Selectman Refuses to Discuss Vacancy Appointment
In an announcement Thursday, Republican Town Committee Chairman John Amport withdrew his name from consideration for the vacant seat on the Board of Selectmen. Yesterday morning at a special meeting of the Board, Louis Annino, Sr. refused to discuss his reasons for voting against Republican candidate Amport and also refused to discuss the newly proposed candidate, Fred Dudek. Annino said he did not know the agenda for the special meeting included a new nominee.

In the discussion that did follow, Annino said Dudek was immensely qualified for the position but said he didn't want to discuss the vacancy again. Annino said his intention all along was to go through the 30 days that the Selectmen have to fill the vacancy and have the elected Republican officials fill the seat so that a special election could be called. It was pointed out by Amport and confirmed by Town Clerk Susan Adinolfo that a special election could be called after a Selectmen's appointment as well.

Adinolfo commented that this was a chance for the Selectmen to choose who they wanted to work with rather than have three non-selectmen appoint someone. Adinolfo, Fire Commissioner Michael Butler and Registrar of Voters Lauren Blaha are the three Republican elected officials who will decide who fills the seat if the deadline passes on Monday. Adinolfo said Denvir, who could have been part of the decision, has already said he would recuse himself from that process.

Annino said he was concerned over published reports on the process used for choosing a nominee and he felt the Democratic Party had been left out. He expressed his concern that Amport was on the Republican nominating committee that put his own name forward. Amport said that the Republican Town Committee originally met with 11 candidates after Selectman Charles Morgan resigned in late July. Amport said since then, and since he was twice rejected by Annino to fill the seat, additional qualified candidates have made themselves available. On Wednesday, the nominating committee of Morgan, Debby Butler, John McMahon and Bruce Campbell unanimously decided to nominate Dudek. Amport said the committee felt that even though Dudek had served as a Democrat on the Board of Finance and is now considered an unaffiliated voter, he was an incredibly well respected member of the community, had served in elected office, and it was best for the community to move forward regardless of party affiliation. Amport said he recused himself from the Wednesday vote. Denvir said he also recused himself from Wednesday's meeting but did have a discussion with both Dudek and Annino's nominee Kathy Amoia earlier this week.

When pressed by Denvir on why he would not explain his actions or discuss criteria for an acceptable candidate, Annino said it had nothing to do with the vacancy but was about sending a message to Denvir about the direction of his leadership. He accused Denvir of forcing Morgan from office and said this was not going to be the smooth transition Denvir anticipated. Denvir responded by saying if the records were checked, he and Annino voted together on the majority of issues over the 11 years they served together. Denvir said if he didn't like the direction the town was going, he should "test him" and vote otherwise. Annino said if the electorate decides to pursue the special election it will be more an issue of Denvir's leadership than filling the vacancy.

Annino was encouraged by Denvir and members of the audience to continue the special meeting until Monday so that he could meet with Dudek and consider the nomination: Annino refused. Denvir then called for a vote on Dudek's appointment to the Board and the vote failed 1-1.

OBITUARY
Ronald A. Grass of Dudley Towne Road passed away on August 16. He was a long-time, dedicated volunteer in the Haddam Killingworth Soccer League, an avid skier and a loving family man. He is survived by his wife Heather, son Matthew, and daughter Kirby. Services were held on August 18 and the burial was private.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member Catherine Iino comments on a recent column by Republican First Selectman David Denvir and the Democratic Party's vision of politics, politicians and partisanship. Read her complete remarks here.

Amport Withdraws Name from Consideration
In a press release yesterday, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, John Amport withdrew his name as a candidate for the vacant seat on the Board of Selectmen in favor of long-time resident and Fire Chief, Fred Dudek. In his statement, Amport said:

Last evening, at my request, the Nominating Committee of the Killingworth Republican Town Committee held a special meeting to consider other candidates to fill the vacancy on the Killingworth Board of Selectmen. Since our initial search, additional candidates have come forward offering to serve their community. For this, the Committee and I are very grateful. After a full and fair discussion of the qualifications of these new candidates and our views on what is in the best interest of the community going forward, I have decided to withdraw my name as a candidate for appointment to the Board of Selectmen.

Amport went on to say that he was grateful to the committee and First Selectman David Denvir for their confidence in proposing him for the position. The release said that Denvir has called a special meeting of the Board, for Friday morning, to propose Dudek fill the Selectman vacancy. According to the release, Dudek has been a Killingworth resident for 41 years and is an unaffiliated voter. He has been a member of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company for over 30 years; serving as its Chief for the past five. Dudek served on the Board of Finance for eight years and is a member of the State of Connecticut 9/11 Commission. Amport urged the Selectmen to immediately address the vacancy by appointing Dudek. At Monday's Board meeting, the Selectmen were deadlocked on the vacancy as motions to appoint Amport and Democratic candidate Kathy Amoia both failed.

