Category Archives: Politics

Old Lyme’s Latest Newsletter From The First Selectwoman

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Bonnie Reemsnyder

Bonnie Reemsnyder

We’re delighted to publish today the latest newsletter written by Old Lyme’s First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder.

Newsletter from the First Selectwoman April 2013

Finally, the weather seems to be warming up!  Our lawns are getting greener – and longer! Flowers are blooming and I see many more people getting out for walks, bike rides and jogs!  Oh, how good it is to have a New England Spring! 

John Flower, Building Official
In my last newsletter, I was remiss in neglecting to acknowledge that the Selectmen have appointed John Flower as our new Building Official.  Mr. Flower has worked for the Town of Old Lyme as Asst. Building Official/Asst. Sanitarian for nearly 15 years, and is well prepared to take on the job.  After Storm Sandy, John worked tirelessly to restore service to as many homeowners as possible in record time.  There were so many damaged homes waiting for approval prior to electrical restoration that John worked most days well into the evening and through weekends to get the job done.  When homeowners needed work done prior to reconnection, John was quick to get out to their homes to re-inspect and expedite restoration. His diligence and hard work was noted by many homeowners and certainly appreciated by the Town.  We are proud to have John Flower as our full time Building Official for the Town of Old Lyme, and we thank him for his hard work on behalf of the homeowners who suffered such loss.
Special Town Meeting
A Special Town Meeting took place on April 9, 2013, at the Middle School Auditorium, to vote on the allocation of $185,000 to fund the study of Wastewater Management in the Shoreline area of Old Lyme.  Approximately 120 people were in attendance to vote on this, as well as the allocation of $27,300 for Kiosks and the reconfiguration of parking on Hartford Ave.  After presentations and much discussion, both items passed at this Town Meeting.  Thank you to all our citizens who took the time to come out and hear what is going on and to cast your vote as you saw fit.  
FY 2014 Budget Hearing
Vote on Regional District #18 budget on May 7th!
Vote on the Town Budget on May 20th!
The Board of Finance held a hearing on April 22, 2013 in the Town Hall to review the proposed budget for FY 2014.  As usual, Chairman Andy Russell did a fine job of going over the budget, highlighting the areas of substantial change.  We are all pleased to report that this year’s proposed budget has only a slight increase in the mill rate, from 19.26 to 19.30 mills.  This increase represents an overall increase of $169,825 over the FY 2013 budget.  The Budget hearing was well attended and provided an important opportunity for citizens to understand the proposed budget and have their questions answered.  Provided the District #18 budget is approved on May 7, 2014, the Town Meeting to approve the Budget for FY 2014 will be held on Monday, May 20.  It is important to acknowledge the hard work of each of the members of the Board of Finance: Chairman Andy Russell, H. Perry Garvin, Christopher Kerr, David Woolley, Wayne Devoe, Janet Sturges, and alternates David Kelsey, Robert Jose and Bennett BJ Bernblum.  Thank you all for your many hours of service.
Rte. 156 Bike Path/Sound View Improvements Grant
We continue to move forward on the proposed bike path and Sound View improvements.  A committee has been established to develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which has since been advertised in The Day, posted on the DAS website and our Town website.  The bike path will connect the bike path that comes across the Baldwin Bridge to Hartford Ave. off of Rte. 156.  The plan calls for a park at the end of Hartford Avenue, complete with restrooms, picnic area, bike racks and a gazebo with open area for events.  The park will be in the current Town Parking lot, and will include a parking lot that can accommodate 44 cars.  While this will decrease the parking available through Town owned parking spaces, there are still many privately owned parking lots for visitors to park.  
Once a firm is chosen to work on the plans and specs, they will submit a Scope of Work (SOW) and proposed cost, which will be approved at a town meeting, as it is likely to be over the $20,000 threshold.  Please be sure to follow the progress by visiting the Town website at www.oldlyme-ct.gov.  You can then click on Current Projects, and follow the links to the Route 156 Bike Route Connection/Sound View Park Improvements Project.   All Committee meetings and minutes will be posted at this site, as well as information on the RFQ.  Thanks go to this committee for their hard work, which includes Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal, Selectman Skip Sibley, Frank Pappalardo, Chairman of the Sound View Commission, and Angelo Faenza, resident of Sound View.
Rogers Lake Dam
The Rogers Lake Dam project is expected to begin by June of this year.  Bids have been received and we will be awarding the project in short order. Provided everything goes as planned, the project will be completed sometime in September of this year.  It includes an aluminum fish ladder that will allow the alewives to return to their natural spawning grounds in Rogers Lake.  Funding for the project has come from a STEAP grant from the State of Connecticut, a grant from the Connecticut River Watershed Council for the fish ladder, and the Town of Old Lyme.  The Board of Selectmen would like to thank former First Selectman Timothy C. Griswold for continuing to work on this project, and Ellie Czarnowski, who is also on the Committee.  It has been a long, drawn-out process, so we will no doubt plan a celebration when the project is completed.
“The Doughboy” Returns
Prior to the renovations of Memorial Town Hall in 2007 and 2008, “Spirit of the Doughboy”, a very large pastel of a soldier, with arm extended to hold an American Flag and Lady Liberty supporting his effort, hung proudly above the central staircase of the front entrance.  The artwork was created by Albert Herter, and donated by W.E.S. Griswold in 1930 for this place of honor.  Many who visited the Town Hall remember the impressive work of art, and questioned why it was no longer on display after the renovations.  
The artwork was sent out last Fall for renovations to the pastel, and to have it properly sealed in the frame with museum quality acrylic.  Once returned, finding the right company to safely return it to the wall was a challenge.  As usual, the answers are right under our nose, and Mike Magee, the same carpenter who completed the improvements to the Selectmen’sOffice, agreed to take on the task of hanging the large piece.  Finally, our “Doughboy” has been returned, and we celebrated the event with a reception on April 22, 2013.  At that time, Tim Griswold again stepped up to attach the small sign describing the artwork and donor.  We are all proud to have “The Doughboy” returned to this place of honor in Memorial Town Hall.
Volunteer Fair
Imagine being a High School Junior and being able to put together an event that highlights the volunteerism in one community.  This is the task that was accomplished, and in an impressive way, by Fiona Barrett, a junior at Lyme-Old Lyme High School.  On April 23, more than 25 organizations gathered to highlight their volunteer opportunities to the community.  Of course, the Town of OldLyme is always looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of ways, so was represented well at the Fair, for all Boards and Commissions, and by Don Bugbee representing Parks and Recreation.  The event was attended by over 60 people and gave many an opportunity to see just how much is available in our community.  Hopefully, the end result will be many more people volunteering their time and making Old Lyme an even better place.  Congratulations to Ms. Barrett for her hard work and success on this event.  We are so proud of you!
MCCD
A new organization, Mentoring Corps for Community Development, aka MCCD, has been established by a group of citizens whose mission is “To encourage and empower those with needs by drawing into service volunteer mentors with special talents and expertise, thereby creating a more vital and engaged community.”  Simply put, they are reaching out to help in many valuable ways.  The organization, which was founded in 2012, was quickly put to the test in the Sandy aftermath.  The members have advocated for Storm Sandy victims to get through the rebuilding process, including all of the challenges in working with FEMA, Small Business Administration (SBA), finances, tradesmen, land use and building departments, etc.   Throughout the process, they have developed a matrix for future reference when disaster strikes.  It has been a pleasure supporting their efforts and working with them.  Stay tuned for great things from this very impressive group, and many thanks for their selfless efforts on behalf of others.
Beach Passes Available Now
Beach passes are now available for $25 for the season, and $20 for Seniors 65 and over.  In addition, weekly cottage renters can request a temporary beach pass for use during their stay for $25, and we also offer a temporary pass for $10 for other special circumstances.  Please visit the Selectman’s Office for details and purchase of these passes.
Happy May to everyone – and be sure to get out and enjoy the great weather!

