To the Editor:

The Old Lyme Selectman’s election will soon be upon us and it’s time for a change. “Time for a change” is not just a typical or trite campaign slogan but a concept that is at the very core of our system of democracy. Change brings fresh and innovative ideas to our government. Jude Read embodies the change that is needed for Old Lyme. She comes from the private sector and is filled with community spirit for our town. She exemplifies the character of our founding fathers.

From the beginning of our nation, leaders thought of their efforts as community service. Washington, Jefferson and Adams all had a life outside of government. They knew what it was like to run a farm, tend to a business or hone a skill. They brought their successful experiences into government service and that is exactly what Jude Read will do.

Today, unfortunately, elected officials look at their office, whatever it might be, as a lifelong job. Most would agree that this is not a formula for good government and it follows that continuing the current administration in Old Lyme will not be best for our town.

Change can only be good if it is a change for the better and brought by a thoughtful person. That person is Jude Read. She is a strong, practical and down to earth person. Her experience is deep and varied. Here is someone who served on the Old Lyme School Board, the Old Lyme Board of Finance, the Old Lyme Historical Society Board and is presently on the MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation Board.  I have worked with Jude and can assure all that she will bring her years of experience, her grasp of the Town’s needs and her no nonsense, realistic approach to bear beginning on her first day in office and every day thereafter. I guarantee that Jude will take good care of the people of Old Lyme.

Sincerely,

Siesel (Bud) Canaday,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I am writing to urge my fellow residents to join me in voting for Jude Read and Chris Kerr this Tuesday, November 7th.  Jude and Chris have been committed, engaged people serving on the board of finance, board of education, planning commission, to mention just a few organizations they have given their time and expertise (sic).  I believe we need a renewed commitment to local governing: we need to be very careful about such considerations as having East Lyme run our police department and we need to evaluate if other regionalization decisions like getting rid of our health staff is still right for the town.  Jude and Chris are the right folks to get Old Lyme back on track, and their experiences running local small businesses provides them with great skills for excellent leadership.

Sincerely,

Don Willis,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder was informed of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) plan to run high-speed rail from Old Saybrook to Kenyon, R.I. shortly before a public hearing in Hartford in January 2016.  Bonnie attended the hearing, submitted testimony and a written statement, and initiated a process to stop the plan–one that would ravage Old Lyme and degrade the entire Southeastern CT region.

That August a public meeting in Old Lyme, chaired by Bonnie, brought together the FRA, government officials and more than 500 concerned shoreline citizens.

That meeting conveyed, through thoroughly civil discourse, universal public opposition to the plan.

Ultimately the democratic process won and the FRA abandoned the bypass plan.  Bonnie deserves enormous credit for this result.  Throughout, Bonnie’s ability to reach across party lines, to think regionally, to work with state and federal officials and to mobilize the public, enabled her to mount an effective campaign benefitting the entire shoreline. 

State-level budget problems indicate that local officials will increasingly have to work regionally to address emerging infrastructure, conservation and education issues. Bonnie’s leadership in stopping the ill-conceived FRA plan clearly demonstrated that she has the skills needed for Old Lyme in the coming years.  I urge her re-election on November 7.

Sincerely,

Peter Cable,
Old Lyme.