Category Archives: Letters

Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker, Lampos Have Clear Vision, if Elected, for Moving Forward on Specific, Critical Old Lyme Issues

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To the Editor:

At a Federation of Beaches event held on September 17, Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos spoke about what they hoped to accomplish if elected to the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen. Martha focused on three specific areas, which I want to share with the broader community.

First, Martha believes that public safety–the work of our police, fire, EMS, and public works departments–is of paramount importance. She understands that the nature and amount of their services vary over the year and wants to assure that the resources are available to meet the changing seasonal demands. Her first step toward this end will be to implement regular meetings with the police and other departments, as well as community leaders, in order to gather information and determine needs.

Second, Martha and Jim are concerned that the town’s flooding problems have not been adequately addressed. Our Flooding and Erosion Control Board is currently inactive, with only two of the required five members. They will restaff and reactivate this critical body, created by the town nearly 70 years ago.  Needless to say, flooding at the Cross Lane underpass and blockage at the Hawk’s Nest crib are two of the problems that need fixing. The town must also comply with the ongoing state stormwater discharge permit (MS4) requirements.

Third, this team is committed to finding a solution to the shoreline sewer issue. As you probably know, bids on a plan to connect Sound View, Miami Beach, Old Colony, and Old Lyme Shores to the New London wastewater treatment facility have come in much higher than anticipated, making the project currently infeasible. Additionally, there is significant opposition to the proposal from shoreline residents on environmental as well as financial grounds. Martha and Jim will explore every available option for solving this problem, from identifying and re-examining alternative infrastructure solutions to finding adequate state and federal funding. They will maintain open communication with the community throughout the process.

These are just a few of the reasons why you should vote for Shoemaker and Lampos on November 7.

Sincerely,

George Finley,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos are the candidates endorsed by the Old Lyme (OL) Democratic Town Committee in the upcoming election for OL First Selectwoman and OL Selectman respectively.

Letter to the Editor: Elect Savageu, Orzel to Fix Old Lyme Zoning; Bring Experience, Best Interests of Community to Commission

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To the Editor:

The Old Lyme Zoning Commission needs fixing. Although it should always make decisions in the best interests of the community, sometimes its members promote their personal agendas. For example, on March 27 of this year the commission turned down the town’s application to create the Halls Road Overlay District. This proposal had been developed over a number of years by the Board of Selectmen’s Halls Road Improvements Committee. It would have significantly expanded permissible development opportunities for property owners in the Halls Road neighborhood, and it would have reduced the likelihood that highway-focused gas stations and convenience stores would be built in the area. It would not have imposed any new zoning requirements on anyone.

The Halls Road project enjoyed the approval of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, and over 80% of the public, according to those responding to a survey conducted for the town in 2020. Nevertheless, on March 27 two alternates on the Zoning Commission, nominally unaffiliated but normally voting as Republicans, nixed the proposal in a 3 to 2 vote that required 4 votes to pass.  This was a big loss for Old Lyme.

To ensure better decisions in the future, we must balance the Zoning Commission with thoughtful, talented Democrats. Denise Savageau, an extremely well-qualified Democrat, must be elected. She is an experienced environmental planner, has substantial land-use expertise, and sits on numerous, relevant boards. Incumbent Paul Orzel, unaffiliated but endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee, should also be elected.

Please join me in voting for Denise and Paul on November 7.

Sincerely,

Sandra Y. Rueb,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Vote for Experience, Expertise of Matt Ward for Town Treasurer

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to the voters in Old Lyme to implore you to elect Matt Ward (U) as our Town Treasurer on November 7th.

Matt has all the right in-depth financial expertise and experience to serve Old Lyme in this important role.  Matt previously served as Assistant Accounts Manager for the Town of Deep River.  He has served as the Second Selectman of Old Lyme since 2021.  So Matt is very familiar with the town budget process and financial issues for Old Lyme.  Matt helped resolve financial issues with the finance director as our Second Selectman.

Prior to his Selectman role in the Old Lyme Town Hall, Matt had a 20 year career as a Connecticut State Trooper and later a part-time police officer for the Town of Old Lyme.  Matt has a B.A. in Accounting from Bryant College and is currently a Staff Accountant at a local firm in Essex.

