Category Archives: Letters

Letter to the Editor: National Republican Party is ‘Elephant in the Room,’ Has ‘Infected Local Party;’ Need to Vote Democrat

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To the Editor:

Old Lyme will have a municipal election on November 7 and there’s an elephant in the room.  It is the Republican Party.  For years that party has conducted a well-organized, effective, national campaign to undo the progress our country has made over the decades in recognizing and protecting each citizen’s rights to equality, autonomy and freedom of thought.

I expect that most Old Lyme voters are appalled at the policies and positions advocated by today’s GOP in Washington and in state legislatures: rejection of women’s rights to bodily autonomy; intolerance for gender nonconformity; disregard of Black citizens’ civil rights; restrictions of minority voting rights; censorship in schools and libraries; manipulation of school curricula and history books; promotion of alternative realities; ardent support for candidates regardless of their criminal and unethical conduct; support for authoritarian government abroad and at home; erosion of support for Ukraine in its fight for the West; and the list goes on. 

What’s that got to do with our election?  I surely cannot say that everyone on the Republican Town Committee and each of its endorsed candidates share the views listed above.  I can say, however, that the Republican agenda generally has infected the local party.  Though there is little public expression of (or against) these views, they have been on vivid display recently in the attempts to impose personal viewpoints on the whole community by censoring books in our library and, in 2021, by the Board of Selectmen’s refusal to adopt a statement committing to oppose racism in Old Lyme.

These are scary times.  On election day, please vote for the Democratic slate on Row A.

Sincerely,

Marisa Calvi-Rogers,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: ‘Intelligent, Thoughtful, Community-minded’ Margules is ‘Excellent Candidate’ for Old Lyme Planning Commission

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To the Editor:

I recommend Howard Margules as an excellent candidate for the Old Lyme Planning Commission. I have worked on several projects with Howard in his capacity as Chair of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and member of the Halls Road Improvements Committee (HRIC). He is intelligent, thoughtful, and community-minded. He is dedicated to the prosperity and livability of Old Lyme. He does his work and takes his commitments seriously. He will bring to Planning his fine analytical skills, broad experience, and a proper regard for context (the Big Picture).

Howard helped to set up Old Lyme’s Shoreline Gateway Committee and was its Chair early on. He also volunteers in important community services outside of Town government. Throughout, Howard’s concern has been for the economic well-being of our town and its people. In my experience, he never loses sight of that.

Howard has said Planning and Zoning should be merged in Old Lyme, as is done in most local communities of our size. Whatever the merits of that suggestion (and I believe it has some), I know that Howard Margules will be a significant asset to the Planning Commission today in attending to its assigned responsibilities. If you want the Planning Commission to work effectively for Old Lyme, Howard Margules is the right man for the job.

Sincerely,

Mark Terwilliger,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: From Coastie to Educator to Public Servant, Presti Will Strengthen BOE for Old Lyme

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To the Editor:

On November 7th, the Old Lyme voters have an opportunity to substantially strengthen the collective knowledge and leadership depth of the Regional School District 18 Board of Education.  This can be achieved by electing Michael Presti.

As a fellow Coast Guard spouse and former teacher, I wholeheartedly believe Mike brings his experience and perspective as an educator and guidance counselor to the table.  These are the attributes the board needs and will benefit from.  He is currently an 8th Grade Social Studies teacher at the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication in New London.  Previously he taught at Teachers’ Memorial Middle School in Norwich.  In addition, Mike taught leadership courses and was a guidance counselor to cadets at the U.S Coast Guard Academy.

A retired veteran from the U.S Coast Guard, Mr. Presti has served his country with distinction and now is focused on further serving his town.  Mike and his wife Allyson have lived in Old Lyme since 2007.  They have two daughters; one graduated from LOLHS, the other is currently attending RSD 18. 

Mike is currently pursuing his 6th year Masters Program to achieve his certification from UCONN to qualify as vice principal or principal in CT schools.  This program is called the UCONN Administrators Preparation Program (UCAPP) and will further enhance his knowledgeable contributions to the BOE.

Mike is currently the Co-Chair of the Old Lyme Harbor Commission.  He is passionate about public service and assuring the highest quality education for Old Lyme students and families.   Michael Presti is highly qualified to serve on our BOE.  As a board member, he will greatly strengthen the BOE’s educational knowledge and leadership capabilities.

Please vote for Michael Presti for RSD 18 Board of Education on November 7th

Vote Row B in 2023. 

Sincerely, 

Traci Russell,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: Michael Presti is registered as a Republican and endorsed by the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee as a candidate for the Region 18 Board of Education.

Letter to the Editor: Mesham Has Skills, Knowledge, Experience to Lead Old Lyme in All Areas of Safety, Security

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To the Editor:

Unfortunately, crime is increasing in the United States from large cities to small villages. With an interstate highway through the center of town, four schools, and a summer crowd that doubles our population, Old Lyme is faced with safety and security challenges.

The role of first selectmen in our town includes Chief of Police. The first selectmen must coordinate and oversee all local police training and activities as well as partnering with the resident Connecticut State trooper and coordinating with Westbrook barracks to ensure and enforce all laws and safety precautions. 

With 29 years as a State Trooper and 4 years as a Marine, John Mesham has the skills, knowledge, and experience to lead our town in all areas of safety and security. Our citizens, businesses, and children need the best protection possible in this dangerous time.

Vote John Mesham for First Selectman in November.

Sincerely,

David H.W. Griswold,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker, Lampos Will Bring Transparency to Town Hall, Are Devoted to Open-Door Policy

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To the Editor:

Those who know Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos appreciate their openness, candor and willingness to listen. For those who don’t know them, you should rest assured they both care deeply about the Town of Old Lyme and its residents, and will make a thoughtful and effective team on the Board of Selectmen. 

Martha and Jim are devoted to an open-door policy. They welcome visits and conversations about the town’s business. 

In that regard, they have a vision of transparency and access for all citizens to be informed, connected and involved. Citizens frustrated at the limited ability to attend town meetings can be reassured that Martha and Jim are dedicated to the very simple solution of publicly available Internet access in real time for Board of Selectmen meetings. They are committed to the easily licensed tools necessary to broadcast meetings of town boards, commissions and committees for free access to deliberations and also display of documents presented at meetings.

All town boards, commissions and committees will be taught how to employ this technology and asked to add a public comment period to their agendas.

Additionally, Martha and Jim will hold valuable public informational meetings to share key town developments and entertain questions from citizens. They will not only preserve, but expand the First Selectman’s weekly newsletter.

If you want transparency at Town Hall, vote for Martha and Jim on November 7.

Sincerely,

Blair Tinkle,
Old Lyme.