HK Recreation Announces Fall Classes
Haddam-Killingworth Recreation will offer a bounty of classes for children and adults to begin the new school year.
Children's Karate offered to boys and girls in grades K-6. Children will be introduced to Washin-Ryu Karate-Do, a unique form of traditional Japanese Karate; and will learn the meaning of self-respect, respect for others, self-discipline, and concentration. Mr. Moan will also talk to the kids about safety awareness and how to avoid abductions. The instructor, Mike Moan, is a 5th Degree Black Belt.
Babysitter's Training the American Red Cross Babysitting Course is offered this fall. The course is for students ages 11-15, and is designed to prepare them for babysitting. This American Red Cross Program has been updated to include Basic Child Care, First Aid for breathing and bleeding emergencies, and injury prevention as well as covering other important topics to prepare young adults for babysitting. Students will not become certified in CPR or 1st Aid, but will gain knowledge. This class is an excellent opportunity to help students build self-confidence as well as job leadership, and decision-making skills. Students who complete the course will have the opportunity to add their names to the HK Recreation Department's Babysitting Referral list.
Golf Classes Golf Basics for Juniors is designed for those who are new to the game as well as experienced golfers who need to work on the fundamentals of the swing. The class will cover the full swing, approach shots and the short game. More advanced techniques will be covered for those who have taken the class before. Strategy, etiquette and the rules of the game will also be discussed. An Intermediate class for adults, ages 15 and up will also be offered. This class is designed for those who have taken the Beginner class or for the player who wants to take their game to the next level.
Aqua Aerobics offered at the HK High School Pool. Aqua Aerobics is a great cardio-vascular work out for all ages, all fitness levels, swimmers & non-swimmers. No equipment is required. This free-style class includes a variety of styles including kickboxing, water walking, spinning, & more. Noodles, kickboards, and hand buoys are used for a total body workout.
Step Aerobics/Interval Training Classes will include circuit training, power stepping, interval training, and muscle shaping. A great way to look better and meet friends.
Weight Training This personalized class will emphasize safe and effective resistance training techniques to help achieve your fitness goals. Participants will have the opportunity to use the new 'Keiser' equipment. Unlike traditional weight stacks or hydraulics, Keiser Air is pneumatic strength training equipment that uses the force of compressed air to create resistance. All ability levels will benefit from this equipment as well as work at their own personal maximum level. Free weights will also be available.
Hatha Yoga This course will introduce and give you an overview of the basic breathing techniques and postures of Hatha Yoga - the Yoga System of physical well-being. Learn the benefits, precautions, and contradictions of each posture as well as how to incorporate Yoga into your daily life. Practice techniques using the body and mind to rejuvenate your bodily systems. A great way to relax.

For more information on dates, times, fees and how to register, please call the HK Recreation Department at 345-8334 or visit us on-line at www.hkrec.com.

Mala Plans to Move Forward on Construction
Region 17 Schools Superintendent Gary Mala said the District plans to move forward with construction of the new Intermediate/Middle School on Route 81. According to the Hartford Courant, the District plans to apply for a building permit in September despite the three lawsuits filed against them and the Killingworth Planning and Zoning Board.

Mentoring Program Expands to Elementary School
Youth and Family Services of Haddam and Killingworth have expanded its mentoring program to include the Killingworth Elementary School. With this expansion, additional volunteers are needed to become role models and friends for students. There are training sessions available in Haddam and Killingworth. To register, contact Ernest Nagler at H-K Middle School at 345-8567, Ext. 259, or at Youth & Family Services of Haddam Killingworth at 345-7498. For questions after work hours, call Mr. Nagler at 345-8216 at home in Higganum or emailhim at danenagler@aol.com.
The Killingworth sessions are:
Sept. 18, 8:45-11 a.m.; Killingworth Public Library
Oct. 19, 6:45-9 p.m.; Killingworth Elementary School
Nov. 13,8:45-11 a.m.; Killingworth Public Library

Selectman's Seat Remains Vacant
The Board of Selectmen remained deadlocked last night in its efforts to fill the third seat on its Board, left vacant when Republican Charles Morgan resigned late last month. The two motions, one in favor of Democrat Kathy Amoia, and one in favor of Republican John Amport, both failed in a 1-1 vote.

In discussions prior to the motions, First Selectman David Denvir cited the State statute that says a Republican should fill the seat vacated by a Republican. Denvir questioned why Selectman Louis Annino, Sr. would not defer to the statute as he did three years ago when there was a vacancy. Annino said he was concerned that the last two Republican appointees to the Board did not finish out their terms, referring to Morgan and former First Selectman David LeVasseur, who left to take a job with the State Office of Policy and Management in Hartford. Denvir responded "yes" when Annino asked him if he planned to finish out his term.

