Category: opinion

elections, opinion

Letter to the Editor: In Support of Killingworth Democratic Party Candidates

The following letter was published in HKNow.com on September 18, 2023

I write today to share my endorsement of the slate of candidates for the Killingworth Democrats. This group of highly qualified individuals, including cross-endorsed candidates, represents experience, commitment to service, and ideas prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

The team is led by Eric Couture and Joel D’Angelo for First Selectman and Selectman. Both have experience on our Board of Education and science backgrounds. Those factors, coupled with their proven fiscal responsibility, will be crucial in understanding two major issues before our town, school infrastructure and organization, and PFAS mitigation.

Donna Dupuis as Treasurer has already served successfully in this position. She brings her 36 years as town resident and former AT&T manager in various financial and customer service positions to this office.

Michelle Nuhn has served as Tax Collector for the past 16 years and has established a record of accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail that has resulted in a collection rate approaching 100%.

The team of Suzanne Sack and Nelson Rivera, both incumbents running for re-election to the Board of Education, bring over a decade of experience with the board while professionally bringing senior financial management and education administration as well. Jen Voegtli, running for the first time, brings a new energy to the BOE as a biochemist and molecular biologist with experience as an HK RSD-17 volunteer, teacher and parent.

For Board of Finance, Marcel Couture, 30-year resident, has served successfully for the past 8 years where through his conservative fiscal leadership we have experienced very low increases in the town budget. Bill Kosturko, a Yale graduate and running for the first time, brings better than 30 years of executive level banking administration.

Carolyn Anderson, a 20 year resident, is running for Board of Assessment Appeals. She brings experience and credentials. A Boston College graduate with an MBA from UConn, Carolyn formerly served on the Board of Finance as well as several other civic and volunteer organizations.

Tom Hogarty is running for his third term for the Planning & Zoning Board.  This is an area where experience really matters.  Not only does Tom bring better than 8 years of experience in Killingworth, he served in zoning administration and enforcement roles in other towns. Also running for P&Z is Mike Sarlin.  Mike brings a commitment to maintaining the rural character of Killingworth.  A proven business leader, Mike served as part of the successful Pathfinders team as treasurer during the acquisition and preservation of the Deer Lake Camp.  Alec Martin, running as P&Z Alternate, compliments this team with experience in architecture and design with a passion for maintaining the ambiance of Killingworth.

Ben Charney and Mark McCormack are running for Zoning Board of Appeals.  Ben brings experience having successfully served this board as alternate.  Mark brings new energy and ideas with a strong background in land use and a passion for the character that is Killingworth.  William “Bill” Joyce is running as Alternate.  Bill, a Beechwood resident, has demonstrated leadership championing the establishment of the town’s Fair Housing Commission.  A former beef farmer, Bill understands the need for a balance of the rights of property owners and the health of the environment.

Michael Reimers, running for Board of Fire Commissioners, brings fiscal management experience with strong support for our vital first responders.

It is without hesitation that I endorse this slate of candidates.  This letter highlights only the surface of the experience, qualifications, and commitment of this slate. Please join me and vote Row A on November 7th.

Louis Annino, Jr.

Letter to the Editor: In Support of Killingworth Democratic Party Candidates
elections, opinion

Letter to the Editor: In Support of Bill Kosturko for Killingworth Board of Finance

The following letter was published in HKNow.com on September 2, 2023

I am writing this letter in support of Bill Kosturko, a candidate for Killingworth’s Board of Finance.  His experience in the financial world makes him uniquely qualified for the position. Bill is a retired banking lawyer and his decision to seek election for this crucial role reflects a desire to contribute his expertise to local governance.

Bill’s background is in banking law, a field that demands precision, attention to detail, and an in-depth understanding of financial regulations. Over the years, Bill honed his legal skills in navigating the complexities of the banking industry, dealing with matters ranging from compliance to mergers and acquisitions. He accumulated a vast knowledge of financial systems that provides him with a perspective on how these systems impact individuals and communities.

Bill’s campaign is not solely about his professional background; it also reflects his commitment to civic engagement. During both career and retirement, Bill has served as chair of several professional associations, governmental bodies, and non-profit organizations.

If elected to the BOF, Bill will bring a perspective that blends legal expertise and financial insight. His experience in dealing with complex financial matters during his legal career equips him to assess budgets critically, evaluate financial proposals, and ensure fiscal responsibility. His proven ability to communicate effectively will contribute to constructive discussions and informed decision-making within the board.

As the 2023 election approaches, Killingworth residents will have the opportunity to choose a candidate who not only understands financial intricacies, but also values the role of local governance in shaping their collective future.  Please join me in voting for Bill in the November 7, 2023 election.

Marcel Couture, Killingworth

(Marcel Couture is a member of the Killingworth Board of Finance)

elections, opinion

Letter to the Editor: In Support of KDTC Candidates for Board of Education

The following letter was published in HKNow.com on September 13, 2023

The Regional School District 17 Board of Education demands a great deal of time, work and commitment. We often have big decisions to make which come with the pressure of their effect on our district’s children and our community’s wallets. It is crucial that we have a well-functioning Board with committed members. All three Killingworth Democratic Town Committee (KDTC)-endorsed candidates have my full support because they bring that to the table.

Board Chair Suzanne Sack is up for re-election, and her record of dedication and hard work speaks for itself. It is not an exaggeration to say that our Board could not run the same way without Suzanne. I have yet to see someone as committed to a volunteer position as she is. Suzanne brings knowledge and experience to the Board that are crucial to its running effectively and efficiently.

