August 23, 2005
The Campaign Process Begins
Kathleen Amoia

A remarkable event took place on August 13th within the shaded protection of Sheldon Park's pavilion. Undaunted by 94 degree heat and matching humidity, the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee reached another of the milestones it had laid out under the direction of its Chairman, Michael Sanders, at last January's seminal meeting. Democratic candidates for the November 8th election were gathered together under the auspices of the KDTC Nominating and Communications Subcommittees to discuss strategies.

In his introductory remarks, moderator Ed Sipples thanked the candidates for stepping forward and for finding the time among their many responsibilities to run for public office . He then laid out the objectives of the meeting. "First, we are here to meet one another face to face and recognize ourselves as a team. Next, we will address what you can expect the KDTC to do to help you in your campaign efforts and also in your coming term in office. Last, we will address what you need to do to help us help you."

This serious meeting had its amusing side as candidates duded up to have their pictures taken by professional photographer, Amy Etra. Shirts with buttoned down collars were put on in cars and behind trees, ties fixed, jackets gingerly added at the last minute . Amy was undaunted as she mopped brows, powdered shiny chins, and used her considerable talent to make everyone look good. Pictures taken, jackets and ties came off with none of the finesse with which they had been put on.

The serious stuff included a Campaign Information form, designed and handed out by Jamie Young and the Campaign Directory which Jamie also explained. Chairman Mike Sanders, and Gwenne Lally, Chair of the Communications Subcommittee, then discussed the Democratic Platform and the importance of being on message. Reggie Sipples, KDTC Treasurer, outlined the ins and outs of campaign financing. She distributed a handout to remind candidates of how much can be donated and how those donations should be processed.

Brian O'Connor, our State Representative, discussed effective campaign techniques, salting his narrative with his own experiences. Brian is a firm believer in meeting the voters face to face and getting to understand their genuine concerns. He has learned that it is essential to take nothing for granted during a campaign season.

"Good government is government that is responsive to the people and involves them in the process," was part of First Selectman candidate Marty Klein's advice on campaigning. "People have interests that have to be listened to," he emphasized as he advocated door to door campaigning.

Three and a half hours after it had begun, Mike Sanders thanked the presenters, photographer Amy Etra, and all those who had attended. He closed the event with the brief summation, "This is a campaign of ideas, intelligence and cohesion." So, as the dog days of August begin to slip away, the campaign season is set to arrive in earnest on a more invigorating September breeze.

(Meet many of the Democratic candidates at the Killingworth Town Picnic on September 4, at Deer Lake.)

( For more about the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee visit our website at www.killingworth.dems.info)

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