Dear Editor:

Every two years, Killingworth holds municipal and regional school board elections. Some positions such as those on the Board of Selectmen are elected every two years while other roles are staggered every four years to allow for continuity. Positions with which we may be more familiar are Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Fire Commissioner, Tax Collector, Registrar of Voters, and Probate Judge as well as roles on commissions and boards such as Planning and Zoning, Finance, Education, Zoning Appeals, and Assessment Appeals.

With each election, we see experienced folks returning as well as newer folks joining the ranks. We also see others moving into different roles or "retiring" from their long service. In 2005, a number of our more experienced and senior public servants have decided not to continue in their current roles.

After 14 years in various capacities in town government, our First Selectman will not be seeking reelection as he embarks on building his law practice in Madison. Senior Statesman Lou Annino, Sr., our Selectman of 12 years and a fixture in our town government since 1973 will not be returning in his role as Selectman, although we hope he'll be returning in yet another capacity. In addition to his extensive contributions outside of town government, Lou has given 32 years of service in 17 different government roles, boards, or commissions ranging from Constable to Sanitarian to Water Pollution Control Commission to Finance to Selectman -- the list goes on. Lou's beneficial imprint on the town is rich and will endure for the benefit of many future generations. David LeVasseur said he had the pleasure to serve with Lou on the Board of Selectmen for almost six years.  "Lou and I often agreed on issues and policies and even when we didn't, both of us knew that our differences were heartfelt and sincere and motivated by our individual and distinct visions of and concern for Killingworth's future." Lou's vision and sense of history have been priceless.

Charlie Martens, Jr., will not return as the Chair of Planning and Zoning where he devotedly served for twenty years. Charlie has additionally participated on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, the 1988 Charter Revision Commission, and the K'worth Housing Partnership. His far-reaching impact is obvious via the thorough Planning and Zoning regulations and the rural ambience that remains in Killingworth while so many of our sister towns have become condo-havens or homes to big box stores. OK, somehow a Dunkin' Donuts did sneak in, but it seems to be one of the town's hotspots - if parking and traffic is any indication. P&Z will miss Charlie's wisdom, humor, vision, and comprehensive knowledge. Mr. LeVasseur said that Judy Lentz, who also will be retiring, "has done a wonderful job as our Probate Judge over the last 16 plus years.  She has always managed to "blend" the facts and the law in a manner that rendered her decisions solid and fair, and which established for her a reputation for fairness and wisdom that eventually led to her being requested as a sitting, visiting judge in other probate courts around the state (when there were vacancies among judges or when the sitting judges had conflicts or were away). She also has bent over backwards to make herself available to the citizens of this town.  I can recall seeing her car at the Town Office Building on Saturdays and Sundays as she was waiting for, or meeting folks who had business to transact before her court."

And, Susan Adinolfo! Who among us has not interacted with our Town Clerk of almost twenty years? She joined Killingworth's government in 1976 as the assistant clerk and has since served in several other capacities. She has been the go-to person for three decades and has more town and state history, rules, procedures, and facts on the tip of her tongue than most folks will accumulate in a lifetime. Among her myriad multifarious tasks, Susan works behind the scenes keeping this town running, legal, informed, and moving forward. With integrity, a strong work ethic, a meticulous approach, and a great sense of humor, she has provided a strong foundation for the town's officials and residents.

These individuals will be deeply missed in their roles. I think I speak for most of the town when I say thank you for all that you each have done to make our community that much more wonderful.

Theirs are all big shoes to fill. We can only hope that those "retiring" will remain active in new capacities in town and that they'll continue to share their developed expertise and wisdom in mentoring capacities to the newer folks stepping up. To date, K'worth has been fortunate to have so many qualified and dedicated folks willing to invest their time, energy, and ideas to our beloved town via town government. But, there is always room, in fact a need, for more people to participate. The political committees in town continually invite residents via news releases and outreach to get involved and to consider participation in town government. Their motto, not unlike Uncle Sam's, should read "We Want You!"

There are many opportunities to participate on various appointed commissions or elected roles. Some of these positions are full- or part-time occupations; some are voluntary and others are given a small stipend. Some functions require professional training while others rely upon experience and on-the-job training. Many positions do not immediately require expertise - although, of course it is immensely helpful.

If you have an interest in a town commission or elected role, simply contact one of the political committees or the First Selectman's office. They will be delighted to get you into the pipeline for future openings! And soon you will be the expert on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, the Board of Education, or even the Board of Selectmen!

By Jamie M. Young