Tag Archives: politics

Letter to the Editor: Martha and Jim Roll Up Their Sleeves for the People

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To the Editor:

There has been so much negativity posted in the press this campaign season in Old Lyme, that it makes me wonder – actually makes me worry. And then I realized that it’s because the Republican candidates have no plans, just vague accusations. That’s why Mesham and Read won’t debate with Martha and Jim. Because they have no answers, only questions.

Think back to two years ago, when Republicans Griswold and Ward were in charge. Were they present in your neighborhood when there was an issue? Did they answer your questions or even acknowledge receipt of your letter or phone call? Did they offer any solutions to the town issues of sewers or Halls Road? Did they ensure adequate funding for town projects? Pave streets in the south end of town? Fix the Grassy Hill Bridge? Deal with flooding at Cross Lane and in the beach areas?  No they did not. Just kicked the can down the road leaving the new Democratic-majority board with a pile of complex issues to solve.

In the past two years, Martha and Jim rolled up their sleeves and tackled these tough issues head on. They listened to the people of Old Lyme. They inherited these leftover problems that had been festering for years under previous boards, and which “conveniently” came to a head this year due to debt service and other contractual issues taken on by the previous administration. This was not easy. Halls Road was a complex issue made worse by lots of misinformation, but in the end, the process worked. The community’s voice was heard. Is there an overlay still in planning? No. Let’s move on. When a crowd of angry homeowners crowded a Selectmen’s meeting last year, voicing concerns about speeding, they listened and created the Road and Public Safety Committee to address the issue. Martha and Jim personally showed up multiple times with shovels in hand to alleviate flooding at the Hawks’ Nest Sluiceway (AKA “the crib”), and oversaw the building of a new engineered structure there. They have increased security at the beaches, completed the Senior Center project, constructed the soon to be open Emergency Operations Center at Boughton Road, and were awarded grants to protect our fragile marshes and coastline. But it’s hard to hear about these and other accomplishments through the fog and noise of negativity from naysayers with no ideas of their own.

On Saturday, October 18th, millions of Americans took part in “No Kings Day” to celebrate democracy – leadership by the people, for the people. Let’s not go backward to the government by the “old boys network.” Let’s move forward Old Lyme!

Sincerely,

Mary Daley, 
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker/Lampos Supporters Say ‘If it Isn’t Broken, Don’t Fix It’

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To the Editor:

We are writing to express our support for the re-election of the team of Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos on November 4th. 

Our Town has been in in good hands during their tenure; and Town services are operating at a high level. 

Old Lyme’s AAA bond rating “reflects the town’s financial stability and ability to manage its debt effectively, with a healthy surplus and manageable long-term liabilities.”

Martha makes herself available in the office and around town. She is willing to meet with residents and listens to their issues or concerns. 

We were very impressed with the coordination of community resources that enabled the Lymes’ Senior Center to continue their programming during the more than a year of construction of the wonderful new facility.

Martha is an educator and serving on the Region 18 BOE. She is not seeking reelection. We feel that those experiences have been essential in acting as a savvy advocate for residents in maintaining our schools’ infrastructure, operating budgets, and recognized quality of education. 

Jim is an author and local historian and is also out in the community; — sometimes acting as a trouble shooter for the more pressing issues.

We will continue to need their compassion and common sense as CT reacts to the massive cuts to Medicaid, support for education, nutrition assistance (SNAP), and school lunch programs that are resulting from Trump’s so called “One Big Beautiful Bill;” — clearly impacting our neediest. 

Governor Lamont said that “We’re going to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable.” “I think that’s sort of a core responsibility we’ve got.”

While the actual costs will not be known for months or what impacts, if any, will be placed on Old Lyme, it is estimated that CT will be required to pay tens of millions extra in SNAP benefits, alone.

There is opposition. It seems that the local G.O.P. is featuring the defeat of the Halls Rd. project in their campaign. Current third selectwoman, Jude Danenhower Read, and her husband, Zoning Commission candidate, Sloan Danenhower, highlight their roles in spearheading the effort that led to the rejection of the vision for Halls Road, proposed by the all volunteer Halls Road Improvements Committee.

In short, Martha and Jim have served us well and we believe that it is in the Town’s best interest for them to continue in their leadership roles.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Christina J. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: i) This letter was updated to correct the headline.
ii) This letter was updated to correct the spelling of Jude Read’s last name.

