(September 12, 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.
Zoning Board – Appeals
Ben Charney (D):
HK News: Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a lifelong Connecticut resident and graduate of UConn. My wife and I moved to Killingworth in 2016. I have served as an elected alternate to the ZBA since 2017. My career has spanned various aspects of building and energy services.
HK News: Why are you running for the position?
I am running for re-election because volunteerism is at the heart of what it means to live in Killingworth. I’ve seen the critical service that our group provides.
HK News: What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Adapting buildings within our picturesque town to meet the evolving needs of residents with growing families, aging relatives or home-based work while maintaining our rural character is a critical issue. Working with applicants to consider creative solutions to these issues is my goal and has been my record.
HK News: What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
I love the rural character of our town and spirit of volunteerism shared by our residents.
HK News: Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
The purpose of the ZBA is to review applications for variances to Killingworth’s zoning rules. In an historic town with beautiful wetlands, narrow roads and evolving needs of residents we serve a vital function in support of our community that helps to keep taxes low and preserve our rural character. While political parties nominate candidates for the ZBA we serve the town in a non-partisan fashion.
Mark McCormick (D):
HK News: Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been a life long resident of Connecticut, growing up in Hamden, and living in Weston with my family for twenty-four years. I received my engineering degree from Northeastern University and spent my career in the chemical and environmental field. I have built two homes and renovated two more in multiple towns providing me familiarity with construction and land use requirements. After retiring, my wife and I found a home and community to settle in in Killingworth.
HK News: Why are you running for this position?
Serving on the ZBA will give me an opportunity to give back to my community. My work and personal experiences with construction and environmental projects provide me with a good background for understanding the needs of both applicants and the town with the ZBA.
HK News: What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
I believe that small towns such as Killingworth need a plan of development in order to keep the rural nature of the town while meeting the needs of the residents. I will work with ZBA applicants to help them reach their goals.
HK News: What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
Killingworth is a special town with friendly people, a great educational system, and a true understanding of the importance of volunteerism.
HK News: Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
I feel my broad spectrum of experiences will provide a detailed and balanced review of issues before the ZBA.
Zoning Board – Appeals (Alt.)
William Joyce (D):
HK News: Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is William Joyce and I’ve lived in the Beechwood community with my wife Mary for the last three years. I have been very active in this 55-plus community. I have a Bachelor of Science from SCSU. We moved here from Bethlehem, CT where I raised grass-fed beef for 30 years.
HK News: Why are you running for this office.
Killingworth is a growing, active community and I believe zoning laws are important to its future as an attractive place to live and a place that protects its natural beauty.
HK News: What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Development in a growing community can be a positive if done in the right way. By carefully considering both the rights of the owners and the health of the natural environment we can retain our rural character and grow to suit the needs of both the young and the seniors in our community.
HK News: What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
I love the rural character, the open space, and the kindness of neighbors looking out for one another.
HK News: Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
I hope you will honor me with your vote for Alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals on November 7.
Cheryl Fine (R): As of press time, we have not received a response from this candidate.
