Letter to the Editor: Veteran Old Lyme Board of Finance (BOF) Member Endorses ‘Capable … Deeply Committed’ Republican Slate of BOF Candidates

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To the Editor:

As a resident of Old Lyme and member of the Board of Finance for almost 22 years, I am writing to express my thoughts on the upcoming 2025 Board of Finance election, a pivotal event that will shape the financial stewardship of our community for years to come. The Board of Finance plays a crucial role in ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the wise allocation of our town’s resources. With the challenges of maintaining essential services, improving infrastructure, and balancing the town’s budget, it is more important than ever that we elect individuals who are not only capable, but also deeply committed to the well-being and future of Old Lyme.

This election is an opportunity for us to reaffirm our values as a town — values that include prudent financial management, open communication with residents, and a focus on both present needs and long-term sustainability. We have three candidates up for election that have experience in the business world that will do our town well in having them on the Board of Finance. David Kelsey and Matt Olson have been members of the Board for many years; John Flick is a newcomer that brings to the table years of business experience and a passion for our town being run as efficiently as possible. I encourage my fellow citizens to learn about the candidates and consider everyone’s experience and vision for Old Lyme. Our Board of Finance needs members who are collaborative, knowledgeable, and willing to advocate for the entire community.

There has been a great deal of conversation about the town’s undesignated funds.  In my years on the board, we have asked our auditors what percentage of surplus our town should have. That number fluctuated between 20-30% depending on the auditor.  This is higher than most communities because of the possible loss of tax revenue if a catastrophic storm hit our beach communities. Long term if we had significant property loss along the shoreline, we could face loss of tax revenue for a period of time while homes were re-built.  

This past budget season there was conversation about how much we should take from surplus. There were several proposals that did not pass. We stepped away for a week and had another meeting where David Kelsey made a motion, and I seconded the amount of $800,000 to be taken from surplus for this current budget year. That motion passed 5-1.  Our reason for this number was to help in the short term with the higher than usual town budget increase and the Region 18 building project debt payments starting. Why not more? There will be Region 18 debt payment increases in the coming years that most likely will have to use more money from the undesignated fund to keep the tax bills as flat as possible. We also have town projects that are coming down the pike like the Grassy Hill Road Bridge, road maintenance and the unknown of what the town may have to contribute to the sewer project.  

Regardless of political affiliation, I urge everyone to participate in the upcoming election. I ask you to support David Kelsey, Matt Olson and John Flick for the Board of Finance. This group will look at spending our money wisely in the short term and planning for the future. An engaged and informed electorate is the foundation of effective local government. Together, we can ensure that Old Lyme continues to thrive, not just for current residents, but for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Andy Russell,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker Keeps Her Promises

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To the Editor:

I am a senior citizen and I am writing in support of Martha Shoemaker to continue to serve as the first selectman for the Town of Old Lyme.

Martha keeps her campaign promises to the people of Old Lyme.

  • She improved community access to board and committee meetings with technology upgrades in Town Hall. Now I can reliably participate from home in a meeting.
  • She addressed long-term flooding issues at the beaches.
  • She started the Gateway Improvements Committee to address speeding and concerns about blight in the beach community.

Martha Shoemaker and her running mate Jim Lampos listen to the community and respond with meaningful action. They deserve to be elected to represent Old Lyme residents.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Miranda,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Endorsing J. David Kelsey—a ‘Generous Supporter of All Things Old Lyme’—for Board of Finance

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To the Editor:

I’m inspired to write this endorsement after seeing the Democrat Town Committee’s [DTC] video ad attempting to smear Dave Kelsey. Dave does support Republican causes at the national and state level. He also supports the Old Lyme Republican Town committee of which I am a member. Most notably, yet not mentioned in the DTC ad, is Dave’s service to our community. Aside from serving the BOF [Board of Finance] for the past 17 years, Dave is a generous supporter of all things Old Lyme.

