Municipal elections are, for me, incredibly important because every aspect affects each of us individually and personally. How we set our mill rate, educate our children, care for our elders, protect our natural resources, and interact with our neighbors all come into play every two years.

As occasionally happens in municipals, we in Killingworth are looking at the top of the ticket with no incumbents, a new Board of Selectmen. Eric Couture and Joel D’Angelo have been quietly going about their business of 16 combined years of experience on our Regional School District 17 (RSD17) Board of Education. They have been honing their skills for this day. Both bring to the table a science background at a time when PFAS is looming. They bring experience in administration and state government.

To support this new board, we have brought together an outstanding slate of candidates. It is a mix of experience and youth, incumbents and first-time candidates uniquely qualified for their positions. Marcel Couture and Bill Kosturko for the Board of Finance will continue the tradition of being fiscally conservative with your tax dollars while ensuring all town departments and services have the resources they need.

Nelson Rivera, Jen Voegtli, and Suzanne Sack for the Board of Education represent years of experience and dedication.

For Planning and Zoning, we endorsed incumbent Tom Hogarty, first-time candidate Mike Sarlin, and Republican Paul McGuinness, a commissioner of 16 years.

Treasurer and Tax Collector Donna Dupuis and Michele Nuhn are dedicated, experienced, and cross-endorsed.

The balance of Row A has incumbents and new faces. Our existing elected officials and town staff are poised to step forward into Killingworth’s future with a new administration aware of the challenges ahead. Please join me in voting Row A on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Annie Stirna

Killingworth

Annie Stirna is the chair of the Democratic Town Committee and a member of the Board of Finance