Matt has lived in Old Lyme for 17 years and his five children are enrolled in the Region 18 school system.  Matt is a dedicated volunteer to our town including Lyme-Old Lyme Little League, the LYSB, and has served on Board of Directors for LYSB and the Old Lyme Historical Society.

Matt Ward has consistently shown himself to be a competent and reliable public servant.  He doesn’t miss meetings and is always prepared.

In contrast, Matt’s opponent, Mr. Michael Reiter (the current Town Treasurer), has been missing in action (MIA) over the course of his past term.  In checking with the Board of Finance members, Mr. Reiter has rarely, if ever, attended the Board of Finance meetings.  In addition, Mr. Reiter has been remiss in reporting regularly and timely to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance to whom he reports.

Old Lyme deserves a Town Treasurer that is not asleep at the wheel.

Vote for Matt Ward (U) for Town Treasurer because he will get the job done properly and responsibly.

Sincerely,

Mike Bucior,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: Matt Ward is endorsed by the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee for the position of Town Treasurer in the upcoming November election.

Letter to the Editor: Vote Republican Slate for Region 18 BOE, Comprises Three Dedicated, Experienced Incumbents and Newcomer Presti with Multiple Strengths

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To the Editor:

The Old Lyme Voters have two candidates Steven Wilson and Suzanne Thompson who are running for re-election to the Board of Education. I have been working with Steven and Suzanne for two years on the BOE. It is a honor to work with both of these individuals due to their dedication, experience, and knowledge of District 18 Schools.

As a new Board Member I have learned from and have received support and guidance from Steven who is the Chairman of the BOE. Steven is doing an amazing job promoting an environment where all Board Members feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their feelings on a matter.

Suzanne is a team player who respects and listens to all information that comes in front of the Board of Education . She asks important questions that foster understanding of the issues or concerns facing the Board. Suzanne has the ability to understand Policies and where changes could be made. She is also very committed to improving communication in various ways with our community members.

I am excited to support the re-election of Mary Powell-St.Louis for the Board of Education for Lyme. Mary puts a lot of energy, time, and diligence in her role as a member of the BOE. She spends time doing research and getting the facts out to the rest of us. She is part of the Finance and Facilities Committee of the Board of Education. Mary is dedicating her time to being a part of the Building Project Committee also.

I have the pleasure of supporting the election of Michael Presti to the Board of Education. I know he would be a great addition to the BOE. He is someone you feel comfortable talking to and he takes the time to listen. Michael’s ability to understand problems and work with others to find solutions is a big plus for being on the Board of Education.

Please vote for Steven Wilson, Suzanne Thompson, Mary Powell-St.Louis, and Michael Presti on November 7th for the Lyme/Old Lyme Board of Education!

Sincerely,

Laura Dean-Frazier,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is an Unaffiliated member of the Lyme/Old Lyme Board of Education. She was endorsed by the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee at the 2021 election.

Letter to the Editor: Powell St. Louis Has Served Diligently on Region 18 BOE for Eight Years, Re-electing Her Will Maintain Party Balance for Lyme on Board

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To the Editor:

I write in support of the re-election of Lyme’s current Member of the Board of Education, Mary Powell St. Louis. Mary has been a diligent member of the board for eight years and has, in past elections, been re-elected without opposition. Mary has been a thoughtful advocate for parents and students, including special needs students. She is the Vice Chairman of the Board and has put in many hours preparing for new facilities and technology upgrades for each of the Regional District 18 schools.

She is a mother of three students, all of whom attended the Lyme schools. She is also a Scout leader and a medical doctor with additional background in business and public health. Lyme and Old Lyme are fortunate to have one of the few school boards with a trained physician as a member.

Commendably, for many years Lyme has sent one Republican and one Democrat as our reps on the School Board, believing in the balance that combination brings. We have an opportunity to continue that tradition. But more important is the blend of talent, skills, and commitment that Mary offers as a Lyme representative on the School Board.

Yours sincerely,

David L. Cavicke,
Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is a member of the Lyme Consolidated School Class of 1976.