Senator Linares Lunches with Seniors, Discusses His “No” Vote on Gun Control

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Senator Linares extends a greeting at lunch for seniors in Old Saybrook

Senator Linares extends a greeting at lunch for seniors in Old Saybrook

State Senator Art Linares joined a well-attended lunch on Thursday, April 25, at the Estuary Council of Seniors at 200 Main Street in Old Saybrook.  The Senator, whose district includes Lyme, Chester, Deep River, Essex, Westbrook and  parts of Old Saybrook, as well as six other Connecticut towns, did not deliver a formal address at the lunch.

Rather, the 24-year-old state legislator sat at a table with a group of seniors for his lunch and, after a brief greeting to all, he circulated around the dining hall shaking hands and engaging in small talk with diners.  In all, there were close to 100 seniors attending the lunch.  The cost per person for an Estuary lunch is $3.

Linares’s ‘No’ Vote on the New Gun Control Law

After the lunch, the Senator consented to a discussion of his views on the state’s new gun control law.  The law was recently passed by the state legislature and signed into law by the Governor.  Linares cast his “no” vote on the gun control bill in the State Senate.

Asked to give his reasons for voting against gun control bill, the Senator said, “The legislation outlaws 100 kinds of guns.”  He continued, “Most guns are used for self-defense,” and citizens should have, “… the freedom to defend themselves.”

Continuing, he said, the new law, by imposing so many restrictions on the ownership of guns, “could create a black market” in the sale of guns.  He also opined that taking away guns from common citizens could have the effect of being “dangerous to law enforcement officers.”  He said, “My concern is the police officers.”

In addition, the Senator stressed that the new gun law bill was moving so fast through the state legislature, “I did not have a chance to read the bill.”  Summing up his position, the first term Senator said that the state’s new gun control law “went too far and was too extreme.”  He also said that he had heard that, “they are confiscating guns” from private citizens, although he gave no specifics.

Representative Giuliano Voted “No” on New Gun Law

In discussing his “no” vote on gun control legislation, the Senator said that a number of other local legislators had voted against the bill.  He mentioned, specifically, State Representative Marilyn Giuliano, who voted “no” on the gun control bill in the House of Representatives.  Giuliano represents the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, and she is the Assistant Republican Leader of the lower House of the legislature.

