Author Archives: Christopher W. Kerr

Letter to the Editor: Re-elect Gaudio, Willis to Old Lyme Planning Commission; Both are Experienced, Competent Gatekeepers for Community.

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to strongly urge the voters in Old Lyme to re-elect Barbara Gaudio and Donald Willis to the Planning Commission on November 7th.

The importance of the Planning Commission’s work cannot be overstated.  The Planning Commission members are the gatekeepers for prudent and sensible property development in Old Lyme.  These two incumbent Planning Commission members have been endorsed by the Old Lyme Republicans.  Both of these folks are long time residents of Old Lyme with deep roots in the community.  Both have solid experience on the Planning Commission and both are in favor of development in Old Lyme when it is compliant with development regulations and congruous with the character of Old Lyme.

Barbara Gaudio is an unaffiliated voter and has served on the Commission since 2018.  During that time, she has distinguished herself as a fair-minded and prudent Commissioner.  Barbara has lived in Old Lyme for 30 years and raised her two children here.  Both daughters attended District 18 schools.

Ms. Gaudio has an educational and career background in business.  She was an alternate member of the Planning Commission and is currently a full member.  Barbara previously served on the Economic Development Commission in Old Lyme for many years.  She supports fostering development that is sensible and consistent with the fabric of Old Lyme.

Donald Willis is a life long resident of Old Lyme for over 60 years.  Don brings both a salient and unique perspective to the Planning Commission.  Don worked for the Connecticut DOT for 29 years prior to his retirement.  Hence, he is very familiar with roadway and bridge construction regulations.  He was a significant contributor to the Lyme Street Rehabilitation Project.  Furthermore, Don has served on the Planning Commission for over ten years and is intimately familiar with the major applications currently before the Commission.

Don’s local ties to the community run deep as he has served as a volunteer firefighter for the Old Lyme Fire Department for 20 years.  He attended the District 18 schools and was a past member of the Inland Wetlands Commission.

Both Barbara Gaudio and Donald Willis are experienced and competent gatekeepers for our community.  Please vote to re-elect these two exemplary public servants on November 7th to the Planning Commission.

Sincerely,

Christopher W. Kerr,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme Selectman Kerr Proudly Endorses Griswold, Ward, as a Winning Team for the Town

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to encourage my fellow voters in Old Lyme to select a winning team for leadership on the Board of Selectmen.

After serving on the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen with Tim Griswold for over two years, I can earnestly tell you that no one is more qualified to be our First Selectman for another term.  Tim has decades of experience as a leader in our town.  He knows the needs and challenges facing the town and he listens to the citizens carefully.  No one is more focused on fiscal responsibility while getting the important things done.  Tim is committed to keeping Old Lyme a charming and welcoming community.  He doesn’t simply nod when he hears you.  He actually listens carefully to all viewpoints.  He puts principles ahead of politics.

Matt Ward is the ideal choice to be our Second Selectman.  I have known Matt for many years.  Matt has invested countless volunteer hours to the children in town through LOL Little League and in many other capacities.  Matt has extensive law enforcement experience as a State Trooper including management experience in the Connecticut State Police.  He understands public safety and how to effectively communicate with people.  You will be impressed with his quiet demeanor yet strength of character.  Matt is invested in Old Lyme where he and his lovely wife have five children in our school system.  All who have worked with or interfaced with Matt recognize his exemplary leadership skills.  As a leader of State Police Officers in Connecticut Troops, Matt was known to be a fair minded and motivating manager.

Matt is an unaffiliated voter, but embraces the same goals as Tim does:  Keep the Town safe; get projects done on time and within budgets; maintain the high quality school system; help our kids and our seniors have better lives; and focus on fiscal discipline.

I am proud to endorse Tim and Matt for our First and Second Selectmen on November 2nd.  I strongly encourage you to do the same for the long-term good of Old Lyme.

Sincerely,

Chris Kerr,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is the Old Lyme Second Selectman; he is not seeking re-election.

Letter to the Editor: Selectman Kerr Wants to “Hit the Pause Button, Re-group and Listen” Before Continuing Town Projects

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To the Editor:

We have spent a lot of time in Old Lyme discussing many big, important and impacting initiatives: Large plans for Halls Road privately-owned businesses, apartments at I-95 and Route 156 intersection, sewers at Soundview, and merging police with East Lyme, among other issues. I am asking for your vote November 5th to bring back honest discussion at the start of town initiatives, something as the current selectman is sorely needed.

I strongly support:

1) Halls Road improvements that can get done soon: sidewalks, crosswalks, planted traffic islands, improved sign guidelines and accommodating zoning. I do NOT believe the government should act as a master developer of land they do not own or control.

2) Keeping our police force under Old Lyme control;

3) Real economic development along the shoreline Rte. 156;

4) Re-establishing our position as a sewer-avoidance community;

5) Bringing long-waiting projects quickly to completion, including Sound View sewers which are going on six years and the renovation of Hains Park bathrooms which is pushing four years;

6) Needed improvements at the senior center.

As a town, we need to hit the pause button, re-group and listen to the community to establish priorities and then pursue THOSE items with vigor.

Please support myself, Tim Griswold and all of Row B on November 5.

Sincerely,

Christopher W. Kerr,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The writer currently serves as an Old Lyme Selectman and is a 2019 candidate for the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen.