November 7 , 2005
Vote: It's the Right Thing to Do
By Kathleen Amoia

As the dog days of August wound down, Killingworth's political Town Committees geared up for the campaign season. It is pretty much a local election this November, but that in no way diminishes its importance. The pundits are right, all politics is local. The foundations of our communities are built from the ground up.

By mid September, political signs sprang into life along our roads and driveways, boldly replacing late summer blooms. Eventually, they would inspire a light hearted "sign pollution solution" that made its way into our mailboxes along with candidate brochures, postcards and letters.

Recycle Way and Jensen's Beechwood Community became the "in" spots for candidates to introduce themselves to voters. Warmer- than- usual weather generally aided campaign efforts, eight days of rain and a nor'easter being noticeable exceptions.

Three debates between selectmen candidates were moderated by the League of Women Voters. Two of them were taped by student John Ahearn of H/K High School and shown several times on Channel 18. The first debate in the series took place at the HK campus under the auspices of Chuck Lewis and proved a valuable civics lesson for students. Not only did they supply the questions for the First Selectman candidates, Democrat Marty Klein and Republican John Amport, they were also the audience and the technicians for the video taping .

The candidates and the Town Committees have worked hard to bring their platforms and themselves before the people of Killingworth. And, believe me, they would also get out and do the voting for every registered voter in town if the law allowed. But, of course, it doesn't. That is something we have to do for ourselves, our families and our town.

In 2003, when Killingworth had its last municipal election, only 42.2% of registered voters got to the polls. That is a shameful statistic. The percentage for the 2004 Presidential election was 84.6% . Surely our town's future direction and prosperity impact our lives in ways as significant as our nation's. Let your voice be heard in the debate over Killingworth's future. Get to the polls on November 8th and cast your well considered vote. It is the right thing to do.

(The polls open at the Killingworth Elementary School on Route 81 November 8th at 6:00 am and remain open until 8:00pm)

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