Annino said, in consultation with the Democratic executive committee, he put forward Amoia to fill the seat and finish out the remainder of the Selectman's term. He said Amoia is prepared to accept the position, but made it clear that she has no intention of running for the seat in the regular election in 2005 or if it came to a special election earlier next year. Annino said Amoia, a Beechwood Park resident, was an educator for over 30 years, is a member of the Democratic Town Committee, writes for the Killingworth Krier, volunteers at the Platt Nature Center, and worked at the Democratic Primary.

Denvir praised Amoia for coming forward but expressed concern that she had no experience in an elected office compared to Amport, who campaigned and was elected to the Board of Finance in 2001. Denvir said Amport received over 900 votes in that election after having been in town for only a short time. Amport, who is also the Chairman of the Killingworth Republican Town Committee, moved to Killingworth from Wilton four years ago.

Killingworth Town Clerk Susan Adinolfo confirmed last night that the Selectmen have until Aug. 29 to fill the vacancy. If the two Selectmen cannot come to an agreement, the town's elected Republican officials, Adinolfo, Fire Commissioner Michael Butler and Republican Registrar of Voters Lauren Blaha would appoint someone. Following an appointment, a petition with more than 5 percent of the registered voters, may be presented within 15 days to call for a special election. Denvir said he would probably call for a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen later this week to continue discussions.

Bosco Recreation Project Moves Forward
The Board of Selectmen, last night, approved the new design for the Bosco Recreation Complex and moved the project one step closer to fruition. Having been approved by the Land Use Committee and the Board of Selectmen, the project is now in the hands of the Board of Finance for approval of expenditures and bonding. The project will cost $4.65 million plus an additional $500,000 for fees and permits, and other "soft" costs. The main difference between this "restored" plan and the original plan that failed at referendum in 2003 is the elimination of the southernmost field, adjeccent to the Beechwood Community. If approved by the Board of Finance, the project will go to a Town meeting and referendum. The motion passed by the Board of Selectmen also stipulated a public walk of the property prior to a referendum. First Selectman David Denvir said if approved at referendum, the design firm Clough, Harbour & Associates would need approximately 6-7 months to finish the design before going out to bid.

Three Lawsuits Hold Up School
Having had its application approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission last month, the Reg. 17 School District was hoping to send the project off to the State Department of Education Facilities Unit for final review. However, it was no surprise to Town or School officials when a lawsuit was filed against the Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission. In fact, according to the Middletown Press, three lawsuits have been filed against the PZC in the last two weeks. It had been widely assumed that Harold and Mary Webber would file suit because they are currently involved in a suit against them, brought by the School District, to clarify the boundary between the two properties. The other two lawsuits were brought by John and Joanne Hine, and Joseph and Linda Golombosky. John Hine publicly spoke in opposition to the school project because of the expected increase in noise, traffic and exhaust fumes at his neighboring home. According to First Selectman David Denvir, the suits charge the PZC decision was illegal, arbitrary, capricious and in abuse of its discretion. Read more about the lawsuits in today's Clinton Recorder.

McNally Still 'Sore' Over Defeat
It has been nearly two weeks since the Democrats held their 2nd Congressional District primary, and Shaun McNally, who was defeated by Jim Sullivan, has yet to concede the race, call his opponent, or make the traditional endorsement. Read more about this in today's Hartford Courant.

Raney
by Clyde Edgerton
ISBN: 0345329821

This hilarious novel is a great summer beach read. It is so funny that it is not unusual for the reader to laugh out loud while reading it, or to spontaneously read sections aloud for the entertainment of others. Raney is one of Clyde Edgerton's early novels, and probably produced an entire Clyde Edgerton following.

Raney Bell, of Atlanta, Georgia, is a conservative Baptist whose parents own a small general store. Charles Shepherd, also of Atlanta, is the assistant librarian at Listre Community College; his parents are college and public school teachers. The book begins with the wedding announcement of Raney and Charles.

It is the differences between the bride and groom that provide much of the humor in Raney. But in addition to the humor, it is the goodness of Raney and Charles and their families that is the basis for a rich and entertaining story of love, acceptance, and adjustment.

Other witty and amusing novels by Clyde Edgerton include Walking Across Egypt, Killer Diller, and Where Trouble Sleeps. On a more serious note, The Floatplane Notebooks is an excellent novel by Edgerton that covers themes of the Vietnam War and family difficulties.

Susan Miller is the Associate Director of the Arnold Bernhard Library at Quinnipiac University. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from Ohio State University and a M.S. in Library Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Contact Susan at covertocover@killingworthtoday.com