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 October 4, 2023.
I would like to introduce myself as a candidate for the Planning and Zoning Commission in Killingworth. My name is Mike Sarlin and I have lived with my wife Susan in Killingworth for 16 years. Over that time, we have grown very attached to the environment this town offers, from the peaceful woodlands and lakes to the great friends and neighbors we have come to know and love. We have been fortunate to live across the way from Deer Lake.
Susan and I have owned several houses over the years. I have always managed the buildings and properties involved, so I have an appreciation for what goes into building construction, operation, and land use. I will bring business and life experience to a position on Planning and Zoning and I hope to contribute to preserving the character of the town. At the same time, I will remain open to the new challenges of an ever-changing world.
My business career included all aspects of information technology, from programming to operations management, to senior executive positions in large financial services companies. I have also been a technology and management consultant to companies as varied as UNFI (Natural Foods distribution) and ESPN. I have managed an IT organization that had units in 60 countries, so I have seen most of the world first-hand.
The most rewarding experience I’ve had recently is as Treasurer for the Pathfinders organization that purchased the Deer Lake preserve in September of last year. As most local folks know it was very challenging to raise enough money to buy the land from the Connecticut Yankee Council of the Boy Scouts, but we did it. Managing the finances and participating in the planning and operation of Deer Lake has given me a new appreciation for what can be done when people are motivated by a common goal and work diligently together to achieve it.
I expect to bring my experiences to the table to help manage the town’s precious resources and preserve them environmentally and culturally. Help me serve Killingworth through a position on the Planning and Zoning Commission by voting for me on November 7th, Row A.
Thank you. Michael Sarlin, Killingworth
