Category Archives: Letters

Letter to the Editor: A Post-Election Message To The People of Old Lyme, ‘We Must Go Forward Together’

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To the Editor:

The election is behind us and Old Lyme still has a government. I am certain that Bonnie Reemsnyder will ensure a smooth and gracious transition to Mr. Griswold and our re-elected incumbent selectwoman, Mary Jo Nosal, and selectman, Chris Kerr.

Mr.Griswold inherits a fiscally strong Old Lyme that sits on a well-maintained infrastructure. Clearly, the RTC was able to keep the Port Authority issue in front of voters; and that probably made the difference.

So, now that we are past this contentious election, I’ll close with the words of Winston Churchill, who told Parliament and the British people: “We must go forward together”.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Lyme Board of Finance Needs Tyler, House’s Experience

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To the Editor:

We need Susan Tyler’s and Bob House’s experience on our Board of Finance in Lyme.  

They are highly qualified, dedicated individuals with deep, professional expertise in budgeting and economic analysis – skills that can greatly benefit this important board.

One look at their qualifications will convince you they’re exactly the people we need working on behalf of our town.  (See our website at LymeDTC.org for their profiles.)

Let’s put these two excellent candidates into office. 

Be a voter on Nov. 5.  

Elect Susan Tyler and Bob House as Board of Finance Alternates.

Sincerely,

John Kiker,
Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The writer is Chair of the Lyme Democratic Town Committee and an uncontested candidate (D) for the Lyme Board of Selectmen.

Letter to the Editor: Realtor Tinnerello Looks to Join Zoning Commission; Offers Open Door With Transparency, Collaboration, Honesty

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To the Editor:

I am running for Zoning in Old Lyme and would like to share my letter to residents:

As a resident and realtor in Old Lyme I have decided to run for Zoning Commission. As a realtor, I understand the balancing act between the town’s interests and private property rights. Old Lyme characteristics make us long-time environmentalists- water, beaches, wetlands, woods. Zoning should honor these unique assets without stifling planned growth and development.

I am a results-oriented problem solver who can manage complex issues. I have experience with managing many stakeholder viewpoints which often require compromise. I intend to make thoughtful decisions while always keeping an eye on the long-term effects they have on our town’s character and charm. If elected to the Zoning Commission I believe we should provide new leadership standards, like having neighborhood discussions when there is major change pending, such as sewers or affordable housing. Let our existing boards collaborate with residents and notify abutters when there is an application pending. Transparency will always be at the forefront of my decision-making process.

As a realtor, I am out every day listening to the concerns of property owners, business owners, conservationists and others whose lives are affected by our rules and regulations. People move here for the quiet, beauty and charm. They leave overcrowded suburban communities for the quality of life and character Old Lyme offers. Zoning plays a  large role in setting that tone. We can modernize and protect our community without changing the town’s identity. If I am elected, I will work hard to strike a balance between maintaining the character of the community and allowing for growth of the tax base from both residential and business development in order to manage an appropriate Real Estate tax on the homeowners of Old Lyme. As a newcomer to Zoning, I realize that I will need to work hard to educate myself on all aspects of important town issues. I will reach out to individuals who have knowledge and expertise on these matters. I am, and will always be, open to your suggestions and thoughts. I will have an open-door policy for communication with ALL Old Lyme residents.

For years, people have trusted me with buying and selling their homes. I have earned their trust by listening, communicating and always being honest. I’ve raised my family in Old Lyme because I love our community and I will not let you or our town down!

I am asking for your vote this Tuesday, November 5th!

Sincerely,

Tammy Tinnerello,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme ZBA Alternate Dix Seeks Election as Full ZBA Member, Offers Wide Range of Both Professional, Personal Experience

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To the Editor:

Serving effectively on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) requires substantial knowledge and experience.  The review of variance applications is a highly regulated process defined by state statute, zoning regulations, and case law.  Every ZBA decision can be appealed in court and overturned if all legal requirements are not met, and any appeal of a ZBA decision results in significant legal costs to the town.  Thus, to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to support informed decision-making and to reduce the risk of costly appeals, most new ZBA members first serve as Alternates before transitioning to full Members.   

I currently serve as a ZBA Alternate, and I have enhanced my knowledge and experience by attending two Land Use courses:  an introductory UConn course, and a full-day course that is offered every two years by the CT Bar Association entitled “CT Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions”

I am also a practicing professional engineer with an undergraduate degree in planning and relevant professional Land Use experience, including the planning of an Open Space Planned Unit Development (PUD) on a 120-acre farm in Michigan that is recognized as a model for maximizing preservation and utilization of natural resources within a development. 

Old Lyme faces many Land Use challenges, including its being a shoreline community facing sea level rise.  I feel my experience and training will enable me to bring a valuable perspective to the ZBA, and help the ZBA balance the need to provide relief to property owners that can demonstrate a legal hardship and the need to protect the town’s comprehensive plan that is intended to protect the greater good of the community.

With my experience serving as a ZBA Alternate, I understand the importance of electing ZBA members with relevant Land Use experience, training, and a demonstrated commitment to our community. 

Please allow me to continue to serve on the Old Lyme ZBA by electing me a Full ZBA Member on Tuesday, Nov 5th.  Thank you.

 Sincerely,

Stephen P. Dix,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Tooker Has One of Best Collection Rates in State, Vote For Her to Continue as Old Lyme Tax Collector

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To the Editor:

The choice in the election for Old Lyme’s tax collector is clear, Judy Tooker deserves re-election. Judy has dutifully served Old Lyme during her tenure and has a collection rate of about 99% – one of the best in Connecticut. Old Lyme depends on these taxes to fund its schools, town services, and public safety. As an Old Lyme taxpayer, it makes me feel good knowing Judy is so consistent, efficient, and hard working.

Judy is also a lifelong resident of Old Lyme who has built strong relationships with so many people and organizations in town. This goodwill is due to her many years of service and her dedication to our community. She is always out supporting local organizations such as the Old Lyme Fire Department and the Lyme’s Senior Center and her entire family lives in Old Lyme. She is engaged with all aspects of the town, including our schools.

Her commitment to ensuring Old Lyme’s success is apparent to many in town. There is no reason to change course now. Put politics aside in this race and vote for the only candidate with the experience, knowledge, relationships, and strong record. Vote for Judy Tooker.

Sincerely,

Lisa Knepshield,
Old Lyme.