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:
Tell us a little about yourself.
Don Offner (Republican): I am currently the Fire Commissioner having been in that role from 2019-present. I am married and have 4 children and 1 grandchild. We have lived in Killingworth for 18 years. I am a retired New York City Firefighter with 23 years of service. I have been a volunteer in the community as well as a member of St. Lawrence Church.
Jennifer Lynn Liptak (Democrat): I have been a resident of Killingworth since 2011. I am a US Navy Veteran having served as a Hospital Corpsman on active duty for six years. I have 2 daughters, one attending American University in Washington, DC – studying Communications and Cinema Studies and the other attending Lesley University in Cambridge, MA for her Masters in Early Childhood Education. I am originally from a small town in PA, but moved to CT in 2000 for a job and never left!
Why are you running for the position?
Jennifer Lynn Liptak: I am running for reelection as Fire Commissioner because I love working to make things better for our Community and the members of the KVFC. I do not have a fire service background, which has provided great balance to the Board of Fire Commissioners. I tend to bring a different perspective to the Board that helps when presenting issues and projects to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.
Don Offner: I am committed to ensuring the safety of all Killingworth residents. I would like to continue to serve as Commissioner to ensure the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department is adequately funded.
What do you see as the important issues facing Killingworth and how would you address them in your role?
Don Offner: As current Commissioner I am dedicated to making sure that the budgets are adequate. I also want to continue to ensure that the Fire Department is properly equipped.
Jennifer Lynn Liptak: Unfortunately, the most important issue facing our town right now, in my opinion, is COVID-19 and this isn’t something that I can address directly through my role as a Fire Commissioner. I can, however, work with the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company to ensure that the KVFC has what’s necessary to continue the superior protection of our town in the safest and most efficient way.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
Jennifer Lynn Liptak: I love that no matter where you go in town you see someone you know. Nearly everyone says hello, neighbors look out for each other and help if you need it – even if they are not asked.
Don Offner: Killingworth is a great town to raise a family. Many of the people who live here volunteer their time to the many organizations in town.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
Don Offner: I would be most appreciative for the opportunity to continue my position as Fire Commissioner. It is my sincere pleasure to work side by side with the members of Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department.
Jennifer Lynn Liptak: I would really appreciate your vote and will commit to performing my role as a Fire Commissioner with the Town’s interest first – not political, not personal, but for the greater good and safety of Killingworth.
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