Category Archives: Letters

Letter to the Editor: State Rep. Carney Hopes to be Old Lyme ZBA Alternate, Urges Vote for Whole Republican Team

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To the Editor:

On November 5th, I’d ask voters to support the Old Lyme Republican team. It is comprised of experienced residents who are dedicated to ensuring Old Lyme is a great place to live, learn, and raise a family.

Tim Griswold and Chris Kerr have decades of local government experience and are ready to lead Old Lyme. Tim’s 14 years as First Selectman allow him to start on day one to tackle the challenges our community faces.

Tax Collector Judy Tooker has provided over 2 decades of outstanding service to the people of Old Lyme. Her 99% collection rate is one of the best in the state and ensures our necessary services are funded.

The rest of the ticket includes seasoned public servants such as Janet Sturges, David Kelsey, Jude Read, Steve Ross, Harold Thompson, Nancy Hutchinson, Stephen Dix, and Dave Evers – all of whom have served the town well and deserve re-election. Newcomers include Matt Olson, Tammy Tinnerello, and Mike Miller – all of whom have impressive private-sector resumes and will be good additions to our government.

Row B’s Board of Ed Candidates, Suzanne Thompson, Jennifer Miller and Steve Wilson are committed to our schools and ensuring our kids continue to receive a top-notch public education.

In addition, I’d ask for your support for Sherry Johnston and myself for ZBA alternates.

Please join me in supporting the entire Row B slate on November 5th. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Devin Carney,
Old Lyme.

 

Letter to the Editor: Candidate (D) for Old Lyme Tax Collector Promises New Technology, Increased Hours, Improved Customer Service if Elected

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To the Editor:

My name is Sarah Michaelson.  I am the Democratic candidate for Old Lyme Tax Collector in the upcoming election.

For the past 5 years I have been the bookkeeper for several local small business owners, while also caring for my two children.  Through this work I have not only refined my accounting skills, I have also learned about the needs and challenges of the local business community.

This past summer I was fortunate to work temporarily as the town Tax Collector’s assistant.  My time in this position gave me insight into many improvements that could be made to increase the efficiency of this office for the benefit of the town’s taxpayers.  Examples include extending hours to include at least one weekend day per month, incorporating advanced technology and improving the customer experience. I decided to run for this position in order to make these changes and otherwise to ensure that the office serves your (the customer’s) needs.  

I look forward to providing my experience and education to the residents of Old Lyme.  I would appreciate your vote for Old Lyme Tax Collector on November 5 at the Cross Lane Firehouse.

Sincerely,

Sarah E. Michaelson,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Reiter Seeks Re-Election to Old Lyme BOF, Commits to Respect Every Tax Dollar

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To the Editor:

When I was 17, if you had told me that in 20 years I would be living in Old Lyme, raising my own family and running for a seat on our Board of Finance, I probably would have said, “That’s a possibility.” I grew up in Old Lyme and have always had a love of civics and an interest in the inner workings of our town, state and federal governments. When I was approached several years ago to run for a seat as an alternate on the BOF, it was an easy decision to make.

For the past two years I have thoroughly enjoyed being an engaged member of the BOF, listening to funding requests and thoughtfully discussing what is best for our community. My background working in environmental engineering has been helpful in figuring out how and where to best allocate our funds, while at the same time respecting and appreciating our low mill rates.

I value every dollar my family has and I promise to respect every tax dollar of yours. Our small town is very special, I moved back to this town when my husband and I decided to start a family. I want to see this town vibrant and strong long into the future, I would be honored to serve again on the Board of Finance. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 5 at the Cross Lane Firehouse.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Anna Reiter ,
Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Reemsnyder Runs on Her Record, Says Look at Facts of Her Administration’s Accomplishments

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To the Editor:

As Election Day draws near and we prepare to cast our votes, there are still some who are undecided. Each side makes its best case, but that sometimes includes misleading claims and information. Though part of the political process, this is often the reason many turn away from voting.

With that in mind, please consider these facts regarding some of my administration’s accomplishments. Over the last eight years, mill rate increases have been minimal while our surplus increased substantially, resulting in our being ranked 5th in CT for fiscal stability. We have focused on taking care of our basic infrastructure–our roads, buildings and equipment– and OSHA rated us in the top two municipalities after a recent inspection. We have ensured that Town Hall maintains a friendly, helpful environment for citizens and visitors. Our Senior Center has increased attendance several-fold, with vibrant programs and fabulous presentations. The fields at Town Woods Park are now in excellent shape, Rogers Lake has been treated for weeds safely and effectively, and Sound View has seen one major upgrade completed, with a second phase under way. We have begun a broad-based community conversation about improving the Halls Road neighborhood. Both Mary Jo and I attend many board and commission meetings to stay on top of the current issues, and we respond quickly to citizen concerns.

Of course, my opponent criticizes my role on the Connecticut Port Authority. I worked very hard there to have a positive economic impact on the region, which it will. I always behaved with integrity and in full compliance with all ethical guidelines, as has now been reported. However, I was insensitive to how the transaction might appear to the public, and for that I am deeply sorry.

I urge everyone to look at my 16-year record of service to Old Lyme, which demonstrates that I have always focused solely on the best interests of the Town. As you cast your vote next Tuesday, please do what is best for the Town and vote Row A.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Reemsnyder,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Griswold Explains Why He’s Running Again for Old Lyme First Selectman, Says Reemsnyder is “Ethically-Challenged”

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To the Editor:

After serving 14 years as Old Lyme’s First Selectman through 2011, I am running again to lead the town. At our Republican caucus in July, we had excellent candidates for all open positions, save that of First Selectman.

Within days, news broke that our current First Selectwoman, who was the long-standing chair of the finance committee and then chairwoman of the board of the Connecticut Port Authority, was involved with serious problems there. I felt compelled to run for First Selectman to challenge my opponent’s ethically-challenged leadership. I undertook a petition drive and gathered twice the amount of signatures required.

Since 2011, I was elected to be Town Treasurer and a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals. I also serve on the MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, LOL Chamber of Commerce and the Old Lyme Historical Society. I know how local, regional and state government works and how to tap resources for the benefit of the town. I am ready to lead our town and will listen to our residents to learn their priorities, not pursue Hartford initiatives that are not right for our town.

Please vote for me and the well-qualified Row B candidates on November 5th!

Sincerely,

Timothy C. Griswold,
Old Lyme.