Letter to the Editor: Alternate Michael Barnes Seeks Appointment to Vacant Seat on Old Lyme Zoning Commission

To the Editor:

As a lifelong resident, volunteer, local business owner, and parent in Old Lyme, I am writing to share my intention to seek the open, remaining term on the Zoning Commission seat that is being vacated – and to ask for your support in urging our Board of Selectmen to appoint experience over politics.

The Board of Selectmen is currently tasked with filling a critical vacancy left by Michael Fogliano, an unaffiliated member who stepped down after being elected this past November. Because a zoning term lasts five years – more than twice the length of a selectman’s term – the decisions made by this commission carry generational weight. I am seeking to serve out the remainder of this term because I literally love Old Lyme like no one you have ever met. It is my passion for this town, where I grew up, went to school, and am now raising my own young family, that drives me to protect what we have.

Since February 2020, I have served as an alternate on the Zoning Commission. I am currently in my sixth year and sixth consecutive appointment. Out of more than 100 regular and special meetings held by this commission over the last six-plus years, I have missed a total of only three, maintaining a 97% attendance record. While I have watched many alternates and regular members come and go, my commitment to being fully prepared has never wavered.

My dedication extends beyond zoning. As a long-serving member of the Harbor Management Commission, I have poured countless hours into bettering our town – often at the expense of time away from my family and business. I led the effort to re-establish and open Horseneck Creek waterfront park and secured several high-dollar grants to improve our waterfront access facilities for residents.

Furthermore, I am currently the only member of the Zoning Commission who owns and operates businesses right here in town. This gives me a vital perspective on how zoning laws impact our local economy. Many current members of our zoning leadership are senior in age. While their service is valuable, I am eager to be a strong voice for the younger demographic and working families who deserve equal representation in shaping our town’s future.

Right now, Old Lyme is in the midst of a complete rewrite of its zoning regulations. During phase one, I insisted on thoroughly vetting every single new definition. Some on the commission viewed this careful review as “slowing down the process.” However, I firmly believe that when new terms are encoded into law, they carry lasting consequences for our property rights. I am not a “yes man.” I make my own independent conclusions based on the facts, and I refuse to be rushed into making uninformed decisions that could hurt our community.

With a major regulatory rewrite underway, and the two newest alternates passing on the seat, I am the most experienced person ready to hit the ground running on day one. We cannot afford a steep learning curve.

Because I choose to serve as an unaffiliated resident, I do not have a political party endorsing me. My only loyalty is to the people of Old Lyme. I ask my fellow residents who value independent, thorough representation to please reach out to the Board of Selectmen and urge them to appoint me to the Zoning Commission Regular Member Seat.

Sincerely,

Michael Barnes
Old Lyme Zoning Commission alternate member
Harbor Management Commission member