(September 28, 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
Paul McGuinness (R*):
Tell us a little about yourself.
My wife and I have lived in Killingworth for over 25 years and raised our son and daughter here, but now are “empty nesters”. I am a Professional Civil Engineer with 35 years of practice, specializing in bridges.
Why are you running for the position?
I want to continue to provide my technical expertise and 12 years of history on P&Z to help with issues and decisions that most benefit our citizens. Also, others from both parties have encouraged me to run.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
The need to make Killingworth affordable for young professionals and long-time residents who are retired on fixed incomes through use of accessory apartments.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
I love the rural nature and seeing deer and wild turkeys occasionally in our back yard. We feel blessed to be part of this safe, small and beautiful town.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
In these times when political parties and people are becoming more and more polarized, I am happy to say that our P&Z committee is not, to the point where I forget who belongs to which party. I would like to thank Tom Lentz for his many years of service on P&Z and for his interest and work preserving the rural residential nature of our town.
Michael D. Drew (R):
Tell us a little about yourself.
We settled in Killingworth seeking a rural setting with good schools and a strong community. As a project manager, I make decisions methodically. Killingworth’s proximity to work and recreation made it ideal for our family.
Why are you running for the position?
I’m a project manager at a major engineering & construction firm, overseeing billion-dollar programs. My experience has given me insight into regulatory challenges, development opportunities, and community interests. I’m running for this position to guide our town’s growth, preserving its history, aesthetics, and residents’ values.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
My priorities are bolstering Killingworth’s town center and advancing business development. Despite Connecticut’s challenges, its qualities, like schools and scenic beauty, shine in Killingworth. We aim for sustainable growth while maintaining our town’s rural essence, ensuring a balanced future by involving residents and businesses.
What are the key things I love about Killingworth and its people?
My wife and I are thrilled with the school system and the community connection we feel here. The town’s rural setting combined with easy access to events is ideal for our family. The proximity to the shoreline and recreational activities has given us some of the most memorable summers.
Additional thoughts to leave the voters with…
I’m eager to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission and play a key role in fostering opportunities for our town’s growth, showcasing how business and community can unite effectively.
Michael Sarlin (D):
I’m Mike Sarlin, a candidate for Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission. My wife, Susan Castellan, and I moved to Killingworth in 2007. I retired from a career in managing Information Technology in large financial services companies. My most recent, and most important work has been as treasurer for Pathfinders, Inc. through the purchase of the Deer Lake Preserve. I value the outdoors and believe in protecting wildlife and preserving open space for future generations.
I want to work for the good of Killingworth. I believe people have a responsibility to contribute to their community beyond just paying taxes. Solving problems like land use and business and residential zoning requires understanding the facts and alternatives and making decisions based on town history and culture.
Pressing issues in Killingworth include: preserving the natural peaceful environment we all value, providing for the needs of citizens, meeting affordable housing requirements and allowing seniors to remain in our town for as long as they want to.
Regardless of political persuasion, in Killingworth I have found friends and neighbors who are inclined to help each other, and work cooperatively to make important things happen. Witness the thousands of people who made contributions to save Deer Lake.
Thomas W. Hogarty (D):
Hi, my name is Tom Hogarty and I am running for a third term on the Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission, I am currently the Vice Chair.
Following retirement from the state police I have worked as the zoning enforcement officer in Norwich, Wallingford and North Branford.
I think a key issue here is housing for seniors who are looking to down size. I hear from seniors regularly that they have to move to another town because there are no housing options for them here. I think we need to develop regulations that will entice developers to see Killingworth as a viable option for this type of housing. This can done while protecting our natural resources maintaining the wonderful character that make Killingworth unique.
Planning & Zoning Alt.
Julie A. Phelps (R): The candidate chose not to respond to questions.
Alec Martin (D):
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Alec Martin. I have lived in Killingworth since 1978, when I married my wife Mary. I run a small handyman business. I went to architectural school in NYC where I studied everything from surveying to design to zoning laws.
Why are you running for this office?
Killingworth is-growing and changing-I like growth and change-I also like the ambience of Killingworth-the balance of which is a function the zoning laws
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Zoning regulations are tremendously important because they are holding what is best for the community when it comes to the impact of projects and situations on the community.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
I love the open space and the care with which the community holds the rural nature of the town. I also love the level of volunteerism which is at the heart of our community.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
I hope you will honor me with your vote for Alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 7.
- Note: Paul McGuinness is a Republican running on the Democrat slate (Row A)
