Monthly Archives: October 2025

Letter to the Editor: Reader Questions Kelsey’s Position on Halls Road ‘Political Football’

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To the Editor:

Because the Republican Party has made the HROD an issue this election season, I thought to correct a recent letter that seemed ill informed or deceptive. I offered the below to CT Examiner last week, but they have not responded. Notably, David Kelsey is listed as the principal funder of the CT Examiner on its website (1).

On October 14, CT Examiner published Emerson Colwell’s “Finance Candidate’s Backing of Halls Road Overlay Shows Lack of Judgement.” Colwell argued Board of Finance member Thompson supported the Halls Road Overlay District (HROD), and should be replaced by candidates Matthew Olson and David Kelsey.

A few facts:

  • Kelsey was a member of the Halls Road Improvement Committee (HRIC) from 2020-2023 (2). This was the key period in which the HROD plan as currently known was formed.
  • Kelsey on June 9, 2022 was THE member who motioned to forward the draft HROD to the Zoning Commission (3). This was to be the first time the Zoning Commission rejected the HROD.
  • HRIC minutes show Kelsey was an active HRIC participant and supported the plan.
  • Kelsey, a former Wall Street investment banker focused on real estate, is co-founder of an investment company headquartered in Old Lyme that owns and operates apartment complexes and other commercial properties across the United States (4).
  • Kelsey owns one property on Halls Road (5). I believe per the news at the time he claimed to buy it for altruistic purposes for the town. Kelsey’s company occupies another property in what could become the HROD. The property’s ownership is unclear per the Old Lyme GIS.  With HROD approval, it is reasonable to believe both properties would increase in value.

I do not personally know any of the candidates Mr. Colwell mentions. I do thank the three as well as our other volunteers of all or no parties upon our behalf. Mr. Kelsey has volunteered his time to the town over the years as have the others. I only wish to correct the errors.

But, if one were to take a paranoid mindset (and I do not), then … if there is anyone living in town that has the background, acumen, financial incentive, and access to massive sources of capital from across the country to build up Halls Road to the hilt, it is Republican Candidate David Kelsey and the team of Wall Street real estate investment professionals he leads.

The HROD was the result of many years of time generously volunteered by our neighbors. They did their best.  It was an open discussion with meetings, minutes, public outreach with surveys and open houses at Town Hall which many of us participated in. Greg Stroud the owner of the CT Examiner published some criticisms on legal issues, which the HRIC took to heart and made important changes. It was a non-partisan and bi-partisan effort to do something to improve things, as every generation should attempt to do for their community. Hopefully, some of its research assists the Zoning Commission in this new third round of examination of Halls Road.

What I would like to see next from the local press is an open discussion among the Republican candidates; perhaps Kelsey and a major HROD detractor. What does Kelsey think about the way things have gone down this year with his creation; it becoming a political football?  Does Kelsey and his firm have a secret plan for Halls Road?

Beware of those who peddle in unsupported accusations, drama, division, and/or deception.  Character matters.

Sincerely,

Kevin Clougherty,
Old Lyme.

Sources:

  1. https://ctexaminer.com/about/
  2. https://onboard.oldlyme-ct.gov/board/4213
  3. https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06092022-1686
  4. https://hamiltonptinv.com/team/
  5. https://oldlymect.mapgeo.io/datasets/properties?abuttersDistance=100&latlng=41.322986%2C-72.338979&previewId=21-54-1&zoom=20

Lyme Library Hosts ‘Present Day Ukraine: An Insider’s View,’ Thursday

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LYME—On Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., a Lyme resident who recently traveled to Ukraine will help present an “insider’s view” at the Lyme Public Library.

The discussion and slideshow, titled “Present Day Ukraine: An Insider’s View,” will reveal the country through three different perspectives highlighting the efforts of the humanitarian volunteer organization Plebeian Helpers.

Joining local resident Gina DiGuardia, who visited Ukraine to assist in Plebeian Helpers‘ work, will be two Wesleyan University professors from the Eurasian studies department and a Ukrainian student currently in the U.S.

Learn more about the current situation in Ukraine from people, who have seen things first-hand, and to learn about how you can help support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.

Ukrainian refreshments will be served.

To register, email programreg@lymepl.org.

To register email  programreg@lymepl.org 

Letter to the Editor: Why Won’t Old Lyme Republicans Participate in a Debate?

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To the Editor:

As a long term beach resident of Old Lyme and a past elected official, I have had the honor to serve with members of both parties and independents. I am however disappointed that our Republican candidates have refused to participate in a debate with our Democratic opponents.

One has to wonder why.  Perhaps they do not want to publicly defend their misleading attacks on Martha Shoemaker or perhaps their alignment with the priorities of the GOP and Project 2025 or most disturbing their support for Trump/MAGA. So much for “All politics are local”. Very disturbing.

