OLD LYME — After the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to organize an in-person debate between the candidates for the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen fell through, the campaign managers of the Old Lyme Republican and Democratic parties have worked together to try and make it happen.
The date and time for the debate are now confirmed as Monday, Nov. 1, at 5 p.m. The location will be Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.
The moderator is yet to be named, whether it will be live-streamed and/or recorded, how the questions will be selected and precise details of the format are still under discussion.
Both LymeLine.com and the CT Examiner have been asked to solicit questions from their readers for possible inclusion in the debate. We therefore invite readers to send us their questions as soon as possible. The deadline for receipt of questions is Sunday at 9 p.m.
Please send them via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Questions for BOS Debate.” Feel free to submit multiple questions if you wish.
We will update further details of the debate as they are finalized, but in the meantime, send us your questions!
As a longtime resident of Old Lyme I’m writing because I care deeply about the character and future of this town. For this reason I am voting for the Democratic slate and NOT for the Republicans.
The Republicans, particularly Mr. Griswold, do not appear to care about the quality of life in this town for its residents. Mr. Griswold has held up the full reopening of the Senior Center for many
months while those in nearby towns are open. Why? Repeated calls to him have gone unanswered. The Senior center is so meaningful for many in the community providing sorely needed social contact. Its value cannot be underestimated.
Yesterday there was a ceremony honoring recent Senior Center members lost in the past year. Who was there? Mr. Griswold. Why? Because there is a fast approaching election and it was a prime opportunity to campaign.
He touts “Experience” but to what end? I challenge any Republican to point me to a meaningful improvement in the town in the past few years. New ideas? None. And yet my taxes creep up each year.
Vote for the Democrats; they represent positive, intelligent leadership and the hope for improvement.
I have only one question for Republican candidates. Do you believe our elections are fair and will you accept the results of the November 2nd election?
I am sorry I have to ask this question but according to national polls, three out of four Republicans believe Donald Trump won the Presidency. Our local RTC and elected Republicans have given their opinions nor have they spoken out against the January 6 “attempted coup.”
My family was Republican. But they were a different ilk. My cousin, who described himself as “an Eisenhower man,” was named to SCOTUS by Richard Nixon. His name was Warren Burger and he was, as Chief Justice, the man who forced the same Richard Nixon to turn over the audio tapes which led to that President’s resignation. I asked him about his decision while I was working in Washington for President Carter. “Why did you make President Nixon turn over the tapes,” I asked. “Because he lied to the American people. The people deserve better,” he said. “But he appointed you Chief Justice?” I ventured. “He lied to our country and that cannot be tolerated.”
I was raised to believe “honesty is the best policy.” It was drilled into me by my very Republican family. As I mentioned, I worked with President Carter in Washington. Frankly, I do not like either of the primary Political parties and I am registered as unaffiliated. Honesty is the most important issue to me as a voter. Because the RTC has endorsed a person for the school board who allegedly feels that Gov. Lamont’s 44,000 vote win was the result of fraud, I must ask the candidates for Selectmen to make clear their opinions.
I sent a letter to Mr. Griswald to inquire about some public services in Old Lyme. I did get a reply, for which I was grateful, however his reply was inaccurate. I did a little more searching on my own, and to my delight found many public services re our Land Trust, our recreational water sports offerings and much more.
It surprised me that he was out of touch with the community.
Then I learned more about the Griswold local history, and was flummoxed by his lack of local knowledge. And then….I learned of his long history with this town in a leadership role.
All that said….makes me wonder why he want’s this role, again. Seems more self service than community serving.
Shoemaker gets my vote.
These comments are an organized smeer campaign that have no place in local elections. As an uniffiliated registered voter I question the motives and adjenda’s of Democratic candidates.
I am also registered as unaffiliated. I have not been contacted by Democrats to be part of a smear campaign, nor would I take part in such a scheme.
The most important issue facing the town right now is the Halls Road Improvement which would create a village center consistent with the charm and character of Old Lyme.
Martha Shoemaker supports it and Tim doesn’t.
Tim won’t say he doesn’t support but he has his proxies (like the tug boat operator running for zoning who are discouraging it), Kelsey and his “journalist” that he owns, Greg Shroud, etc.
Why?
Why don’t they support it?
Tim has been on the board for 20 years. What does he support? What is his platform?
If you want to see Halls Road improved-vote for Martha.
If you do NOT want to see Halls Road improved vote for Tim.
It is that simple in my mind.
I have a question for Mr. Griswold. Why did you sign the application to change the Zoning Regulations from the Halls Road Commercial District to the Halls Road Village District when you had not read the regulation changes being proposed? I find it troubling that the leader of our town will sign documents without reading and fully understanding the content.
While I have confidence that the application will be thoroughly vetted by the Zoning Commission, it does not excuse the lack of due diligence.
I will be voting for Martha Shoemaker .