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Fiscally Responsible Leadership

As this election season bears down, I’ve noticed a concerning new trend in local political slogans.

Being a newcomer to Killingworth, the phrase “Killingworth Values” employed by the GOP’s first selectman candidate Fred Dudek is one that stands out, mostly because I’m not sure what the GOP’s definition of “Killingworth Values” would be.

Killingworth is a small community and it does not take more than a glance at past demographics to see that our town attracts people from the surrounding area and beyond. Like many Killingworth residents, I’m not a native.

I chose a town that encourages entrepreneurship, that’s safe, that’s diverse, that values education, has beautiful public spaces, and welcomes all, but most of all a town that has been an example of fiscally responsible leadership under Cathy Iino.

I’ve been hearing whispers that it’s time for change around here, time for the GOP to lead the town. As the rhetoric heats up, I once again wonder about their “Killingworth Values.”

It seems to me that the values of our town are the values of those who move here as well as those who’ve never left. If values such as fiscal responsibility and a focus on small business, education, and public works exhibited by Cathy Iino and practiced under her leadership are not the “Killingworth Values” shared by our local GOP, I should be concerned.

I challenge the Republicans seeking office to define their values: Say what they’re for, not only what they’re against. I challenge them to distance themselves from the hateful rhetoric of discrimination and division espoused nationally. Do their “Killingworth Values” seek to exclude? Without further definition, we’re left to wonder.

In my view, things seem pretty good with the values that we already have. That’s why I’m voting for Cathy this November.

Ben Charney

Killingworth