Letter: Linares’s Vote Against Gun Control, Contrary to Majority of Constituent’s Wishes, Requires Explanation

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To The Editor:

I write to thank LymeLine, ValleyNewsNow and OldSaybrookNow for their coverage of Senator Linares’s recent vote against the gun control law enacted by the Connecticut Legislature with broad bipartisan support following the Newtown massacre.

Mr. Linares’s constituents have a right to know the reasons for his opposition, given the undeniable support in his district for child safety, the strong endorsement of the bill across party lines, and the uncertainty as to what credible alternative Mr. Linares is offering.

However, while the coverage of Senator Linares’s “no” vote is helpful, it was not altogether satisfying.  The article reports that Mr. Linares issued a statement which “concluded the bill does not address the most important problems”.  But it does not tell us how Mr. Linares reached that conclusion or what measures he would advocate instead.

Senator Linares reportedly said that he decided to vote against the gun law “after talking to many residents of the 33rd district”.  If Mr. Linares means to suggest that his vote reflects the majority of his constituents’ views, I would guess that claim is almost certainly preposterous. To my knowledge, Mr. Linares never conducted a hearing on the issue in his district, and the extensive testimony he heard as a member of the Newtown Task Force led other legislators to broad bipartisan support for the measure.  The true basis of Mr. Linares’s position remains a mystery.

Mr. Linares’s official website sheds no light on the matter either.  As of today, April 19 – over two weeks after the bill’s enactment – Mr. Linares’s web site does not even mention his vote, let alone carry the statement described by the Valley News.  Instead, when one consults the web site’s “in the news” section, one learns that in the aftermath of the legislation, Mr. Linares spent his time commending kindergartners for helping others, extolling the Haddam Shad Museum, and “high fiving” intermediate school students on tour of the State capitol.

One need not begrudge Senator Linares his “feel good” press releases or his energetic attempts to have them covered in the  local press, no matter how modest the content. (See, for example, the 10 or so articles appearing in ValleyNewsNow since mid January extensively covering among other things Mr. Linares participation in various meetings, his tours of local factories, and even his attendance at someone else’s press conference)  But they are not a substitute for keeping his district informed of what he is actually doing in Hartford and why.

The public’s right to know our representatives positions is not a partisan issue.  It applies left, right and center. Again, the  Newtown legislation is being cited as a model of bipartisan cooperation worthy of emulation at the national level. Residents of the 33rd District, whether they be Republican, Democrats, or Independents, deserve to understand why Mr. Linares took an outlier position on this historic legislation

Sincerely,

David Harfst,
Essex.

Senate Republican Staff Attorney Prepares Summary of Provisions of New Gun Law

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A summary of the provisions of Connecticut’s new “Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety” law has been prepared by Mike Cronin, Esq., a Staff Attorney of the Senate Republicans.  The summary, dated April 5, 2013, is available on the Connecticut Senate Republican’s website.

Using a question and answer format, the summary is a guide as how to obey the new gun control law. Typical questions posed in the summary include:

Do I have to give up any of my presently owned guns? How does the new law affect the sale of assault style rifles? Hand guns? Shot guns? What are the new registration requirements for assault style guns, and what are the new limits on ammunition purchases?

Private Guns Sales Covered by New Law

Also, the summary notes that the new gun control law requires a background check for firearm sales, including private transactions.

Here is one of the twenty-four questions asked and answered in Attorney Cronin’s guide:

Q. If I already own a large capacity magazine, can I still use it?

A. Yes. If you legally possess large capacity magazines prior to the passage of this bill you can still use it in your gun. If you are at home or at a target range or shooting clubs, you can load as many bullets as the magazine can hold. Anywhere else, you can only load 10 bullets in the magazine.

Linares Votes “No” on New CT Gun Legislation, Says Issues of School Security, Mental Health Not Addressed

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State Senator Art Linares

State Senator Art Linares

State Senator Art Linares (R-33rd) whose District includes Lyme, voted against the recently enacted, new Connecticut state law, entitled, “An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety.” Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy signed the bill into law on April 4.

In explaining his “no” vote the Senator said in a written statement, “Having witnessed the emotional accounts of parents, teachers and citizens after the Newtown tragedy, I am more committed than ever to help create a safer Connecticut.”

He continued, “After much consideration and talking with many residents of the 33rd district, I decided to vote no on the bill. While I support some of the individual elements such as criminal background checks and discontinuing the early release program for violent felons, I concluded that [the bill] did not correctly address the most important issues of safe neighborhoods, school security, and most importantly, mental health.”

Following three more paragraphs of explaining the reasons for his “no” vote, the Senator concluded, “Now that [the bill] has passed, I will continue moving forward, working with our school superintendents to address school safety issues, with our mental health experts to get access to needed resources, and with gun owners to help them understand the new regulations.”

Sen. Linares represents the 33rd Senate District, which also includes Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.