Category Archives: Letters

Letter to the Editor: Carney Focused on State, Local Policies, A Strong Advocate for our Communities

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To the Editor:

Let’s be clear about one thing, the race for the 23rd District is about Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Devin Carney is focused on state and local policies and has been a strong advocate for our communities. Reading his campaign literature and in speaking with Devin, I know this will continue.

Not long ago I can remember Devin working alongside Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters to defeat a federal rail bypass plan that would have devastated our region. Devin has always worked to keep local control of our towns and schools and will not back down against the governor on this issue. He took on the Port Authority and demanded accountability from an organization that misused our tax dollars. He formed bipartisan caucuses to move Connecticut forward in a united way. He helped countless individuals and businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic despite an unprepared Department of Labor. He demanded better from the Lamont administration on their COVID nursing home response. His focus is clear and he always works toward common ground.

This election is extremely important to the future of our community. Devin has immersed himself in our region and has given his support to so many local organizations.  He has my vote on Election Day and I hope he has yours.

Sincerely,

Cyndi Miller Aird,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: You Know What’s Scary? Democrats for Who Vote for Carney

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To the Editor:

This letter is in response to this Oct 29 letter written by Karen Palenski.

Did you watch Hamilton on Disney+ this summer over Fourth of July weekend as I did, fireworks streaking across the sky in the background? What did you think about? I thought about how horrified our founding fathers would be to see the division that has overtaken our nation…and our neighborhoods right here in District 23.

I realize that what I am about to say plays into the division I am decrying, but you know what? There is too much as stake. I am urging democrats who are satisfied with Carney’s performance to divorce themselves from their alliance to him. “Moderate” Republicans seem to trade on issues like the environment and the opioid crisis but it’s not where their passion lies. It can’t be in the era of Trump. For a democratic candidate like Dave Rubino, these issues—and proactive measures to prioritize them—are the rule not the exception. Here’s what else you get with Rubino at the wheel:

Sophisticated, relevant experience: Rubino is a highly accomplished human rights attorney who has practiced his profession on a global level. He possesses the ability (read: smarts) to spot opportunities, whether it’s crafting a new law, or adjusting existing ones as necessary so that the rights of everyone in our community are served and protected.

An agenda that protects our seniors: A Medicare Asset Test could have irrevocable effects on the finances of senior citizens who don’t own yachts. Rubnio knows this and will fight against it. I like the specificity of this stance and am pretty sure Carney doesn’t have an opinion either way. Or if he did it would be dangerously milquetoast. Our seniors deserve better.

Belief in science and the gravity of climate change: Dave has been endorsed by both The Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement. He will also aid in crafting legislation mandating climate change education in public schools (it is right now only “encouraged” but is not part of the required curriculum).

Police accountability: A bill was passed this summer. Rubino is patently in favor of it. Carney voted against it. For the seats in the back, especially in Saybrook, Carney voted against the police accountability.

On Nov. 3, do not throw away your shot. Vote for Rubino.

 Sincerely,

Amy Elliott,
Old Saybrook.

Letter to the Editor: Carney is a ‘True Advocate’ for Seniors, Retirees

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To the Editor:

In the race for the 23rd District, I will be supporting Devin Carney because of his strong support for seniors and retirees.

Connecticut is an expensive state to live in for those on fixed incomes and Devin has continuously championed legislation to reduce the cost-of-living here. He supported reducing taxes on pensions and social security, supported preserving the senior property tax credit, and proposed legislation to reduce taxes on other forms of retirement income like IRAs.

On healthcare, Devin recently co-sponsored legislation to expand telehealth services and to reduce the cost of insulin and hearing aids. He advocates for aging-in-place initiatives and giving seniors more options as they get older. Devin has always worked to curb elder abuse and will propose legislation, again, to ensure seniors are protected. He’s even worked to pass laws targeting those terrible robo callers that prey on seniors.

He is a true advocate for the senior community and I was proud to cast my absentee ballot vote for him. And I thank him for voting to expand absentee ballots this year – it went a long way in ensuring so many seniors were able to vote.  I hope you will vote for him on November 3rd or before.

Sincerely,

Anne Bingham-Pierson, MD,
Old Lyme, CT

Letter to the Editor: Rubino Has Been Fighting for Women’s Rights for Years; If Elected, He Will Continue the Fight in Hartford

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To the Editor:

As a woman voter, I am concerned about the threat to women’s rights. It seems ironic, that we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a women’s right to vote, and at the same time are at risk of losing ground in so many other ways. Despite the success of the early suffragists, and gains made in recent decades, women are now facing the deleterious impact of a possible shift in national policy. There is a clear threat to reproductive rights, achieved with the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. Additionally, legislation in many states has strategically eroded those rights.

Women need legislators who will provide strong state leadership and fight for their rights. I believe Dave Rubino is that leader. As a human right’s lawyer, he has worked diligently to protect women’s rights. He advocates for women’s equality, but also understands that progressive legislation must support that goal. He will work to ensure a living wage, pay equity, affordable housing, and childcare which is so essential to the quality of life for women. He will also support legislation that protects women from sexual harassment in the workplace, job discrimination, and domestic violence. He will make certain that Connecticut has legislation that serves as a firewall to national policy that threatens women’s rights.

Women need to know which candidates they can trust. Before they cast their vote, they need to know who will vote to protect their rights.

I have done my homework. I know that Dave Rubino will be there for me.

Sincerely,

Lorianne Panzara,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Rubino Has a World View That Can be Applied Locally, Beneficially

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To the Editor:

These days the world is more connected than ever before.  One thing we’ve learned from COVID-19 is that something going on anywhere in the world can have a quick and substantial impact here in our hometown.  We need leadership who understands this connectivity on all levels and can help us manage our relationship with the world while also maintaining the unique nature of our small towns.

Dave Rubino and his family have lived around the globe and witnessed all forms of government. They chose to end up here in the 23rd District, near where Dave’s wife grew up, to start a law practice, raise their family, and now, participate in state governance.  Dave knows how to do this and he understands us, in ways that Devin Carney does not. He will be getting my vote on November 3rd.

Mara Lowry,
Old Lyme.