support on November 2.
Candidate Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Annie Stirna and I am running for reelection to the Board of Finance. I have lived in Killingworth for over 20 years. I am very active in volunteer efforts that are the lifeblood of this town. I am a Board member of the Killingworth Division of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Chairwoman of the Alternative Housing Committee, and I was recently appointed to the Economic Recovery Committee. I have been a Rotarian for many years and I work with refugee resettlement. I have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, worked in a midsized public accounting firm for several years and then as Controller for Hunter’s Ambulance, Inland Book Company, and TPA Books owner of Atticus Bookstores and Chabaso Bakeries. I have been a self-employed accountant for over 20 years. I am a proud mom to two sons and a doting nana to a six year old grandson who is starting kindergarten in Rhode Island and four year old twins who live right here in town.
Why are you running for the position?
I have truly enjoyed these past four years working in a bipartisan manner for the good of the town. As a fiscal conservative I am extremely proud of keeping the mill rate stable and continuing to grow the general fund. A lean budget kept our town fiscally heathy while ensuring the town continued to operate at the highest level of efficiency even as we were challenged with a worldwide health crisis.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Important issues of the upcoming term will be the Economic Recovery Funds. Bipartisan representation of the Board of Finance is important to the oversight of this committee. Also, I feel it is important to address the repair and possible replacement of the aging Town Hall and Fire Stations. We should stay the course on maintaining our roads, recreational facilities, and continue to fund at the highest level our social service organizations such as HKYFS, HK Recreation, Parmelee Farm, and the Library for the good of our townsfolk.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
I love the rural nature and open space of our town. I love that neighbors help neighbors and when we have no power for days we can always count on each other for what we need. I especially appreciate all of the volunteer organizations-KWO, Helping Hands, HK Backpack Program, Killingworth Land Trust, Lion’s Club-who work for the good of all townspeople.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
I feel my financial background in both public and private accounting and four years of experience on the Board of Finance make me uniquely qualified for this position. I hope you will honor me with your vote for reelection on November 2.
Letter to the Editor
The following Letter to the Editor was published in H-K Now on October 13, 2021.
It has been my privilege to serve on the Killingworth Board of Finance for the past 4 years with Annie Stirna. There is often a learning curve when one joins a municipal board such as our town’s Board of Finance. However, Annie’s professional experience in providing accounting, budget analysis and business analysis to area businesses and individuals provided her with an invaluable base of knowledge and understanding to seamlessly transition to this position.
Over the course of the past four years, I have watched Annie pivot into the role of a leader on the Killingworth Board of Finance. Annie’s preparation for Board discussions on the town’s economic choices is unparalleled. She has proven to be an attentive listener but also a fierce advocate for her positions in favor of the town’s taxpayers. I know she will continue to lead and be a taxpayer advocate over the next four years.
Our town has benefitted from Annie Stirna’s steady and informed leadership on the Killingworth Board of Finance. We need her to continue this work on behalf of our town.
I am pleased to recommend Annie Stirna to my fellow residents for re-election to the Killingworth Board of Finance.
Very truly yours,
Robert T. Rimmer
Killingworth
Killingworth Democratic Town Committee 