Category Archives: Letters

Letter to the Editor: Thoughts, Concerns, Suggestions on Halls Rd. Improvement Plan

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To the Editor:

Christina and I attended both public meetings hosted by Old Lyme’s Halls Road Improvements Committee, and conducted by members of the Yale Urban Design Workshop. Yale presented the Committee’s vision statement and several conceptual renderings of what fully realizing that vision might yield. The article in the New London Day accurately summarized the vision.

The audience was skeptical of the immense breadth and scope of that vision; – requiring twenty- five or more years to complete.  Several concerns were raised about cost and the impact on taxes.

We left with a few thoughts and concerns. It was not apparent to us that current Halls Road business owners and the professionals occupying office space had participated to any extent in developing that vision. It is absolutely important to get their buy-in. Essex Bank did state that any of their future development would take Old Lyme’s plan into consideration.

We found Alan Plattus’ presentation to be a bit glib. This is important stuff, and some of the vision could be lost in presenter style. Also, know the names of our local landmarks, especially if they factor into the plan. (i.e. it’s the “Bow Bridge” that used to cross the Lieutenant River). But, after all; they’re Yale, not Harvard.

Our suggestion: parse the plan into achievable shorter- range projects that will yield some early successes. Start with the hiking/biking paths along the Lieutenant River, rebuild the foot bridge, and create the new Halls Road village green.

Sincerely, 

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Needleman Says, “The Election Is Over … Let’s Get To Work”

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To the Editor:

The voters of the 33rd District have chosen me to be their advocate in the State Senate for the next two years. The depth of my gratitude to the voters and to the hundreds of volunteers who helped throughout the campaign is beyond my ability to express.

The electioneering is finished, and now we will confront the hard work: get the state back on track, and secure a fair share of support for the towns in our district.  My opponent and I differed in our approach to addressing those issues, but we agreed that the core challenge is restoring the state’s financial health and economic vitality. There is no quick fix, but in my view the path we must travel is clear.

First, we have to bridge the partisan divide that stands in the way of good ideas and sensible solutions. Partisan politics have crippled our state, and it should be obvious by now that retreating to an ideological corner is lethal to the kind of cooperation we badly need. As I said throughout the campaign, I will work with anyone who is committed to finding real solutions, regardless of political affiliation.

Second, renovating our approach to developing revenue projections and budgets is vitally important, but is not the only component of the path to recovery. As importantly, the state needs a comprehensive economic development plan that clearly defines strategies and tactics for creating jobs. We need a plan that builds a compelling and durable appeal to businesses of all sizes…a plan that creates a marketing and communications framework for coalescing the state’s many attributes and advantages into a compelling message. Without a comprehensive plan, the road to economic vitality will be random and reactive, instead of well directed and focused.

Third, I will tirelessly advocate to make certain that every town in our district receives its fair share of support from Hartford. The perspective I have gained from real world experience in budgeting and managing town and business operations will add both credibility and impact to the voice our towns have in the State Senate.

But we also need to address issues that go beyond the state’s finances. We can never stop advocating for measures that address the quality of life in our towns: women’s issues; primary, secondary, and higher education; benefits to our seniors; support for small businesses; and job training for the thousands of unfilled, high paying technical and manufacturing jobs.

I make the same pledge to those who voted for me and to those who didn’t: I will listen to your concerns, I will give you straight answers, and I will never stop working for you. The challenges and the issues that concern you will always be my focus.

It is time to bridge the partisan gap and start on the road to finding solutions. I’m optimistic, because I believe all of us recognize that we have to set aside our differences and truly work together.  That’s the approach and the attitude I will bring to Hartford as your state senator.

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support.

Sincerely,

Norm Needleman,
Essex.

Editor’s Note: The author is the first selectman of Essex and state senator-elect for the 33rd Senate District.

Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Q2 on Nov. 6 to Protect our Public Lands

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To the Editor:

As a strong supporter and user of Connecticut’s wonderful state parks, forests, farmlands and other state-owned recreational and conservation lands (in our area, Nehantic State Forest and Rocky Neck, Harkness and Hammonassett State Parks, just to call out a few of them), I write in support of the public land conveyance constitutional amendment that will appear on our November 6 ballot as Question #2. I urge my friends and neighbors to vote YES. This ballot measure alone is worth a  trip to the polls.

Many people assume that our state-owned recreational and conservation lands are safeguarded for the public forever. Sadly, this is not the case. As things stand now in Connecticut, the state legislature, by simple majority vote,  can sell, swap or give away these lands to private companies or local governments just as it can any other properties that the state owns.
The number #2 ballot proposal, if adopted, would change this. It would amend the state constitution to require a public hearing and a 2/3 vote before the state legislature could take such action. Thus, while not providing absolute protection for publically-accessible and much-loved  lands, the measure would require direct public input on their fate. It would create an open and transparent process preventing back-room deals.
For many in our community, state parks and forests are our only way to experience nature and the outdoors. For all of us, our state lands are beautiful and unique; they nourish body and soul. They also contribute substantial revenue to the state and to the localities in which they are located.
Please join me in voting YES on ballot question 2 on November 6.
Sincerely,
Christina E. Clayton,

Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is a former President of the Old Lyme Land Trust.

Letter to the Editor: Re-elect Carney To Continue His Exceptional Hard Work For All

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To the Editor:

I am writing today in support of our State Representative, Devin Carney. Over the last 4 years Devin has served us with distinction, worked incredibly hard on our behalf, and never missed a vote. Having really gotten to know Devin, he always has Old Lyme’s best interests in mind when proposing or voting on legislation in Hartford.

One of Devin’s greatest accomplishments for Old Lyme was helping defeat the rail bypass proposal that would have destroyed so much of what we love in town. Without flinching, Devin stepped in & helped lead the charge against the bypass. Because of his advocacy, he was made the Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee – one of the largest, most powerful legislative committees in Hartford. 

In addition, Devin stood up for taxpayers against proposals to increase our taxes like mileage taxes & veterinary taxes. He has worked across the aisle for budgetary reform, combatting the opioid crisis and supporting our seniors. His priorities are always in the right place for Old Lyme residents. 

Old Lyme deserves a representative who will put people before politics and I know Devin always will. Please join me on Tuesday, November 6th, in re-electing Devin Carney.

Sincerely,

Skip Sibley,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: When Breast Cancer Awareness Month Suddenly Takes on Personal Meaning, Critical Importance of Annual Mammogram is Stressed

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To the Editor:

I think just about everyone is aware by now that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In most years my October thoughts have been of a special aunt (my mother’s sister and my godmother), and my Grandmother, who was in her 90s when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Both were survivors – and my Grandmother lived to be 100.

This year, the pink ribbons and pink pumpkins I’m seeing are reminding me of a journey I began in August of this year. In the middle of lots of happy plans for my daughter’s September wedding (which was everything she had hoped for!), I learned that I, too, have breast cancer and my crash course in breast cancer was off and running.

My initial diagnosis has led to several biopsies, that last of which took place just this week. I know that surgery lies ahead, and will be discussing options and recommendations with my surgeon on November 1, just as Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2018 ends.

It’s really out of character for me to be sharing so much personal information – especially in this public format.  But finding cancer as early as possible is what early detection is all about. If my little story (one of so many similar stories) gives you the nudge you need to schedule your annual mammogram, then my departure from character will be worth it for me.

Although I don’t know yet where my path will lead, I do know that my initial cancer was found only because of my annual mammogram.  And, as frightening as cancer is, I can’t help but wonder how long it might have gone undetected, undiagnosed and untreated without that simple annual test.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As it draws to a close, please call your mother, your sister(s), your cousins, and your friends and remind them all that early detection could save their lives.

Sincerely,

Cathy Frank,
Old Lyme,