To the Editor:
Those who know Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos appreciate their openness, candor and willingness to listen. For those who don’t know them, you should rest assured they both care deeply about the Town of Old Lyme and its residents, and will make a thoughtful and effective team on the Board of Selectmen.
Martha and Jim are devoted to an open-door policy. They welcome visits and conversations about the town’s business.
In that regard, they have a vision of transparency and access for all citizens to be informed, connected and involved. Citizens frustrated at the limited ability to attend town meetings can be reassured that Martha and Jim are dedicated to the very simple solution of publicly available Internet access in real time for Board of Selectmen meetings. They are committed to the easily licensed tools necessary to broadcast meetings of town boards, commissions and committees for free access to deliberations and also display of documents presented at meetings.
All town boards, commissions and committees will be taught how to employ this technology and asked to add a public comment period to their agendas.
Additionally, Martha and Jim will hold valuable public informational meetings to share key town developments and entertain questions from citizens. They will not only preserve, but expand the First Selectman’s weekly newsletter.
If you want transparency at Town Hall, vote for Martha and Jim on November 7.
Sincerely,
Blair Tinkle,
Old Lyme.