(October 10, 2023)—We reached out 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 candidate’s reply is unchanged from the original as submitted. HK-Now.com and Haddam Killingworth News are not responsible for errors in grammar, usage, punctuation or spelling. The questions posed to the candidates were:
- Tell us a little about yourself.
- Why are you running for the position?
- What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
- What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
- Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
Full Term
Marcel Couture (D):
Tell us a little about yourself.
My wife Marsha and I have lived in Killingworth for 30 years, raising our two children who attended local public schools. We have enjoyed our time here immensely and like to contribute. I’ve coached little league and spent time volunteering with cub scouts. I have been on the Board of Finance for two terms and hope to continue for another four years.
Why are you running for the position?
I believe I have contributed to the bipartisan approach that the board has demonstrated since before my term and hope to see that continue. My main focus for the coming term will be to continue to see that the town does everything possible to improve our bond rating.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role? I believe we will need to pay for some large capital expenditures such as an improved fire station, improvements to town hall and continue to maintain our infrastructure. This will undoubtedly require bonding. Hence my focus on improving our bond rating.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
I think that people who move to Killingworth have a deep appreciation of nature and open space as witnessed by the hard fight that was won to keep Deer Lake from being developed, along with the Town’s purchase of Parmelee Farm.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
I hope to see a thoughtful approach to affordable housing so that the future generation of Killingworthers can afford to live in this wonderful hamlet.
William Kosturko (D):
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Bill Kosturko, and I am running for election to the Board of Finance. I have lived in Killingworth for just over 10 years. For over 30 years, I worked in the Connecticut banking industry, with responsibility for the legal, audit, and governmental relations functions at People’s United Bank. Since retiring, my volunteer activities have included serving as a trustee of the Connecticut Hospice and as a board member, chairman and girls’ basketball coach at Saint Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven. My wife, Jane, and I have three grown children and two growing grandchildren.
Why are you running for this position?
The taxpayers of Killingworth deserve a budget that keeps our town fiscally healthy. Our budget should ensure that Killingworth’s town government can provide our citizens with necessary and excellent services while operating at the highest level of efficiency. I would like to help achieve these goals in a bipartisan and cooperative manner.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Maintaining Killingworth’s roads and our recreational facilities benefits all our citizens. We should also continue to fund at appropriate levels our social service organizations such as HKYFS, HK Recreation, Parmelee Farm, and the Library. Addressing the repair and possible replacement of our aging Town Hall and Fire Stations also merits attention. These issues require a thoughtful, bipartisan approach.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
After a recent storm when power was down, two neighbors arrived, unsolicited, with chainsaws and a small payloader to remove a large downed tree blocking our driveway. I believe their generous and volunteer spirit is characteristic of Killingworth’s citizens. In sunnier times, my family’s chief recreation is roaming the many beautiful trails of Killingworth with our dog.
Additional thoughts to leave the voters with?
I believe the skills acquired in my career in the financial industry make me qualified to serve capably on the Killingworth Board of Finance. I hope you will honor me with your vote on November 7.
Andrew J. O’Neill (R):
Hello, I am Andy O’Neill. I have been a resident of Killingworth for 24 years. My children have grown up here and gone through our schools. I have run my own law business for the past twenty years. I have been a member of the Killingworth Board of Finance for the past four years.
The issues I see as most important to Killingworth in the coming years are dealing with the PFAS contamination issues; maintaining our excellent fire department and emergency services; maintaining our quality of life by properly managing the town budget and tax issues; and maintaining our town roads and buildings.
We all live here and want to see Killingworth prosper and grow responsibly. One of the nice, hidden facts about the Killingworth Board of Finance (BOF), in my opinion, is that members are dedicated to this town and care deeply about Killingworth as our home. Over the past four years I have noticed that the BOF members seem to have a respectful, collegial attitude towards one another. Even when members have disagreed on issues I have not witnessed any of the raw, personal, partisan, rancor so evident in other areas of our country and even our state.
Respect does not mean that one has to be a doormat or cannot be passionate on issues. It does mean however that one must listen to others, make one’s pitch for your beliefs and understanding of issues and abide by the vote of the board, come what may.
Whomever you may support for elected office, I urge you to try to be certain that they love this town and will be respectful of others even in disagreement. I ask for your votes for all of the fine candidates on the Republican team.
Michael Kovacs (R):
Tell us a little about yourself.