Letter to the Editor: Behringer, Linderman, Walsh Support Fiscal Responsibility

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To the Editor:

The role of the Board of Finance (BOF) Alternates demands fiscal acumen and community experience. We are fortunate that the Old Lyme Democrats endorsed an exceptional team with an extraordinary balance of municipal knowledge and business expertise: Fred Behringer (Unaffiliated), Diane Linderman (Democrat), and Tom Walsh (Democrat). This slate offers a combined record of fiscal responsibility and collaborative attitudes:

  • Fred Behringer has worked constructively with all BOF members as an alternate member over the past two years. As Chair of the McCurdy-Salisbury Foundation, a former small business owner, scientist and environmentalist, he brings a critical and balanced perspective to the BOF.
  • Diane Linderman is seeking a second term and provides invaluable continuity to the BOF. She possesses a unique understanding of both the municipal and school budget processes – experience that serves the town well.
  • Tom Walsh’s extensive management career with UPS and 11 years of effective CT town committee experience will be a significant asset to the BOF.

Fred, Diane, and Tom are prepared to serve our town with integrity and intelligence. Please join me in supporting this highly qualified team for Board of Finance Alternates on Election Day, Nov. 4.

Sincerely,

Lucinda Hautaniemi ,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Vote Kimberly Thompson for Responsible Fiscal Leadership in Old Lyme

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To the Editor:

The upcoming election for the Old Lyme Board of Finance is critically important and our town needs proven, sensible leadership to navigate complex financial waters. That is why I wholeheartedly endorse Kimberly Thompson for the Board of Finance (BOF). 

Kim brings four years of valuable experience to the BOF. She stands up for the taxpayer, debates town spending, and looks for sensible investments, prudent planning, accountability, and finding common ground – the exact skills our community needs on the BOF.  Her professional experiences as a researcher in corporate and private business and as a small business owner will continue to serve us well as the Town works to balance progress with retaining our rural beauty and small-town charm. 

Importantly, Kim understands that the Board of Finance’s duty is to evaluate town investments by comparing their importance with the burden placed on taxpayers. This past spring Kim, together with the other Democrats on the BOF, negotiated with recalcitrant Republicans on the board to utilize the high budget surplus to offset the increase in taxes due to the school renovation project. They finally reached agreement on withdrawing $800,000 from surplus, compared to the Republicans’ first offer of $400,000.  

In a climate where municipal finances are becoming increasingly complicated, we cannot afford guesswork. We need Kim’s professional expertise to ensure that our town’s financial health remains strong while maintaining predictable, sustainable taxation.

I urge all Old Lyme voters to cast their ballots for responsible fiscal leadership and elect Kim Thompson on Election Day.

Sincerely,

Sandra Y. Rueb,
Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Lyme Deserves Better

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To the Editor:

If ever there was any doubt that Republicans at the local level embrace the bullying tactics of Donald Trump, it was dispelled this past Saturday. Led by the husband-and-wife-Republican candidates running for office in Lyme, a small group of sign-wavers set up along an unusual stretch of Rt. 156, near Sterling City Road. While their behavior appeared peaceful, their intent was suspect at best. They deliberately chose a spot directly across the street from the home of Christy Zelek, the Unaffiliated candidate who the Democrats are supporting for First Selectman.

As a strong supporter of the First Amendment, I embrace peaceful political activities by all persuasions, including roadside sign waving and shouting. I am even amused by Republican efforts to disguise themselves by featuring a proliferation of blue signs for their candidates. However, I am profoundly disturbed by the Trump’s Republican Party’s embrace of threats and widespread efforts to intimidate political opponents and voters.

So, I cannot help but conclude that the true purpose of the Lyme Republican show on Saturday was to alert the opposing candidate that she and her family are targets. This pattern of Republican behavior is antithetical to the civil discourse the citizens of Lyme and the state of Connecticut expect and deserve.

Lyme has always prided itself on being neighborly. We argue about zoning and budgets, sure — but we remain civil. We hold doors for each other at the Town Hall; we wave to our neighbors, and we show up to support our schools and seniors, regardless of party. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

That’s what makes this moment disappointing. This hostile campaign led by Republican candidates Tom St. Louis and his wife, Mary, seems to resort to personal attacks, treating politics as a culture war, rather than a service to community.

This isn’t about partisanship. It’s about character. Leadership in a small town is about bringing people together, not trying to score points by provoking discomfort. The goal of the St. Louis’ display may have been to demonstrate strength, but it had the opposite effect by revealing a brand of pettiness that has no place in Lyme politics. This kind of behavior does not reflect the judgment or temperament we expect from people seeking to lead our town.

We face real challenges — environmental protection, maintaining our schools and infrastructure, and preserving the small-town values that make Lyme special. Those problems demand focus, cooperation, and emotional maturity — not theatrics or thinly-veiled threats across from an opponent’s driveway.

Christy Zelek has run a campaign rooted in respect and inclusion. She’s shown the kind of grace under pressure that our town should value. The same cannot be said for those who think politics is about intimidation or spectacle.

Lyme deserves leaders who elevate our civic life, not those who cheapen it. In November, let’s choose candidates who remember that public service begins — and ends — with respect for one another.

For respect in democracy.

Sincerely,

Allan Dodds Frank,
Lyme, CT.