LYME— The unofficial results of today’s election in the Town of Lyme are below. These results include both Early Voting and Absentee Votes.
SHALL THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE BE AMENDED TO PERMIT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW EACH VOTER TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT? Yes: 808 No: 468
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS Harris and Walz (D) 1,097 Trump and Vance (R) 537 Stein and Ware (G) 13 Oliver and Ter Maat (L) 13 Kennedy, Jr. and Shanahan (PC) 11 Write-In Votes 6
UNITED STATES SENATOR Christopher S. Murphy (D) & (WF) 1,063 Matthew M. Corey (R) 553 Justin C. Paglino (G) 6 Robert Finley Hyde (CGGP) 8 Write-In Votes 1
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS Joe Courtney (D) 1,097 Mike France (R) 533 Write-In Votes 0
STATE SENATOR Norm Needleman (D) & (I) 1,048 Jeffery Duigou (R) 563 Write-In Votes 0
STATE REPRESENTATIVE Jane Wisialowski (D) & (WF) 902 Devin R. Carney (R) & (I) 727 Write-In Votes 0
In keeping with a long tradition and in the interests of increasing voter knowledge prior to next week’s critically important elections, we asked all the state candidates, whose districts include Lyme and/or Old Lyme, to send us a brief biography and photo, and answer three questions that we posed to them.
We are delighted to report that all six candidates responded to our questions by our deadline and also adhered to our strict word limits — 100 words for the biography and 350 words for each response. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the candidates for their timely cooperation.
The questions were:
What is the most serious problem currently facing the state of Connecticut? What proposal(s) would you make to alleviate the problem?
‘Book-banning’ has been a significant issue in the community—where do you stand on the matter?
Why are you running for this position?
The candidates are:
CT HOUSE DiSTRICT #23 (includes Lyme and Old Lyme)
I’ve long stayed away from the political arena. However, the tone of the mailers I am receiving as we near election sets a poor example for our area in terms of the actual issues we as residents face. Conflating national politics with our local representatives is exactly the kind of problem we as voters can solve as we go the polls. It’s why I’m supporting Shaun Mastroianni.
In getting to know Shaun, I’ve found him to be pragmatic, open minded, and acting in the best interest of his constituents. Which makes his opponent’s attacks; portraying Shaun as embedded with Trump and other controversial Republicans, particularly troublesome. This represents political rhetoric of the laziest sort and it’s misleading and insulting to voters.
As a registered Independent, disaffected largely by the positions of the GOP in Washington, I’ve hoped to find reasonable lines of commonality with both Democrats and Republicans. In some ways I have. It would be hard to argue that we are not best represented in our economic interests by Democrat Joe Courtney’s representation of the second district. Similarly, Representative Devin Carney, a Republican, continues a bipartisan approach far removed from D.C, and effectively supports environmental, economic, and educational legislation benefiting his district.
Shaun will do the same. Helping residents in our community afford to live in the same communities they work in, reducing our energy costs for all residents, protecting our senior’s welfare and expanding access to all for preventive care. Shaun’s approach to strengthening our schools across all towns in the district is particularly important. It’s a truly pragmatic approach that brings mutual benefits to teachers and students alike by increasing access to STEM and vocational training, in addition to allowing parents a continued strong voice in the education of their children.
By contrast, short of supporting federal legislation that is not threatened reasonably by either party in Connecticut, I can’t understand what Martha stands for. A quick comparison of both campaign’s websites should be encouraged. Martha’s cites many prior accomplishments, but little in the way of what her next term will bring. Shaun’s has a tab with his positions on the issues – none of which cite further restriction of women’s bodily autonomy, direct or inferred support of former President Trump, or any of the claims made by Marx.
As an Independent, voting for Shaun is a vote for the issues that truly impact our towns – not a referendum on the national election. Any insinuation otherwise is to discredit the strong, educated, and hard-working voters of our district. We can and should expect better of our representation – especially from an incumbent. It’s one of the many reasons to support Shaun.
Norm Needleman (D), is the incumbent candidate for 33rd State Senate District, which includes Lyme.
The Police Officers Association of Connecticut has endorsed State Senator Norm Needleman for another term in the Connecticut State Senate.
As the First Selectman of Essex, Sen. Needleman works directly with police and first responders in his community. As a State Senator, he has taken steps to engage with local police departments, assist them where and when possible, and learn more about what they need to best succeed in their roles.
Knowing the vital importance of public safety, Sen. Needleman is committed to supporting policing strategies that benefit both officers and the public, allowing for them to safely and effectively keep our communities protected.
“Police in our communities rush toward danger while the rest of us flee. They play a direct and vital role in our communities, keeping us safe and ensuring those who break the law will meet necessary consequences,” said Sen. Needleman.
He continued, “I am honored to receive the support of the POACT, which represents approximately 5,000 police officers across the state, and will continue working to make sure our communities receive the care and service they need while the people who provide that care and service are able to go home at the end of the day with the compensation they deserve.”
In 2019 and 2023, Sen. Needleman voted for the bipartisan four-year Connecticut State Police labor union contracts providing officers with raises and bonuses as well as improved benefits. Specifically, that contract raised the pay for State Police trooper trainees, which will benefit the state’s ability to recruit and retain qualified troopers.
Sen. Needleman has also voted to support policies providing police officers with access to care for post-traumatic stress caused on the job among other significant improvements.
This latest endorsement comes after previously announced support for Norm from the Independent Party, Retired Teachers of Connecticut, Planned Parenthood, CT Realtors, Reproductive Action Now, 314 Action Fund and AFT Connecticut, among others.
Sen. Needleman was unanimously renominated this spring by the Democratic Party to represent the town of Lyme along with Colchester, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.
In addition to working as Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, Sen. Needleman also works as Vice Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Transportation and Commerce Committees.
Sen. Needleman founded and runs a manufacturing company, Tower Laboratories in Centerbrook, and is currently serving his sixth term as the First Selectman of Essex.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Sen. Needleman’s office.
Jane Wisialowsi is the Democratic candidate for the 23rd District State Representative.
LYME/OLD LYME/OLD SAYBROOK/ – Leading reproductive rights organizations Planned Parenthood of Connecticut and Reproductive Equity Nowhave both endorsed Jane Wisialowski in her campaign for 23rd District State Representative (Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Old Lyme, and Lyme).
These endorsements highlight Wisialowski’s commitment to reproductive rights and healthcare access.
In a statement announcing the endorsement, Planned Parenthood said of Wisialowski, “We are grateful that you have indicated that, as a legislator, you are willing to advocate for protecting and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people.”
The statement added, “We are in an urgent moment and working together we can achieve our vision for a future where all people in Connecticut can realize the right to control their bodies, their lives, and their futures.”
Reproductive Equity Now announced its endorsement in August: “The right to abortion, contraception, IVF, and all forms of reproductive health care are facing existential threats on the national stage,” president Rebecca Hart Holder said in a statement.
She continued, “Reproductive Equity Now is proud to endorse candidates who are ready to fight for reproductive equity and ensure that Connecticut remains a firewall for abortion access in post-Roe America.”
“I am so proud to receive the endorsement of these two brave organizations that are on the front line in the fight for women’s reproductive freedom,” said Wisialowski.
She continued, “When elected, I will always fight to protect women’s reproductive rights, access to contraception and IVF.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Jane Wisialowski’s Campaign Office.
