Monthly Archives: October 2020

Letter to the Editor: Carney’s Record on Veterans’ Affairs is Strong, Consistent

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To the Editor:

Devin Carney has a strong record when it comes to veterans’ affairs and, as a veteran, that means a lot to me. This past session Devin co-sponsored legislation that would allow more veterans access to public assistance should they need it. In years past, he has backed bills that would assist veterans with starting their own businesses, reduced the property tax burden on veterans and Gold Star families, and helped veterans affected by PTSD and brain injuries. Devin understands that we must support our servicemen and servicewomen when they return – and that includes as they age. He has always been supportive of our local VFW and has always been there to honor our local veterans – including this past February when he and the Lt. Governor recognized those who served in Korea and Vietnam. He will continue to be a strong advocate for us and I look forward to supporting him for re election on November 3rd. 

Sincerely,

Ed Shyloski,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The writer is a Vietnam Veteran.

Letter to the Editor: Vote for the Future, Rubino is Committed to Protecting Environment, Addressing Climate Change

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To the Editor:

As a mother voting in this election, I feel a responsibility to support a candidate who will be a strong advocate for the environment and who will demonstrate a commitment to address the climate crisis. I would like to see a more robust response to this crucial issue, and hope to have a more enlightened approach by newly elected representatives. I was impressed to learn that Dave Rubino, candidate for State Representative in the 23rd Assembly District, was endorsed by the CT Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement. He is a strong supporter of the CT Green New Deal to protect the environment and understands that a “green economy” is an asset to the state economy and job growth. Dave is also committed to helping CT develop an effective plan to replace fossil fuel with solar and wind energy.

Dave Rubino also recognizes that the natural beauty of CT must be preserved for future generations and to promote tourism, so vital to the state economy. Protecting our rivers, lakes, marshes, and woodlands must be a legislative priority, but we must also take measures now to minimize the impact of the climate crisis. Climate crisis education in our schools, which he supports, is but one measure to take now. We can no longer have legislators who deny, minimize, or ignore this devastating issue. I support Dave Rubino for State Representative because he has already demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment and addressing climate change. This election, I’m voting for the future. It is also a vote for my children and a sustainable environment.

Sincerely,

Sarah Foley,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Saunders in 33rd Embodies ‘Compassion, Wisdom, and Joy’

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To the Editor:

Abraham Lincoln said, “before the age of forty, God is responsible for our face, and after the age of forty, we are responsible for our face.” Just looking at Brendan Saunders’ face, the gentleman running for senate in the 33rd district, you will understand what Lincoln meant. Saunders’ face radiates compassion, wisdom, and Joy.

Saunders’ wisdom presents itself with his laser focus and deep understanding of the difficulties of balancing one’s budget in the over-taxed, Democrat-run State of Connecticut. He has pledged to work diligently to cut wasteful spending and cutting Connecticut’s obscene taxes. Deep reforms of energy companies are high on his” fix-the problems” agenda.

Probably the most crucial issue is his devotion to our First Responders. He has pledged to oppose any policies aimed at defunding the police. It takes wisdom to think beyond the emotional and understand the dire ramifications of any such short-sighted legislation or tyrannical edict by a Governor.

Joy. Unlike so many “seasoned elected officials,” Saunders is a joyful human being. What could be better for the 33rd district than a happy warrior fighting for us while armed with acute wisdom and deep compassion? Same old, same old endorsement of the policies that have driven Connecticut into a fiscal mess makes no sense.

Sincerely,

Alison Nichols, M.Div.,
Essex.

Letter to the Editor: Carney is Strong Advocate For Our Children, Public Schools

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To the Editor:

As a mom, the quality of education in Old Lyme is extremely important to me, that’s why I am supporting Devin Carney for re-election. Devin has always stood up for Lyme-Old Lyme schools while at the Capitol and fought against policies that would have been a detriment.

Last year, hundreds of Lyme-Old Lyme parents testified against bills that would have led to state forced school regionalization. One of the bills even proposed splitting Lyme and Old Lyme up into two different large districts. The proposed massive school districts would have taken away our local control and reduced our input. Devin Carney stood up for local parents and students and worked to stop these proposals. He held a forum on the topic to give parents the opportunity to speak out and to let them know that their voices were being heard. This is the type of service I look for from a State Representative.

Devin has also supported legislation to improve school safety, protect student data privacy, and to improve internship opportunities for our students. He understands that our schools are a big reason why people move to Lyme and Old Lyme and a driver for our property values. I know he will continue to be a strong advocate for our children and our public schools and that’s why I will be voting for him on November 3rd.

Sincerely,

Maria Corrao Marchant,
Old Lyme.

