Dear Editor:

Ed Sipples is one of three non-first selectman candidates that are running for the Killingworth Board of Selectmen. You can vote for 2 of the 3 candidates. Ed Sipples has been involved in Killingworth town government for more than two decades. His love of Killingworth is evidenced by his serving 20 years as a Lion and volunteering for coaching, refereeing and umpiring children sports activities for 16 years. He has further served the town in the roles of Park & Rec. Chairperson, H-K Rec. Authority Chairperson, KDTC Chairperson, Town Picnic Committee member, Zoning Board of Appeals member, Field Study Committee member, and Board of Finance member. That's a lot of giving something back to our town.

Ed has a track record as a stand-up guy who speaks up for the people of Killingworth and rolls up his sleeves to get things done. He always seems focused on doing things that are in the best interests of our town. His straightforward style has earned him a reputation as a "what you see is what you get" type person. If you have seen him in action, you know he is not one to lay back and remain silent if he sees something wrong.

Ed is a team player that genuinely believes that consensus building among stakeholders is the best way to manage a town like Killingworth. The first step in consensus building is being able to trust and to believe the accuracy of what the leadership says. The second step is to listen to all sides before coming to a decision. Ed openly and clearly makes his position known to all involved parties, yet he does listen to new facts and opinions and incorporates them in his final deliberations. This is the kind of leadership we need at this critical juncture in Killingworth's history.

Ed's primary goal is to resolve the many longstanding issues that face our town. Although Killingworth does not have the resources to address them all at once, Ed seems poised to finally resolve these longstanding issues and move on to newer issues that face our growing town.

Ed Sipples is a man of experience who has been involved in all facets of town government. Ed has my vote on November 8 and I hope you will consider voting for him as well. Killingworth needs Ed's type of collaborative leadership right now!

Brian Young
Killingworth