  • Dave was a lead donor for the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library renovation.
  • Dave donated hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Lyme Art Association skylight renovation.
  • Dave and his daughters are the benefactors for the Kelsey Family Center at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.
  • Dave has purchased and renovated numerous apartments in town to provide local housing to the Lyme Art Academy students.
  • When Big Y attempted to build another gas station on Halls Road, Dave acquired the lot through personal finances to preserve the space (where Hydrangea Galore now is).
  • And if you notice graffiti on the Lyme St. underpass or the Mile Creek rail bridge, contact Dave — he has paint and willingness to help cover it up (and he’ll text you at 6am to go paint with him), so long as he is not already busy volunteering to pull ragweed from behind our town hall.

I could easily add another dozen or so bullet points, although I think it is clear. We are fortunate to have such a benevolent citizen here in town.

Facts, not fear.

Sincerely,

Steve Spooner,
Old Lyme.

SECWAC Hosts Talk on ‘Trump 2.0 Middle East Policy: Promise and Peril,’ Nov. 6

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EAST LYME–On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) will host Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Brian Katulis for a talk titled, “Trump 2.0 Middle East Policy: Promise and Peril.” 

The 6 p.m. presentation will be held at Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant, 22 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme. The talk will be preceded by a 5:30 p.m. reception and followed by a members-only dinner at 7:15 p.m. 

SECWAC in an a press release said Katulis’ presentation will assess whether President Donald Trump’s overall foreign policy approach—which he says is characterized by transactional diplomacy, selective military engagement, and attempts to use America’s economic power to gain global leverage—is likely to produce a more durable and sustainable security environment in the Middle East, amid a rapidly evolving regional landscape.

The talk comes 10 months’ into the second Trump administration, which has been marked by a noteworthy trip to the Gulf, a major policy shift on Syria, U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, and the emergence of a 20-point plan for Gaza, which began with the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Katulis specializes in US foreign policy and national security at the Middle East Institute. He hosts the institute’s podcast series, “Taking the Edge Off the Middle East,” and writes a bi-weekly column on U.S. foreign policy. He has decades of experience living and working in the Middle East, where he has forged relationships with leaders in government, the private sector, media, national security and many international organizations.

Katulis co-authored The Prosperity Agenda with Nancy Soderberg to examine how America’s economic advantages can be used to shape global dynamics. He is frequently quoted in leading news publications and media outlets.

Katulis holds a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in history and Arab and Islamic studies from Villanova University. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Amman, Jordan from 1994-95, where he conducted a research project on the peace process between Israel and Jordan.

SECWAC members are free. Non-Member in-person attendance is $20. Non-Members may visit this link to register. A post-presentation dinner will follow at the Old Lyme Inn for members only. 

For more information on SECWAC, visit their website.

Letter to the Editor: Lyme School Board Rep’s Endorse Zelek as ‘Uniter’

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To the Editor:

As Lyme’s representatives on the Board of Education, we are proud to endorse Christy Zelek for selectperson.

In our work representing the citizens of Lyme and supporting the students, teachers, and staff of Region 18, we know firsthand the value of thoughtful, steady leadership. Christy embodies those qualities. Though endorsed by the Lyme DTC (and we are both Democrats), Christy is a lifelong independent who consistently puts community above politics. She brings a practical, cooperative spirit that Lyme needs in its local government.

Christy’s long record of volunteerism in our schools and with local Scouts reflects her deep commitment to Lyme’s families. She understands that strong schools are the heart of a strong town, and she will continue to champion the values that make Lyme such a special place to live and learn.

Above all, Christy is a uniter. She listens carefully, builds consensus, and approaches challenges with integrity, accountability, and kindness. These are the traits that make effective public servants—and great role models for our youth.

We look forward to working with Christy to strengthen our schools, our community, and our shared future.

Sincerely,

Anna B. James,
Lyme CT.

Gavin Lodge,
Lyme CT.