To the Editor:
Warning, the following letter contains no inflammatory partisan rhetoric,
cheap shots or character assassinations. Those looking for such things
should stop here as you have been duly cautioned.
I have had the honor and pleasure of representing the citizens of Killingworth
for the past eight years as a member of the Board of Finance and the
last four as its chairman.
As there are many more important challenges facing us in the near future
I ask for your support for another term.
That said, I would like to offer a few observations on what you, the
voter should expect in and demand from your elected officials, as we
again wade hip-deep into the mire of another municipal election period,
otherwise known as the "silly season".
An elected official should have the willingness to listen and evaluate
all ideas, respect the positions of and be able to work harmoniously
with other board members, especially the opposition. One should remember
that they were elected as well and respect that decision of the voters.
An official must be willing to compromise from time to time without,
sacrificing core principles, in order to solve complex problems. One
must avoid the temptation of being dismissive of those with whom one
disagrees; "my way or the highway" isn't productive. One should
be decisive but not precipitous in developing public policy, and not
let the fear of failure cause paralysis. One should be willing to accept
public criticism and attempt to learn from it, as there are a lot of
good ideas out there. Board and commission members should learn, understand
and follow the rules of government, as they prevent chaos. One must insist
upon a civil discourse in all meetings. I know we're all human and do
have our "moments" but the contentiousness must be kept to
an absolute minimum. Elected officials should at all times put the welfare
of the community and its citizens before any and all personal agendas.
If you agree with this assessment then I would offer that the Republican
candidates for First selectman and Selectman Richard Cabral, and Fred
Dudek, are, in my opinion, the two who above all other candidates for
those offices best demonstrate the aforementioned qualities and are most
deserving of your support.
Richard, Fred and I fully understand the challenges of growth, infrastructure
maintenance, open space preservation, recreation development, and public
safety issues facing Killingworth. We are also quite familiar with, and
have the experience and skills
necessary to undertake the delicate fiscal balancing act to meet and
overcome these challenges affordably. We will pledge to work together
as a close- knit team of Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance to preserve
and maintain Killingworth's uniqueness and help this community thrive.
Please vote for the most experienced and fiscally responsible team on
November 6th.
John W. McMahon