As the principal of Vinal Technical High School and parent of young children, Board member Nelson Rivera has a unique understanding of the needs of schools in our changing world. He brings an educated and rational perspective to every discussion and is a vital member of the current Board. It will greatly benefit our district and community to reelect Nelson this November.

Jen Voegtli is running as a new member of the BOE and will be a fantastic asset. She is an active community member and parent of two children in the school system. As a trained scientist, she has a pragmatic approach to problem solving and will bring a fresh perspective to the Board. Jen brings an intense dedication to everything she does.

Suzanne Sack, Nelson Rivera, and Jen Voegtli all have my support for the available Killingworth seats on RSD17 Board of Education, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the future.

Lisa Connelly, Killingworth

Lisa Connelly is a member of the RSD 17 Board of Education.

community, elections, opinion

Letter to the Editor: Town Charter is Killingworth’s Law

The following letter was published October 28, 2021 in Haddam-Killingworth News

Whether a Killingworth selectman may legally hold another office is currently in dispute. The Killingworth Town Charter clearly says, “No member of the Board of Selectmen shall, during his/her term in office, hold or be appointed to any other office, board, commission, or position of employment in the government of Killingworth. . . .” The Town Attorney has given his legal opinion that membership on the RSD17 Board of Education is, in fact, holding an office in the government of Killingworth.

Lately, some are arguing that we should “let the voters decide.” The fact is, we have a Town Charter that was adopted by the voters. It is Killingworth’s “constitution.” A vote in a particular election does not allow you to violate that constitution.

Indeed, the passage I just quoted was not only in the current charter; it was in the preceding charters since the first one, adopted in 1981. I know; I was on the commission that drafted Killingworth’s first charter. Killingworth voters have adopted this language three times. The voters have decided already.

There is a procedure in place, under state law, to change that decision. It is called Charter Revision, and ironically, it was this procedure that brought the disputed provision of our current charter to light. Unless and until a revised charter is approved by town vote, the current charter is the law.

Joan Gay

Killingworth

community, elections, opinion

Letter to the Editor: Proud to endorse Democratic slate

The following letter was published in H-K Now on October 14, 2021.

It is often said that all politics is local, a saying which highlights the importance of our upcoming local elections. Along with stone walls and town meetings, participatory democracy holds a revered and iconic place in historic Killingworth. This fall’s election cycle is no exception.

The 2021 Democratic slate in Killingworth is one I am proud to endorse. It includes tried and true candidates with years of experience in the positions they are again seeking and several new candidates who bring their own special strengths and work backgrounds to the slate.

Our ticket is headed by a dynamic duo running for selectmen, Lou Annino, Jr. and Jamie Young. Lou is running for his sixth term as selectman after years serving the town as Commissioner of Planning and Zoning. He is an executive administrator at the University of New Haven and a Registered Professional Engineer. Lou knows the importance of long-term planning, our town’s infrastructure, and the need for fiscal responsibility. Jamie will bring years of legal experience in state government,  environmental issues, and mediation to the position. She has a knack for focusing on the essence of an issue and defusing tense situations. Both Jamie and Lou have volunteered in different capacities over the years as a natural part of living in our community.

From the experienced to those stepping up for the first time, our candidates know that working together works for all. They are part of the Democratic ticket because they want to solve problems and plan for Killingworth’s future. They are happy to reach out to others to get the job done.

Please join me in voting for Lou and Jamie as selectmen as well as the rest of the Democratic ticket. Vote Row A all the way on November 2.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Amoia

Killingworth

community, elections, opinion

Letter to the Editor: A highly qualified and energetic candidate

The following letter was published October 13, 2021 in H-K Now.

Jamie Young would be a great selectman for Killingworth. She is an attorney who has experience in industry as well as state government, having served as Associate Legal Counsel to Governor Rell and in the DEEP under Governor Malloy. She has a very positive, energetic attitude and is a joy to work with.

She and her husband Brian have lived In Killingworth for 23 years. She has been active in several local organizations including the KWO and KVFC Auxiliary, and she is dedicated to conserving Killingworth’s environment. I know the family and have served on the ZBA with Brian for many years. They have three boys—one of whom is a student director of the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust—and together are a delightful and respected family. Cathy Iino has been actively supporting Jamie’s candidacy and says “she would be a terrific selectman. No one is more diligent than she is about getting all the facts and considering the various angles of a project.” The fact that Cathy is so enthusiastic about Jamie also means that a transition to a new administration would be a very smooth one—a significant benefit for the town.

On November 2nd please vote for Jamie Young and Lou Annino, Jr. for Board of Selectmen. If you would prefer, absentee ballot applications are now available at Town Hall and on line at townofkillingworth.com.

Bruce Dodson

Killingworth

activism, opinion

An Unsuitable GOP Speaker

The Hartford Courant published a letter by Cathy Iino, first selectman of Killingworth, on August 8. 

Courant.com

View PDF of digital edition

 

A confederation of Republican town committees invited Michelle Malkin to address them on Thursday in Haddam. Their choice of speaker tells us that our local Republican party is fully on board with the Trump administration’s message of hate.

Just one example of Malkin’s extreme and callous views: Malkin claims that the internment of women, men, and children of Japanese descent during World War II was vindicated by reports that Japan tried to recruit agents among people of Japanese origin living in the U.S. Historians have debunked her account, but even if it were correct, it would not justify incarcerating an entire group on the basis of their ethnicity. That is, by definition, a racist policy.

After 9/11, President Bush made it clear that America did not see Muslims or the Islamic faith as our enemy. That was a bright spot in his administration—one I particularly appreciated as the child of a father who, as an American teenager, was sent with his family to an internment camp. From there, he volunteered for the U.S. Army and was decorated for valor.

I am sorry to learn that local Republicans think Malkin represents what their party stands for.