My name is Mike Sarlin, and I’m running for a position on the Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission on the Democratic line, Row A.

My wife Susan and I have lived in Killingworth for 16 years, across the river from Deer Lake. We have grown very attached to the environment this town offers, from peaceful woodlands and lakes to great friends and neighbors we have come to know and love. Over the years, we have owned several houses, and I’ve always managed the buildings and properties involved. I have a genuine appreciation for what goes into building construction, operation, and land use.

I’ll bring my business and life experiences to the job on Planning and Zoning, along with a desire to contribute to preserving the character of the town. I also know it is necessary to remain open to the challenges of an ever-changing world. My business career included all aspects of information technology, from programming to operations management to senior executive positions in large financial services companies.

The most rewarding experience I have had recently is as treasurer for the Pathfinders organization that purchased the Deer Lake preserve in September of last year. As most local folks know, it was very challenging to raise enough money to buy the land from the Connecticut Yankee Council of the Boy Scouts. But we did it! Managing the finances and participating in the planning and operation of Deer Lake has given me a new appreciation for what can be done when people are motivated by a common goal and work together to achieve it.

Michael Sarlin

Killingworth