Martha Shoemaker and her running mate, Jim Lampos, have proven themselves as dedicated public servants who “put the people of Old Lyme first”.  They have worked diligently and transparently to address long standing issues, many of which were stalled under prior Republican leadership.  Only through open meetings and community engagement have they shown what responsive, responsible government looks like.

Running a town requires Listening and being willing to engage in “Honest” discussion.  I urge my fellow residents whether you be Democratic, Republican or Independent to support them on Nov. 4-Row A for leadership that represents every resident of our beautiful town.

Sincerely,

George Finley,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is chair of Old Lyme’s Board of Assessment Appeals and a member of its Harbor Management Commission.

TOP STORY: Region 18 Board of Education Candidates Respond to Our Questions

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OLD LYME–There are 10 candidates for five open spots on the Region 18 Board of Education in this year’s hotly contested race. 

All five open spots are for four-year-terms.

The candidates were asked to respond with a 350-word limit to four questions (below) that we posed. We thank those that responded for doing so in a timely fashion and adhering to our rules.

  1. Why are you running for the Region 18 Board of Education, and what skills or experiences make you the right candidate for that role?
  2. In order of importance, what do you see as the top three challenges facing Region 18 over the next four years?
  3. How can the school board help keep costs under control while maintaining the district’s reputation for academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities?
  4. Amid the ongoing national debate over parents’ rights, how should the Board of Education handle conflicts between parents and the district over curriculum, instruction, learning materials or student support?

Click on each name to read the candidate’s responses and learn more about them in their own words. 

The eight candidates running for the four Old Lyme spots open on the Region 18 Board of Education are:

Jarod Bushey (R)

Brandy Campbell (R) 

Michael J. Hansen (D)  

Jason L. Kemp (D-incumbent)

Shaun Mastroianni (R)

Cynthia Love McCollum (D)

Carlos Piña, (U—endorsed by the RTC)

Sheryl Shyloski (D)

The two candidates running for the single Lyme spot open on the Region 18 Board of Education are:

Anna James (D-incumbent)

Lannie Mossberg (U—endorsed by the RTC)

Death Announced of Peter Harron of Essex, Husband of Colette Harron

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Peter Harron

ESSEX, CT — Peter Harron of Essex, Connecticut, was born on October 31, 1940, in Hamilton, Bermuda, to the late Hal Young Harron and the late Phylis West Harron. He passed away suddenly on June 26, 2025. He leaves his beloved wife, Colette Harron, and two sisters, Diana and Aramynta, his nephews, Wendell Anderson and Charles Anderson, and many friends and family in Bermuda, Connecticut, and New York. He was predeceased by his sister, Andrea.

Peter spent his childhood with his three sisters in Bermuda. He attended Appleby College in Canada, The Hatch School in Newport, RI,  Emerson College in Boston, The New School, and HB Studio in New York.

Peter, a lifelong artist, began his creative journey with still photography. His father gifted him a camera and a developing kit when he was nine years old which he put to immediate use. A creative soul, he eventually transitioned into theatre and film production. He started his film career as an actor, then directed plays at New York’s 8th Street Playhouse, ultimately becoming a producer.

Peter studied with Uta Hagen as well as Lee Strasbourg in The Director’s Unit and produced with Edward Albee. He was the cinematographer on the anti-war documentary “Anti-War Music Festival,” which featured Jimi Hendrix, among other major rock stars, as well as “Listen America” and the documentary “Raoni.” Peter also, directed the musical “The Fantasticks” in Bermuda.

Peter developed a distinctive photographic style that provided him with a unique perspective on the world. He favored black and white film for its dream-like quality, and his large-format silver gelatin prints were exhibited at numerous galleries. He captured the immediate aftermath of 9/11 in a series titled “Sept 2001,” which was created to pay homage to the victims. This work was featured in “Here Is New York” at the Spring Street Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art. Another notable project was his documentation of Woodstock in 1969. Throughout his life, he exhibited extensively in galleries and museums, actively participating in the vibrant New York art scene.

Peter was always drawn to the water; he sailed and raced sailboats in Bermuda at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and locally at the Essex Yacht Club.  In 1955, he and his family established the Essex Pettipaug Yacht Club. Peter served as a Junior Commodore at the club, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the sport.

Peter loved to photograph the light and cool shadows at dawn in Colette’s beautiful garden in Essex. Peter’s inimitable style and sophistication, along with his broad knowledge, wit, and unwavering love for Colette, his friends, and family, will be deeply missed.

Donations may be made in Peter’s memory to:  The Essex Fire Department; or the Valley Shore Animal Welfare.