We reached out to both the Killingworth Republican Town Committee and the Killingworth Democrat Town Committee and asked candidates to respond to a set of questions; if a candidate did not respond, their name is listed, so that you know who is running for each office.
Updates from all candidates are welcome, and will be published as Letters to the Editor. The questions posed to the candidates were:
Michele Nuhn (Democrat)
My name is Michele Nuhn. I have served as the Tax Collector for the Town of Killingworth since 2007. I am a lifelong Killingworth resident and a graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School. I hold an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. As Tax Collector for the last 12 years, I have established a record of accuracy and efficiency. I am a Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector, which takes three years of classes and on the job training to achieve. In addition, I am currently taking classes towards becoming a Certified Connecticut Municipal Official. I am currently serving my second term as Treasurer for the Middlesex County Tax Collector’s Association. I have 11 years of banking experience, including management positions. I also spent one year working as Assistant Town Clerk, ran a home daycare business for several years and taught preschool at the Killingworth Nursery School.
I have enjoyed working as Tax Collector for the last 12 years. I have always liked working with facts and figures and I enjoy working with the public. I would love to continue serving the Town of Killingworth in the position of Tax Collector.
I know that keeping the mill rate low is important to many residents. Some people may think that the Tax Collector’s Office is able to dictate what taxes will be paid and how much will be paid, but we really don’t have a say in that. The Board of Finance sets the mill rate, the Assessor’s Department sets the assessment, and that’s how the taxes are calculated. The Tax Collector’s Office adheres to CT State Statutes on how it collects the funds and turns them over each month to the Town Treasurer. I try to keep the office on a personal and friendly level, but still maintain professionalism and adhere to the statutes. I strive to administer the laws of Connecticut fairly and impartially. I take pride in doing my job efficiently and accurately in order to maintain a high collection rate. Killingworth’s high collection rate allows us to keep our mill rate down and our credit rating up.
As I mentioned, I am a lifelong Killingworth resident. Growing up in town, I knew that I wanted to be able to raise my family in town, as well. My husband Todd and I have enjoyed raising our daughters, Alexis and Mikayla, in Killingworth. We enjoy the rural nature of the town. But most of all we love the sense of community in town. People in town are always willing to set aside any differences they may have and work together to help others when needed.
Jennifer Torello (Republican)
My husband, Scott and I have four children, ages, 17, 15 yr old twins and a 9 year old who attend HKHS and KES. We moved to Killingworth from Rocky Hill along with my elderly parents, 5 1/2 years ago.
When we were looking for a town to move to, we wanted one that was small and rural but provided our children with a solid education. When we visited Killingworth we liked the feel the town had and the quiet it provided. We knew this was a safe town for our big family.
I am a registered Republican running for Tax Collector.
When I was asked about being nominated for Tax Collector, I was very excited about the opportunity to serve the town of Killingworth. Even with no previous political experience, I have quickly gained much knowledge and am eager to continue learning.
I have been involved in many organizations over the years, including being a Girl Scout Leader, a CCD teacher, a lector for church, a PTO member along with volunteering for many sporting events.
My education and background is in Engineering. I recently was employed by a First Aid CPR Training company and managed their Training Sites along the east coast. I also have experience in sales and was a substitute teacher for Regional School District 17 when we first moved to Killingworth.
I am an extremely hard working individual and strive to succeed in any position I hold. I enjoy working with people of all ages and have excellent communication skills. I believe these abilities will help me to be an outstanding tax collector for the town of Killingworth.