My wife and I moved to the beautiful town of Killingworth in 2021. For the last 3 years I’ve been the Chief Financial Officer at Balance Partners, LLC, and prior to this I was the Vice President of North America Operations at AXAXL in Stamford. I have over 25 years of financial and operational experience and hold a BS in Accounting and BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
My history with community service, starting from my Eagle Scout project and continuing with my involvement with the Killingworth Lions, reflects my dedication to giving back to the community and making a difference.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running because this is an opportunity to give back to my community and contribute to the betterment of our town. My background in accounting and finance allows me to apply my expertise to ensure responsible financial management and budget allocation. I will promote transparency and accountability in the financial decision-making process. I’ll advocate for responsible financial reporting to ensure that the Killingworth residents are informed about how funds are being used.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
The biggest issues facing our town are the annual budget, mill rate and unnecessary spending. In a time of economic uncertainty, many residents are struggling with the rising costs of goods and services and decreased savings. As a Board of Finance member, I would help reduce wasteful spending and create a long-term financial plan for the community. I believe in fiscal responsibility and want to ensure taxpayers’ money is used efficiently and hopefully provide some relief to the residents who are already struggling. Throughout my financial career, I’ve set financial priorities and created long term financial plans. I have a strategic mindset and enjoy planning for the future, and this will allow me to hopefully make a lasting impact on Killingworth’s financial stability and growth.
What are the key things you love about Killingworth and its people?
My wife and I were attracted to Killingworth’s small-town living, rural beauty, and community spirit. Through my involvement with the Killingworth Lions, I can see that the town’s residents are very generous and will go above and beyond when another resident is in need. I love that neighbors will help neighbors, and we can always count on each other in a time of need. This town is truly a community. Regardless of beliefs, political affiliation, personal/professional background, everyone shares a common goal; to make our town a better place. Living in Killingworth is a privilege, and my wife and I are grateful to be part of this community.
Additional thoughts to leave the voters with.
My experience in the financial world gives me important expertise in managing a budget that requires fiscal responsibility as we manage short- and long-term priorities. I will make a commitment to listening to and understanding the residents’ needs and will promote transparency on all budget decisions. I would be honored to serve on the Board of Finance for the Town of Killingworth. Regardless of political affiliation, please exercise your right to vote. This is one of the core responsibilities our founding fathers gave us.
Dave Miller (KCP):
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hello, my name is Dave Miller, I am proudly running for a seat on the Board of Finance.
I am a U.S. Air Force-Vietnam era veteran; graduated from Geneva College after military service; retired Captain of the KVFD; taught high school English then entered the business world of Fortune 500 companies performing various sales & marketing functions (Coca-Cola, Planters Peanuts, Peter Paul); Founded and sold a Graphic Arts supply business (10 Yrs); currently a school bus driver @ HK (Region 17).
Why are you running for the position?
I am running to promote fiscal responsibility thereby stabilizing tax rates in the town.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Too high taxation covering property, schools & salaries in the town hall. These need to be cut at the expense of the few who are benefiting.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
Killingworth is a beautiful rural residential living space with an admirable spirit of volunteerism in all sectors of town life.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
Vote Conservative and save your hard earned dollars. . I do hope that you support this amazing slate that John Samperi has put together. Thank you for your support. See you November 7. Dave Miller Vote Row C
John Psenicnik (KCP):
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hello, my name is John Psenicnik. I’ve lived in Killingworth for 33 years. I have successfully operated my own business since 1985, and I am presently the owner of Tire Express in North Haven. I’ve known John Samperi for over 17 years and it is a pleasure to run with him. I truly believe with his experience we can make Killingworth a more fiscally responsible town; a safer one as well.
Why are you running for the position?
I have been a successful businessman operating several companies over the past years while creating jobs. I believe this puts me well above any of the other candidates running for this seat. I believe that John Samperi, I and the Board Finance candidates will reduce the cost of doing business in this town. This will eventually reduce the overall tax burdens.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
For a person like me who has never used the transfer station in 33 years and has no children in the school system, like most of people Killingworth who live here, they get up in the morning, early, and go to work out of this town. The only thing we see and use are the roads. The town workers do a good job but John and I and our Board of Finance candidates know we can improve the infrastructure because of our business experience. The taxes I pay for what I receive are too high and the team I’m running with will reduce them.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
The best thing I love about Killingworth is I drive up my long driveway and all I see is woods. I know a hand full of people and see no one except when people like John Samperi come up my driveway, and I like it that way.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
I’ve been a lifelong Conservative and Republican, and have served as the Vice Chairman on the Killingworth Conservative Party since its founding. I do hope that you support this amazing slate that John Samperi has put together. Thank you for your support.
See you November 7. John Psenicnik Vote Row C
