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World-Class Chief Executive

Killingworth was the first rural small town I ever lived in. When approached to get involved in town life, I readily accepted the opportunity. As I worked in the daily functions of the town, an amazing thing happened. The people of Killingworth, long-timers and newbies alike, opened their arms in a warm embrace. After experiencing that kind of acceptance, Killingworth became for me not just a place to live but a home unlike any I had ever had.

I serve in Emergency Management and I have seen with my own eyes Cathy Iino’s dedication as first selectman. in the aftermath of severe storms and power outages, I have seen the worried weariness in her eyes as she worked without rest to make sure that townspeople were getting the help they needed.

Under Cathy’s leadership, on top of the $500,000 Emergency Operations Center grant she has efficiently maximized, we received a grant to hold a long-overdue Community Conversation about Education. Cathy brought in grants to support community projects ranging from the preservation and development of Parmelee Farm to the planting of blight-resistant elms along Recycle Way.

Since the 2008 economic downturn, many families’ financial health has been slow to recover. With that always in mind, Cathy has proven to be a fiscal conservative. In fact, our town operating budget, when accounting for inflation, is lower today than it was 10 years ago. Cathy has found ways to advance projects that bring the community together without increasing the tax burden. That takes dedicated effort, knowledge of governmental procedures, and attention to detail.

No matter how you look at it, Cathy Iino is a world-class chief executive who brings all of her dedication, energy, and intelligence to our small town. I am proud to serve under her.

Tim Withington

Killingworth