Klein, Sipples & Dudek

Since endorsing Marty Klein three weeks ago, I cannot tell you how many people have told me how strongly they agree we should let Marty finish the job he started.

Rick Albrecht and Rich Cabral are both good men and have served our town well. Both will make fine First Selectmen, but the consensus is to give Marty another term to continue the work he is doing.

Fred Dudek is quite simply the most responsible voice of reason we have in this town. Fred represents all of us and is just a terrific individual. We owe him a huge vote of thanks for the tireless effort he has given this town. Okay, so we let Marty finish the job he started and give Fred another term. So that leaves only one person who we should switch out, right? Wrong!

Our Board of Selectman needs Ed Sipples. Despite the fireworks of the past (which seem to be just that) Ed has shown he is not a "yes man", that he is not afraid to speak the truth, and that he is not afraid to vocalize his concerns. Ed compliments Marty and they work together just like a marriage (perish the thought). Conflict brings good policy and Marty and Ed have made the right decisions together. With Fred's solid reason, these men have achieved so much together as a team.

Many would privately not like to see any changes in leadership at this time. The previous dire need for change is just not there right now. We are in the middle of some of the most critical projects undertaken in the last ten years which cannot afford to lose momentum, most notably, the completion of the Wettish project. How sickened we would all be if after a $2.4 million purchase and thousands of hours, our new ball fields stalled under new leadership because the new First Selectman was afraid to ask for the additional $500k we need to do it right. This project will possibly come to a grinding halt if we change leadership now, or at the very least, some form of “compromise” will lead to cutting corners and inferior fields.

Speeding is currently the biggest problem in town and this Board is working proactively, quickly and without much dissension to resolve the matter. Our various committees are in touch with the Board and the Traffic Study and other committees are working well. Some interesting studies soon to be released will provide new options for keeping our elders in town and creating more starter homes for our teachers, emergency volunteers, town employees and the children of long term residents who currently simply cannot afford to buy a property in Killingworth. This is the mission of the Housing Partnership, which was re-ignited by Marty Klein and this Board of Selectman.

So, there it is. Klein, Sipples, Dudek. Nothing new, no need for change. Cathy Iino is terrific – but maybe in a couple of years. John Amport too, maybe even greater heights, but not now. Not yet. Let our Board of Selectman finish what they started. They've earned it.

Sincerely,
Rob Artus