Re-elect John O'Leary to the BOE

John O’Leary is up for re-election to the RSD 17 Board of Education. His credentials are impressive. He has a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.A. in Counseling from Fairfield University. He is a Project Graduation volunteer, a former volunteer for Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services and a former Prevention Council Member and MADD Teen Leadership volunteer. His dedication to his responsibilities on the Board of Education and his educational philosophy are also impressive. Now serving on the RSD 17 Curriculum Council and the BOE Policy Subcommittee, John still makes time to coach Killingworth Youth League Little League .

By training and inclination, John has a broad understanding of the role education plays in the formation of character and the development of the skills necessary to prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s world. He expresses enthusiasm and respect for the dedicated and talented people he sees working in the district and for his fellow board members. He readily praises Superintendent Gary Mala for his tireless efforts to revise curriculum and upgrade technology.

One of John O’Leary’s core beliefs is that support services in the district must be organized on a comprehensive model that is proactive in addressing the social and emotional needs of students. This approach, partnered with rigorous academic standards and a safe and respectful learning environment, is what John wants to continue working for as a member of the Board of Education.

Killingworth residents since 1999, John and his wife, Patricia, have two children in our school system. Their daughter is a seventh grader at HKMS, and their son, a fourth grader at KES. As parents, they have an added interest in the quality of education in our district.

As a thirty year veteran of a large city school system, I find myself very impressed with John’s commitment and philosophy. I urge Killingworth voters to join me and vote to keep John O’Leary on our RSD17 Board of Education. A vote for him is a vote to help insure the best education we can provide our children and grandchildren.

A Commendable Caucus

Dear Killingworth Voters,

As Chair of the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee’s Nominating Committee I would like to commend the entire KDTC and all town Democrats on our party’s recent caucus.

Through a fair and open process the gratifyingly large turnout accommodated varying viewpoints – all of them focused on the best interests of all Killingworth residents. The procedure, adjudicated by Marti Carlson, 12^th District State Democratic Committeewoman, was impartial, balanced and inclusive. The tone of the evening was congenial – friends and neighbors cordially agreeing to occasionally disagree.

The outcome marked a welcome degree of participation in what might otherwise have been a ‘rubber-stamp’, pro-forma ritual. Rick Albrecht won the nomination for First Selectman over Marty Klein, our current First Selectman and the KDTC’s officially endorsed candidate. Selectman nominees Cathy Iino and incumbent Ed Sipples, and the balance of the KDTC’s endorsed slate, were unanimously approved – a statement of support for our many current office-holders, our platform and our agenda.

Rick Albrecht, a former First Selectman and Selectman, is a longstanding and highly regarded member of our party and the KDTC. He has served our town admirably for almost forty years with respect, humility and genuine concern for his neighbors’ well-being.

Killingworth’s Democrats chose Rick Albrecht, along with Cathy, Ed and our other candidates, to lead the town forward. We urge all voters, of all affiliations, to join us in our support.

Very truly yours,
Susan Dean, Nominating Committee Chair
Killingworth Democratic Town Committee

A Message from Michael J. Sanders, Chair

The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee is proud to present its slate of candidates for the November 2007 elections. Two years ago, Killingworth Democrats came together and presented a platform and a slate of candidates to the residents of the town. We were confident that our commitment to an energetic, proactive government would be accepted by a majority of our residents, and indeed it was. Democrats, Republicans, and independents, seeing that the time had come for a change in our town leadership, elected Marty Klein, Ed Sipples, and other Democrats who ran on a clearly articulated progressive platform. We are deeply appreciative of all the hard work that Marty Klein has given to the town of Killingworth. His energy, drive, and intelligence have moved the town forward at a pace not seen in a long time.

The ticket that was voted out of the Democratic Caucus on July 22^nd will pursue the agenda that Marty and Ed set in motion. As we all know, the town is growing, and we need steady leadership to manage that growth and protect the qualities that drew us all to Killingworth in the first place. Our team and our platform will continue to meet that challenge vigorously and creatively.