Category Archives: Letters

Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme Resident Submitted Letter July 5 to Griswold Detailing Library Lane Safety Concerns; Still Awaiting Response

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To the Editor:

On July 5th of this year, I submitted a letter to our First Selectman, Tim Griswold, regarding the unsafe conditions that exist on Library Lane. I shared that the volume of traffic on this road has increased greatly in the past few years and without sidewalks, it is a very dangerous situation. Foot traffic grew during the pandemic. Additionally, vehicles are making no effort to slow down and are moving much faster than the speed limit. The one posted speed limit sign of 20 mph is ignored by a majority of vehicles who are often going twice the limit. Neighbors have discussed this issue and agree there should be more speed limit signs erected, and if possible, within reason, a police presence to enforce the proper speed.

I offered my services to meet and further discuss the formulation of a plan to resolve this unsafe condition on Library Lane. It has been over four months and I have not heard one word from the First Selectman or his office. They have not acknowledged my letter or the concerns of the residents on Library Lane. No action has been taken at all. This is not the response I am looking for from a highly effective local government.

Sincerely,

John J. Angelico,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Political, Personal Agendas and Extremist Rhetoric Have No Place at Board of Education Table

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To the Editor:

Parents and taxpayers of Old Lyme, please pay close attention to this year’s November municipal elections, particularly to the candidates for the Region 18 Board of Education.

Old Lyme enjoys a school system that is broadly recognized for its quality across the region, the state, and indeed the nation.

Based on my tenure of sixteen years as a former member and chair of the Region 18 Board of Education, I cannot adequately stress the importance of having a Board composed of well-qualified members to maintain that level of quality.  Political and personal agendas and extremist rhetoric have no place at the Board of Education table. The top priorities must always be preserving a highest standard of educational excellence, and protecting the health and safety of the school community.

In my personal experience, the Old Lyme Democrats have always put forth responsible, qualified and reasonable candidates for the Board of Education seats, and they have done so again this year. They clearly understand their role in delivering quality education to our students, as well as responsible budgets to the taxpayers. 

In our electoral process, political parties have a principal role in nominating suitable candidates. When that process fails, it becomes even more important for the electorate to be informed and active, and most importantly, to vote.

Choose wisely, Old Lyme!

Sincerely,

Susan Fogliano,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Griswold Has Misrepresented Old Lyme’s Values, Embarrassed Residents by Refusal to Discuss Racism Resolution

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To the Editor:

I am embarrassed that Old Lyme’s values have been poorly represented by First Selectman Tim Griswold.  Over a year ago, in August 2020, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal proposed that the Board of Selectmen adopt a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, as well as measures to address it.  Despite the fact that the Connecticut legislature and numerous municipalities have adopted similar resolutions, First Selectman Griswold, joined by fellow Republican Selectman Chris Kerr, rejected that proposal, arguing that Old Lyme did not have a racism problem.  Selectwoman Nosal has repeated her request every month since, to no avail; Mr. Griswold has refused even to put the topic on the Board of Selectmen agenda for consideration or to discuss what revisions to the words of the resolution he would support.

The question is not, of course, whether Old Lyme residents are racists, but rather whether we will clearly and publicly acknowledge that racism is a societal problem (public health and more) which Old Lyme soundly opposes. The refusal of our town leadership to recognize this reality sends the contrary message, much to our shame and the dismay of most of our citizens.

Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos support taking a stand on this very important issue.  Our town’s embarrassment will end if they are elected on November 2.

Sincerely,

William J. Belluzzi,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is a Democratic member of the Old Lyme Affordable Housing Commission.

Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker, Lampos Will Prioritize Responsive Government By, And For, All The People of Old Lyme

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To the Editor:

Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos will bring common sense back to Old Lyme government. They will prioritize responsive government by and for the people. Regardless of party affiliation, please join me by voting for Old Lyme residents who share this goal, and vote Democratic on November 2nd.

Sincerely,

Paula Melillo,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Lowry Explains His Reasons for Running for Region 18 BOE, Notes Democratic Slate Offers 90 Collective Years of Education Service

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To the Editor:

I am running for a seat on the Lyme-Old Lyme Region 18 Board of Education (BOE) because I believe that my experience and ability will enable me to make a strong contribution to the continued excellence of our well-regarded school system.  Through my 22 years of experience as a professional educator, I have gained first-hand knowledge of the policies, procedures, and vernacular pertinent to district-level decision-making. 

I am committed to life-long learning and accustomed to assimilating new concepts and skills.  I am flexible in my thinking, consider the reasoned positions of knowledgeable others, and adjust readily to an ever-changing playing field.  Over the years my critical thinking skills and self-reflection have improved my teaching and ability to create student success.  I am confident that these attributes will assist me in making informed and thoughtful decisions on the BOE.  My wife, also an educator, and my two children, who attend school in Region 18, appreciate the quality of life we have in Old Lyme. It seems only right to contribute to the town and institutions from which we benefit.

I hope that when you step into the voting booth this November 2nd you will cast a vote for me and the other well-qualified Democratic candidates.  We will bring 90 years of collective educational service to the students and families of Old Lyme. 

Sincerely,

Alexander Lowry,
Old Lyme. 

Editor’s Note: The author is a candidate in the upcoming election for the Region 18 Board of Education.