To the Editor:

As a Killingworth Republican I was disappointed that John Samperi, Jeff Yazmer and others have chosen to mount a primary challenge to the party-endorsed candidates, Fred Dudek, Linda Dudek, Richard Cabral and Claudette Lagasse. The caucus overwhelmingly rejected Mr. Samperi and his unapproved slate. The costs required to conduct a primary will cost Killingworth between $4,000 and $5,000, adding to citizens' tax burdens in this weak economy.

More importantly, you will not find more qualified candidates for the positions of Selectman, Town Clerk and Town Treasurer than Fred, Richard, Linda and Claudette, whom the caucus enthusiastically endorsed. Our candidates have served Killingworth in dozens of elected and appointed positions, totalling more than a hundred years of service.

I note that the four defeated candidates posted a webpage that provides no information on any of them. I would appreciate some basic information: How long have they lived in town? What elected and appointed offices have they held in Killingworth?  In which Killingworth civic organizations do they participate? What is their education and background that makes them qualified?

To the defeated candidates posing a challenge: we already know that you refuse to accept the vote of your fellow Republicans at the caucus. With a primary approaching, how can we be expected to cast the right vote if that's the only thing we know about you?

Respectfully,
 
Debby Butler
Secretary, Killingworth Republican Town Committee