Letters to the Editor are published at the discretion of the Editor, based on relevancy and suitability. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. Every effort will be made to provide an equal forum for opposing viewpoints. Letters must be signed and include a phone number. Submit letters to editor@killingworthtoday.com

Dear Editor:   On June 1, I delivered 398 signatures on a letter to Killingworth First Selectman David Denvir in response to his weekly column in both the Clinton Recorder on May 22 nd and The Source on May 24 th , 2004 . In that column he asked if the people of Killingworth still supported a new middle school in our community.

Our letter states: "We, the following concerned voters of Killingworth, state for the record that we continue to strongly support the construction of a new Region 17 Intermediate/Middle School in Killingworth on the site voted upon by referendum by the voters of both Haddam and Killingworth on February 10th, 2003 . Please share our continued support for the proposed new school to all pertinent town officials and committees."

A group of concerned residents solicited these signatures from like-mind townspeople who are dismayed at the construction delays imposed at the local level. Many of us feel that some people are even spreading misinformation with the negative bent to block construction on the building site, confusing even those who have voted for the school. This school was passed by referendum in February 2003 by a 2 to 1 margin in Killingworth. The 73-acre site acquired for the school has been subject to considerable argument. The land purchased off of Route 81 is an ideal location due to easy access by all Region 17 students and its location on a state road. The school has been designed by an experienced architectural firm to maintain the small school atmosphere that our children currently benefit from throughout the district.

The Killingworth Planning and Zoning Committee acknowledged receiving an application for the construction of the new Region 17 Intermediate/Middle School last night. This school meets all the requirements mandated by the town zoning regulations. Even with the new zoning regulations concerning soil classifications imposed on May 18th, 2004, the site still remains sufficient to house the voter-approved school designed for 900 students on its 47.6 designated buildable acres.

Our children need and deserve the best education possible. Prolonging the negativity about the school and its site continues to hurt our children.

Let us get on with the task at hand and move beyond the obstructionism and self-interest. I strongly urge all concerned parties to push forward and build the Region 17 Intermediate/Middle School as mandated by the voters of both Killingworth and Haddam.

Susan Saporito-Irwin
June 4 2004

Editor's note: First Selectman David Denvir's weekly column also appears on this site on Saturdays. The column referred to can be accessed here.