The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received September 18, 2023.
I write today to share my endorsement of the slate of candidates for the Killingworth Democrats. This group of highly qualified individuals, including cross-endorsed candidates, represents experience, commitment to service, and ideas prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
The team is led by Eric Couture and Joel D’Angelo for First Selectman and Selectman. Both have experience on our Board of Education and science backgrounds. Those factors, coupled with their proven fiscal responsibility, will be crucial in understanding two major issues before our town, school infrastructure and organization, and PFAS mitigation.
Donna Dupuis as Treasurer has already served successfully in this position. She brings her 36 years as town resident and former AT&T manager in various financial and customer service positions to this office.
Michelle Nuhn has served as Tax Collector for the past 16 years and has established a record of accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail that has resulted in a collection rate approaching 100%.
The team of Suzanne Sack and Nelson Rivera, both incumbents running for re-election to the Board of Education, bring over a decade of experience with the board while professionally bringing senior financial management and education administration as well. Jen Voegtli, running for the first time, brings a new energy to the BOE as a biochemist and molecular biologist with experience as an HK RSD-17 volunteer, teacher and parent.
For Board of Finance, Marcel Couture, 30-year resident, has served successfully for the past 8 years where through his conservative fiscal leadership we have experienced very low increases in the town budget. Bill Kosturko, a Yale graduate and running for the first time, brings better than 30 years of executive level banking administration.
Carolyn Anderson, a 20 year resident, is running for Board of Assessment Appeals. She brings experience and credentials. A Boston College graduate with an MBA from UConn, Carolyn formerly served on the Board of Finance as well as several other civic and volunteer organizations.
Tom Hogarty is running for his third term for the Planning & Zoning Board. This is an area where experience really matters. Not only does Tom bring better than 8 years of experience in Killingworth, he served in zoning administration and enforcement roles in other towns. Also running for P&Z is Mike Sarlin. Mike brings a commitment to maintaining the rural character of Killingworth. A proven business leader, Mike served as part of the successful Pathfinders team as treasurer during the acquisition and preservation of the Deer Lake Camp. Alec Martin, running as P&Z Alternate, compliments this team with experience in architecture and design with a passion for maintaining the ambiance of Killingworth.
Ben Charney and Mark McCormack are running for Zoning Board of Appeals. Ben brings experience having successfully served this board as alternate. Mark brings new energy and ideas with a strong background in land use and a passion for the character that is Killingworth. William “Bill” Joyce is running as Alternate. Bill, a Beechwood resident, has demonstrated leadership championing the establishment of the town’s Fair Housing Commission. A former beef farmer, Bill understands the need for a balance of the rights of property owners and the health of the environment.
Michael Reimers, running for Board of Fire Commissioners, brings fiscal management experience with strong support for our vital first responders.
It is without hesitation that I endorse this slate of candidates. This letter highlights only the surface of the experience, qualifications, and commitment of this slate. Please join me and vote Row A on November 7th.
Louis Annino, Jr., Killingworth
