Dear Editor:

An Open Letter to John Amport and Marty Klein,

Mssrs. Amport and Klein,
This letter is being sent to you and the voters of Killingworth from the Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission works in town to educate the public and further conservation knowledge, planning and action. In November, the Town has an opportunity to choose a new 1st Selectmen and it is the Commission's hope that conservation will be a part of the discussion between the two candidates as we lead up to Election Day. To encourage debate, and with this letter, the Conservation Commission has questions on three issues to pose to each of you.

Fortunately, Killingworth is blessed with important natural resources, from our high quality drinking water (both in reservoirs and private wells) to significant protected forested land and state-listed rare species. That said, there continues to be strong development pressure in town. What are your thoughts on the need to protect additional land in town for open space? What avenues do you see helping in this effort, if, in fact, you believe more protected land is warranted? What type of planning can be done to ensure the Town is well situated for future opportunities?

Over the course of the last year, the Conservation Commission has participated with the Board of Selectmen, Planning & Zoning and Inland Wetlands in Killingworth's Municipal Initiative, a program sponsored by NEMO, a part of the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service. Can you envision other partnerships, whether providing educational or even financial assistance, to benefit our land and natural resources?

If elected as First Selectman, how do you see conservation information being shared among Town Boards and Commissions? What steps can you take as Selectman to be involved in this process?

The Conservation Commission understands there are a number of important issues facing our Town, and that each one merits consideration and debate as we approach Election Day. Whether through public debate, or talking to constituents individually, it is hoped the conservation and preservation of Killingworth's natural resources can be part of this mix. Thank you, and good luck.

David Gumbart, Chairman; Gwenne Lally, Vice Chair; Peter Richards, Secretary; Susan Dean, Tom Keyes, Pat Smulders, Stephanie Warren