In today’s divisive political climate, it’s rare to see bipartisan collaboration and rarer still to see one party endorse the other. That’s why I feel the need to publically declare my support for Kirklin Woodcock to continue as Town of Wilton Highway Superintendent.
I fit the opposite profile of Kirk’s current support base – I’m a Millennial Democrat who lives in the East Village of Manhattan. I also happen to be his granddaughter, who lived under the same roof as him for a number of years. However, there’s a set of characteristics that I look for in a candidate who is running for any public office, regardless of political association, and my grandfather fits each criteria.
Commitment: I know from first-hand experience how committed he is not only to his job, but also to the people and community of Wilton. He’s been in charge of the roads for 30 years and I can count on one hand the number of times he’s ever taken a day off from work. He religiously tracks the weather during all seasons, especially in the winter, to make sure the roads are safe for all citizens.
Passion: I’ve never seen him as upset as he was 14 years ago, during the tragic Wilton highway garage fire that destroyed a huge portion of the town’s equipment. The support he received from other towns, as well as from within the Wilton community, was incredible. Countless people came to his aide, supplying machinery and manpower, as well as emotional support. He was able to bounce back from this setback and has built up the town’s highway function to be even better than before.
Experience and Knowledge: His years of experience leading the Highway Department are invaluable. However, he knows the importance of staying up to date on latest innovations in road safety, and constantly seeks to expand his knowledge by taking an annual course at Cornell University where he learns ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the office and his team.
Partnership: The scope of what he does reaches far beyond the traditional role of any Highway Superintendent. He cares deeply about the people of Wilton, which is clearly displayed by the time and energy he volunteers to help other organizations such as Double H Hole In the Woods Ranch and the Gavin Park bike path.
The Town of Wilton is Kirk’s livelihood, and I can’t picture a better person to lead the Highway Department for the town that I care so much about.
Caitlin Shufelt
New York City
