As friends and neighbors who have known Eric Couture for many years, we urge Killingworth voters to elect him First Selectman this November 7.
Eric knows Killingworth. He grew up here, learning in our schools, competing on our sports teams, and hiking our trails. That gives him a deep understanding of the impact growth and change have had on our town, and how important it is to preserve its unique character.
Eric knows politics. From his university political science studies to his 4-year tenure in Research and Communications for the Democratic Party, his broad base of political experience equips him not only to lead Killingworth locally, but to represent us effectively in Hartford as well.
Eric knows local government. With years of service as a member of the RSD17 Board of Education tasked as liaison with the Killingworth Board of Selectmen, and as a member of the Killingworth Energy Task Force, Eric is well prepared to navigate complex regulations, policies, and issues. That means he’ll be ready from day one as our First Selectman.
Eric knows commitment. The role of First Selectman is a full-time job that demands full-time commitment to all of our residents. Eric will make it his only job. As First Selectman, he will devote all his attention and energy to his immediate responsibilities and beyond. His dedication will extend to fostering communication, forging alliances, and building consensus for the well- being of everyone in our community.
Please join us in supporting Eric Couture for First Selectman, and casting your vote for him on Tuesday, November 7.
My name is Eric Couture, and I am the Democratic candidate for First Selectman in Killingworth
My family first moved to town 30 years ago, my parents deciding that its school district and rural aesthetic would be a great place to raise their children. After graduating from Haddam Killingworth High in 2007, I attended Rochester Institute of Technology earning a degree in Physics and Political Science. Since then, I have worked in Hartford in a political capacity, learning how Hartford works and how to use that knowledge to best serve our town’s interests. At that time, I also served on the Board of Education, on the Facilities, Policy, and Curriculum committees as well as the High School Renovation Project’s building committee. As I did when I was a student, I learned an immeasurable amount about how our community comes together to solve the issues we face.
I’m running for First Selectman because I believe in giving back to the community in which you are raised and live. This community taught me to be humble, kind-hearted, thoughtful, and respectful and those are the values I will bring to town hall. I’m committed to hearing community input on what matters to us and making sure that everyone’s viewpoint is heard.
I’m also running because I see the challenges we face as a community and believe that we need to take a long-term approach to how we handle them so we can adapt Killingworth to the 21st century in our own way.
Addressing housing affordability to keep our young families and our elderly in town or finding solutions to our aging school infrastructure will require working in concert with both Hartford and our Regional School district. Both issues require patience and consensus building.
Fortunately, we live in a town which has a strong tradition of volunteering to handle the issues which face us. From the Fire House and Ambulance Association to the great work done at Parmelee Farm and Deer Lake, when the town needs people to step up and act, we have great support. Our town thrives and stands out because the people who live here can be counted on to step up to the challenges our town faces.
It’s my view that as we maintain our civility and recognize our shared stewardship of Killingworth, we can accomplish whatever Killingworth needs to prepare for and adapt to the future.
It would be my honor to serve as First Selectman, and I hope I can earn your vote on November 7th .
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.
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)
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.
A great way of showing your support for local Democrats is to display yard signs for our candidates during campaign season. The signs are free and a KDTC volunteer will deliver to homes in town.
Killingworth Democratic Town Committee 