To the Editor:

I take incredible exception with the Letter to the Editor, published on November 2, 2023 on LymeLine.com, signed by Timothy Griswold.

To begin, I don’t think that letter represents how Mr. Griswold really feels, so I’m not sure why he chose to put his name on it. He and current Town Treasurer Michael Reiter have worked very well together for years, and that letter would suggest otherwise. But in his own words “I guess it’s election season”.

Disappointing.

Second, when an employee goes out on emergency personal medical leave, the person frequently doesn’t inform anyone other than their direct supervisor – which in this situation was Mr. Griswold, the CEO of the town. It was his job to then inform anyone who was impacted by the leave, and he didn’t inform Michael.  Current Selectman Matt Ward did help to prepare the budget in the proper format – but Matt also didn’t think to notify Michael of the Finance Director’s absence. And still, when Michael did learn of the absence, he initiated the search to find people to fill in – when Mr. Griswold didn’t do anything. This actually demonstrates Michael’s quick thinking and willingness to work with anyone – no matter what party – to get the job done most efficiently.

Third, to set the record straight, the Treasurer is not required or expected to attend Board of Finance meetings. In fact, since the Finance Director is usually in attendance at BOF meetings, it would be redundant and a waste of time to have two people from the same department attending. When asked to attend, Mike attended.   Mr. Griswold should encourage his team to stop suggesting otherwise.

And finally, Michael has managed budgets over 60 million dollars for major defense contracts – clearly he knows his way around a balance sheet. He reached out to the experts when he noticed an opportunity for town funds to be invested in better ways due to the national financial climate. This resulted in several hundred thousand dollars of income that the town might have missed out on. Demonstrating yet again his dedication to making sure our town is in the best financial standing possible.

As I’m sure someone commenting on this LTE will point out, I am Michael’s wife and I’m running for Board of Finance. As has already happened, both Michael and I served in these positions previously when I held a seat on the BOF.  When we both ran for these offices four years ago, we consulted the town attorney who confirmed there is no issue with us running (and being married) because as a member of the BOF, I would be approving how to spend taxpayer dollars and as Treasurer, Mike will continue to make sure that tax dollars are spent exactly how taxpayers approve and invest available dollars wisely. So we don’t need to hash that out again either.

Suggesting we are anything other than dedicated to this town and ensuring its financial viability is not only misleading, it is a bald-faced lie. My husband is proud of his record over the last four years and looks forward to serving our town for another four years.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Anna Reiter,
Old Lyme.