To the Editor:

The Day recently published an interview with Tim Griswold, candidate for Old Lyme First Selectman.  Apparently his principal objective would be to maintain Old Lyme as it is today (or was yesterday), at the least possible cost, with no view to the future and no advice from outside experts.

In the interview Griswold seems most proud of “his extreme fiscal prudence while in office.”  But towns suffer from over-zealous frugality. For example, in 1978, when the state was reimbursing 80% of the costs, Old Lyme and Lyme cheaply built a new high school.  Within 25 years it was falling apart and had to be largely rebuilt, for more than $35 million. 

During his administration Griswold skimped on building maintenance. Even the renovation of Town Hall, one of Griswold’s claimed accomplishments, was done poorly enough that problems continue to be addressed.  Furthermore, he failed to pursue a grant available for that renovation, costing the taxpayers $400,000.   

Once in office, Bonnie Reemsnyder’s administration spent substantial sums repairing poorly-maintained systems, implemented planned maintenance programs, and hired a facilities manager.  While absolutely committed to preserving the character of our town, Bonnie and Mary Jo Nosal strive to identify needs and opportunities so they can be addressed proactively and cost-effectively.

Let’s not go backwards.  Please vote for Bonnie and Mary Jo on November 5.

Sincerely,

David Woolley,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

As a 23-year resident who loves Old Lyme and wants to continue supporting our beautiful community, I am seeking re-election to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).  I have served on the ZBA over 5 years, was unanimously elected ZBA Chair by my peers in 2018, and have successfully completed extensive training in CT Land Use Law and Procedure.  As a retired research scientist and executive with 7 years’ experience as a senior regulatory professional, I also bring extensive professional knowledge to my role on the ZBA.

As ZBA Chair, my contributions include: hosting a UConn Land Use Training Course in Old Lyme that was open to all local Land Use Board/Commission members, leading the creation of a “Residential Variance Application Guide” to help applicants understand and navigate the highly regulated variance process, and bringing the ZBA into timely compliance with FOI requirements.  Working with the ZBA Attorney, we also reviewed and updated our ZBA processes and decision-making to ensure the ZBA was current with evolving state statutes and case law.

My volunteer service beyond the ZBA includes: being a member of Lyme-Old Lyme High School Building Committee; being a ‘Safe Graduation’ Chaperon, leveraging extensive scientific and regulatory research to aid the Zoning Commission in rewriting the town’s Aquifer Protection regulations, and helping to organize multiple local voter registration drives as a member of the League of Women Voters of SECT.

I remain an ‘Unaffiliated Voter’ to underscore my unbiased dedication to supporting our community and my willingness to work with other local volunteers and elected officials in support of Old Lyme regardless of political affiliation.  As an ‘Unaffiliated Voter’ seeking re-election to the ZBA, I applied to both Political Town Committees for possible endorsement, and I thank the Old Lyme RTC for endorsing my candidacy based on my solid record of achievement, training and experience.

Please allow me to continue bringing value to the Old Lyme ZBA.

Sincerely,

Nancy Hutchinson,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

My name is Mara Lowry and I am running for the Old Lyme Zoning Board of Appeals because, as a long-time area resident and mother of two young children, I am invested in continuing the safety and unique character of Old Lyme. I believe firmly in maintaining the spirit and integrity of our zoning regulations, as they are intended to uphold these values.  At the same time, I understand that occasional common-sense exceptions are vital to ensuring the livability of our town. 

If elected I will listen carefully and consider respectfully the perspectives of all stakeholders. I am committed to fairness and equity before the law and will put the quality of life in Old Lyme–now and for generations to come–over the interests of any individual or interest group. I hope that you will allow me the opportunity to serve as your representative to the Zoning Board of Appeals by voting for me this November.

Sincerely,

Mara Lowry,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

My name is Michael Reiter and I’m running for Old Lyme Town Treasurer. Since moving to Old Lyme eight years ago I’ve seen how important local government is to the things important in my daily life, from schools to playgrounds to roads and bridges.  My job as an engineer at Pratt and Whitney, and past volunteer and professional experience have taught me the skills necessary to do an excellent job as your Treasurer.  I had a two-year term as treasurer of the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program, responsible for monitoring the organization’s finances and ensuring that all funds were spent according to the agreed plan.  Professionally I’ve been a Project Manager for almost 15 years, responsible for budgeting and tracking my group’s spend on every project I’ve been a part of.  My wife, three children and I love Old Lyme and are committed to promoting its best interests. I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 5th.

Sincerely,

Michael Reiter,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I decided to run for office in Old Lyme in 2008 while sitting at a desk overlooking the Caspian Sea.

A plan nearly eleven years in the making hatched halfway across the world requires explanation. I’m a human rights lawyer, and in 2008 I was working in an oil-rich dictatorship. The country had elections, and I was excited to see how its unfamiliar system would work. To be blunt, it didn’t: stuffed ballot-boxes, university students forced to vote by armed soldiers, journalists arrested on false charges, and opposition parties silenced.

I vowed then never to take American democracy for granted.

For nearly twelve years I directed long-term international projects with multi-million dollar budgets. Through this process I not only learned how to be fiscally prudent, but also how important making thoughtful spending decisions can be to the success of a community. The Board of Finance, therefore, seemed a natural fit.

I have a law office in town and two young children in our superb schools. I moved to Old Lyme because it is a special place. I’m running for the Board of Finance because I want to be a part of keeping it that way.

Sincerely,

David Rubino,
Old Lyme.