Norm Needleman (D): Candidate (Incumbent) for CT State Senate, 33rd District

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State Senator Norm Needleman

Biography

State Senator Norm Needleman, seeking his second term in Hartford, is chair of the Energy & Technology Committee. Owner and CEO of Centerbrook’s Tower Laboratories and First Selectman of Essex, now in his fifth term in that role.

Senator Needleman is serious about putting partisan politics aside and finding solutions that benefit all of Connecticut, from finding new solutions in energy generation to supporting legislation to clean our lakes and rivers. He is currently working on the ‘Take Back Our Grid Act,’ energy-focused legislation that would require utilities to be monitored and judged based on performance, assisting ratepayers.

1.  What do you believe are currently the three most pressing issues in the state of Connecticut?

Here are the three challenges I believe require the immediate and intense focus of legislators.

  • Manage the COVID-19 pandemic so that individuals, businesses, and schools can return to normal life as soon as possible. Use science, data, and proven medical technology to develop fact-based policies that minimize the spread of the virus. At the same time, make certain that individuals and businesses can access the help they need to confront the difficulties the virus imposes on families and employers. The challenge is to maintain a credible voice in developing policies for managing COVID-19, and  have worked tirelessly to help individuals and businesses in their time of need.
  • Advocate to protect our basic rights. The core values of our democracy are at stake in this election. The collapse of both reason and the rule of law at the federal level…in the White House, in congress, and in the judiciary…has profound implications right here where we live. Our state government is the firewall protecting  basic rights like healthcare, a women’s right to choose, and the right to vote. The advocate we send to Hartford must confront challenges to these basic rights, and make certain that the state government remains a pillar of fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for every individual in the state.

Confront the tough decisions that keep the state on the path to fiscal stability. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 virus, the state has made progress in managing the budget. Without raising  the income tax or sales tax, we have accrued the largest rainy day fund in the state’s history. That fund was a vital resource in managing the COVID-19 crisis. We need to continue to manage the state’s budget process, including making difficult decisions about funding, in order to provide the long term financial stability that is essential for job creation, a healthy business environment, and a robust economy.

2. From the three issues you cite in your response to Question1, identify the one that you think is the most pressing and explain your choice. Then expand on steps you believe should be taken to resolve it and how you could contribute to that resolution process?

The three issues I have cited impact the life of every individual in every one of our towns. But protecting the health and safety of our citizens comes first. COVID-19 is a threat to every element of our society. If we don’t actively protect or citizens,  every aspect of daily life – jobs, schools, recreation, social activity, family life, health, culture –– is affected.  Managing the spread of the virus until medical science gives us vaccines and treatments is vital to our families, our businesses, and our state government.

There are three areas where I can contribute to managing  and controlling the COVID-19 virus.  First, I can continue to actively contribute to developing fact-based policies to confront the virus.  I can help the state senate and the administration maintain a sharp focus on science and data in managing the virus. Common sense, data-driven decisions have kept our state among the best at controlling the first wave of the virus. I will continue to advocate policy development based on science and data.

Second, I can help develop processes and procedures that accelerate the safe reopening of schools and businesses. Making common sense decisions about how and when to reopen schools and businesses is vitally important to returning society to full function as soon as possible. My background in business and town management have been helpful in shaping the policies we used to safely reopen businesses in our state. Undoubtedly, we will need to continually refine what we do and how we do it. I can and will continue to work with the administration in developing forward-looking processes and procedures.

Third, I will work tirelessly to help my constituents access the help they need when confronted with the virus. I have helped secure unemployment benefits for hundreds of constituents, and have helped many businesses identify and secure the support they need to survive the  challenges of the pandemic. Over the course of the months since the onset of the pandemic, I have been sustained by my belief that my job is to help people.

3. What personal characteristics do you embody that justify why people should vote for you?

Here is a list of characteristics that collectively comprise the reason I believe I am the best qualified candidate to represent the people of the 33rd District in the State Senate.

  • I have over 20 years of public service experience. In that time, I have learned how important it is to base decisions on facts and common sense. 
  • I approach policy making with the perspective that comes from the real world experience of having managed the finances and delivery of services in a town. 
  • I believe that an inclusive, bipartisan dialogue is the key to solving problems.  
  • I’m not a politician, and I have no political ambitions. I’m in the state senate to help people, not to build a platform for higher office.
  • I believe in our state and in the towns in our district.  We are blessed with a great place to live, and  it is my responsibility to do everything I can to make it better for our generation, and for our children. 
  • I have been fortunate in my life, but my proudest achievement is helping people through their hard times, and helping them reach and sustain a better life.
  • I am motivated by the belief that I am in the state senate to help make certain that our state government remains a pillar of fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for every individual.