The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee joined with several other organizations and many volunteers in welcoming the arrival of the holiday season at Parmelee Farm on December 2, 2023. The event was sponsored by the Parmelee Farm Committee and all activities were free to children and their families.
Our table provided an opportunity for children to decorate Christmas tree sugar cookies. It was a bit messy, but the children had fun and took the decorating very seriously. Over a hundred children and a few adults participated. Judging by wishes written on a large card at our table, Killingworth’s children are hoping for peace, love, and snow this holiday season.
The whole day of activities, including pictures with Santa and a wagon ride, symbolized the very best of who we are and what this village of ours represents.
With over 1800 Killingworth children affected and over $45mm dollars spent each year, RSD 17 needs strong leadership and a generous commitment of time from RSD17 Board members. We have accomplished much over the last eight years. There is still much to do and that is why I am running for a third term on the Board of Education.
My name is Suzanne Sack. I am currently the Chair of RSD17 Board of Education and during my tenure, the district faced many challenges. The Board provided community leadership with meaningful results:
First, RSD17 has reached many milestones in academic achievement and received awards of distinction. The most recent was our elementary schools receiving “Top 10 State Schools of Distinction” for academic growth. This was accomplished after the COVID 19 school shutdown; many other schools were reporting meaningful learning and socialization loss at this crucial educational stage. This accomplishment is due in large measure to the teamwork of our staff, parents, students, and the RSD17 Board of Education. The Board distinguished itself by keeping schools fully open as soon as the State Department of Health allowed us to do so – many other districts did not. While in retrospect, this was an excellent decision for our students, at the time, there was worry about the “unknown” and uncertainty about what to do. It is during these difficult times, that leadership makes a difference.
Second, RSD17 enjoys bragging rights for many more academic and athletic accomplishments – all while maintaining one of the lower costs per pupil in the state. Except for the most recent years of significant inflation, the Killingworth community has enjoyed world class education for its children at a modest cost increase each year – meaning little to no tax increases for Killingworth taxpayers.
Third, to sustain all its successes, RSD17’s Board delivered a strategic plan to emphasize:
Student academic achievement and well being
Leadership and staff competence and capability
Operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility
School building renewal
All RSD17 personnel goals and accountabilities are linked to these strategic objectives. Our community schools are positioned for a great future, but there is much critical work to be done within all four of our strategic objectives and the community should elect people who can contribute to the Board of Education to:
Create creative schools of growth
Make excellent, fact-based decisions
Create accountability to expected results
Leave personal agendas at home and lead through the strategic plan
I will be forever grateful for my public education; I attended it through my undergraduate degree, and it gave me a path to the future. I was able to acquire a master’s degree from Columbia University, marry my husband of 35 years, build a career in financial services, and live a fulfilled life in the beauty of Killingworth.
My “pay it forward” is my service on the Board of Education. I believed I’ve served honorably for my first two terms and would be honored to do it for another. Please vote on Tuesday, November 7th.
Join Eric Couture, Democratic candidate for First Selectman, for tea on Thursday morning, Oct 19 (10-11:30am) at the new Bittersweet Bistro in Killingworth, #176 Route 81.
Stop by to share your ideas for the future of our great town!
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)
Killingworth Democratic Town Committee 