4.25.2006

The Big Picture

As a 42-year resident of Killingworth, I know we are as challenged as any town, large or small, to meet the demands of rapid growth; fast-paced, mobile lifestyles; strain on the environment, and mounting economic pressures. Still, I was surprised by the urgency of many issues facing my administration.

For example, the day I was to be sworn in as First Selectman I had a discussion with a representative from the government employees' union about a legal matter that had not been addressed for some time. So, before I officially took office, I was taking steps to avoid a lawsuit. Since then we have resolved this and other long-standing labor issues, including the distribution of insurance-related funds that employees were entitled to but had never received.

I'm not complaining; that's my job. One reason I was elected is because I "get things done". Right now, getting things done quickly is a priority.

Killingworth is one of the fastest-growing towns in the fastest growing county in Connecticut. More people means more cars on our roads and bridges, more trash at our transfer station, more children playing sports and going to school, more sewage, more environmental impact.

A long-term strategic plan would have helped smooth the impact of this growth, but for too long we citizens of Killingworth did not bring our leadership to task. As a result, there are now many critical issues requiring immediate action. Our administration welcomes the ideas and concerns of residents, and input from our boards and commissions, but we also have to make informed decisions fast. I do not run from this responsibility.

As we have grown over the past decades our few sports fields have deteriorated. Now, the purchase of the 143-acre Wettish property will enable the town to develop much-needed playing fields, preserve open space and meet future needs.

After years of delay, road safety is being addressed. This is a necessity, not a luxury. For example, the intersection at Green Hill Road and Route 81 is dangerous and is being reconfigured. Gary Ballard, owner of the Killingworth Village, has donated a strip of land to permit this improvement. We are also in the process of redesigning Alders Bridge Road and plan to repair Burr Hill Road.

The Reservoir Road Bridge is another example. Construction of a new bridge is not optional. The State Department of Transportation finally ordered the bridge closed after no action was taken for a number of years. I empathize with residents who have been inconvenienced and I considered alternative approaches to repairing the bridge. However, we must follow state requirements.

As your First Selectman I am committed to long-term strategic planning that transcends my time in office. Doing so demands that we reach beyond party affiliations and petty grievances. It requires the coordinated efforts of all our elected officials, volunteers and citizens. Together, let's lay the groundwork to assure a quality of life we can all continue to enjoy.

Thank you. Marty Klein