Richard Pleines of Killingworth is running for Municipal Election November 8th as an unaffiliated candidate for the office of First Selectman.

Your best choice for your best interest.

He is currently Chairman of Killingworth's Municipal Land Use Committee and a member of the Parmelee Farm Steering Committee. Richard has a long history as a board member and Chairman of the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce.

In his committee memberships and service to the Town of Killingworth he has always been an unaffiliated voter and always acted in the best interest of the town.

Richards mission is to enhance the quality of life in Killingworth by providing continuity of government and cost effective services consistent with our community values.

Sound Management - Fiscal Responsibility - Professional Care

Richard and his wife Carole have been residents of Killingworth for thirty-nine years. They have three children and six grandchildren.

As a candidate for First Selectman, I feel that it is important to let the voters of Killingworth know why I have chosen to run unaffiliated. I have always put the best interest of Killingworth ahead of politics. My wife Carole and I have lived in Killingworth for more than 39 years.   In addition, my record as a volunteer over the years is reflected in the work with the Parmelee House, the Land Use Committee and involvement as a member of the Charter Revision Committee.  As a candidate, I have chosen to pay my own way and keep expenses under a $1,000.  This has led to limited exposure but, most people know me and know my volunteer work for this town.  I have not been sending out colorful brochures or making phone calls to illicit your vote.  My hope is that you will realize that I have always voted in the best interest of Killingworth and not voting to appease a political party and make promises I can not keep.

Killingworth has many issues that need to be dealt with in a responsible and proactive manner.  My goal as First Selectman will be to meet with you, the residents of Killingworth, take suggestions seriously and provide the best leadership for you and our town as possible.

Please be sure to vote on Tuesday November 8^th.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Why Richard decided to run for the position of Killingworth First Selectman Unaffiliated (More)

In response to Stephen Anderson's article on Patch, Killingworth Democrats - A Great Team for a Great Town
http://durham.patch.com/blog_posts/killingworth-democrats-a-great-team-for-a-great-town-7fc880aa

"Cathy got things moving with Parmelee Farm by seeking and obtaining grants"

Cathy Iino did not seek and obtain grants for Parmelee Farm. The Municipal Land Use Committee, who prior to the formation of the Parmelee Farm Steering Committee, had the charge of overseeing the Parmelee Farm, did. The $150,000 Steep Grant was initiated by Hilary Kumnick Vice Chair, and worked on by Hilary, Michelle Becker, and myself Richard Pleines Chair. It was submitted under my name as chair and Kathy Iinos for the town as First Selectman. Smaller previous grants for the house and barn were also initiated and submitted by the Municipal Land Use Committee.

Cathy has responded " I have taken the lead in organizing, writing and submitting the many grant proposals for Parmelee, including the STEAP grant and the historic preservation grants."

Cathy, the Connecticut Trust For Historic Preservation (HPTAG) grant in the amount of $7,614.00 for a conditions survey on the Parmelee house was for the period October 15 2008 - October 15 2009.
The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation Barn Grant for $5,726.59 was for the period June 2 2008 - May 31 2009.

The Middlesex County Community Foundation Grant in the amount of $3.000.00 for a Conditions Survey and Feasibility Study for the Parmelee House was the first grant submitted for the Parmelee Farm.

These historic preservation grants were all submitted by the Municipal Land Use Committee with no input from you. You never attend any Municipal Land use Committee meetings as Selectman to give imput on these grants. All three of these grants were submitted before you took office as First Selectman in November 2009.

The Application for the Steap Grant was developed and worked on by Hilary Kumnick, Michele Becker and me at several special meetings. I do not recall you being in attendance as First Selectman at any of these meetings. I believe the first time you saw the completed grant was at a Board of Selectman's Meeting on March 8, 2010 when Hilary, Michele and I presented it to the Board of Selectman for their approval and your signature.
On March 19, 2010 Hilary, Michele and I sent a letter and back up information to grant reviewers on behalf of the Municipal Land Use Committee.

The Invitation to Meet the Candidate on Sunday September 18, was a success with a group of interested Killing worth residents expressing their vision and ideas about what direction town government should take. Issues discussed were, tax issues effecting seniors, affordable housing and attracting small businesses while maintaining the rural characteristic of our town.

Organizations, Boards and Committees

Richard Pleines
628 Route 148
Killingworth, CT 06419-1145
860 663-2214
Email Richard