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10/24/2017 05:30 PMAs the incumbent in the race for first selectman of Killingworth, Catherine Iino wants to continue the momentum she has built throughout her four terms in office. She plans to continue working hard—often clocking in 60 hours a week, she said—on a number of goals, including strengthening the commercial district and keeping the town united.
“I plan to focus on strengthening our commercial district, both to help businesses to thrive and to prevent the suburban sprawl that Killingworth has, so far, avoided,” said Iino. “I will protect Killingworth from the divisiveness and negativity that have infected national politics. We are so fortunate to live in a town that has been able to work as one for the common good. We need to guard that character with all our might.”
Another important focus for Iino is maintaining a healthy balance of age groups in the community by supporting education to attract young families, helping seniors access the services they need through transportation or in-home assistance, providing recreational opportunities for residents of all ages, and working to keep Killingworth affordable.
“I don’t want to lose the momentum we’ve built over my term in office. I’ve worked hard to bring our town together and keep it moving forward,” said Iino. “Limited spending shouldn’t be an excuse for stagnation. I have shown that we can improve our facilities, our services, and our community spirit while keeping a tight rein on budgets and taxes.”
Throughout her term in office, Iino has seen much growth in the community, including two recreational parks she described as well-built and well-maintained, and which include accessible playgrounds and an accessible walking trail. She’s proud that Parmelee Farm has transformed into a town center with a home for the Killingworth Historical Society, community gardens, farm markets, concerts, and town-wide events.
In addition, the town built a monument garden to honor veterans, began a weekly senior lunch café that draws about 40 people each week, and now has a functional emergency operations center. Killingworth also vigorously celebrated its 350th anniversary.
“We have done all this while keeping Killingworth in the black and at the low end of local tax rates in the state,” said Iino. “Let me be clear: None of this would have happened without the amazing contributions of time, energy, ideas, services, and expertise from generous townspeople. They are an inspiration. What I have done is to build interconnections and marshal the support needed to allow our volunteers to be effective.”
Those interconnections and the people behind them are Iino’s favorite part of being a part of the Killingworth community.
“I love that people here care more about your service to the community than your fancy house or your job title,” said Iino. “You are admired for what you contribute, whether it’s cutting trails, feeding the hungry, serving on town boards, fighting fires, coaching youth teams, staffing the library…That’s what I treasure about Killingworth.”
Iino served as the town’s representative on the board of the Killingworth Library Association and a member of the Pay-as-You-Throw Committee and Board of Finance before being elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2007. She also serves on several statewide committees and other regional and local organizations.
“My leadership role in regional and state organizations allows me to fight legislation that would harm our town, educate legislators on the ways their proposals affect Killingworth and other small towns, and to be a strong voice for our town’s best interests,” said Iino. “My most important quality is the openness and respect with which I treat everyone in town, regardless of party or background. That has allowed me to bridge divisions and build consensus for progress. I will continue to devote myself to the whole town, to listen closely to town residents, and to work across divisions.”