Letter to the Editor: An Open Letter to the Citizens of Old Lyme from Selectman Lampos

To the Editor:

It is an honor to serve on our Board of Selectmen in Old Lyme, one of the oldest continually meeting democratic institutions in the world. It’s a wonderful experience meeting and working with so many of you, and I am struck by the immense talent and commitment of our townspeople. It has deepened my faith in our town meeting form of government, and I am respectfully asking you to entrust me with another term.  

While two years is a relatively short period of time, especially when it comes to government, I believe I’ve made a difference in the following ways:

1.      Actively worked to address flooding issues during significant storms, and successfully applied for and obtained a resiliency study grant under Long Island Sound Partnership/Sea Grant Connecticut/UCONN Sustainable and Resilient Communities program. This grant will cover 100% of the cost for a study to assess our vulnerability and risks to coastal and inland flooding during storms and help us develop a prioritized mitigation strategy.

2.      Diligently taken on the sewer issue to ensure fairness and keep the public fully informed of the ongoing process.

3.      Engaged cooperatively with the Board of Finance to set a historically low mill rate by encouraging the transfer of excess surplus to tax relief, resulting in our town’s lowest mill rate in 34 years.

4.      Worked with the Harbormaster to draft and enact a jet ski ordinance that has greatly improved safety and quality of life at the shore.

5.      Proposed the formation of the now active Road and Public Safety Committee to address speeding and safety on our roadways. 

6.      Successfully obtained grant funding for educational signage at the Solstice Stone at Sound View Transit Hub.

7.      Helped get Old Lyme’s America250 campaign underway to celebrate our vibrant history.

8.      Encouraged and supported renewed funding for our Open Space Commission.

9.      Never feared taking on the toughest issues facing our town. I have consistently listened to and engaged people on all sides of difficult issues to seek equitable solutions, even when it may not have been politically expedient.

10.   Always worked to rise above partisanship and show our town in the best light.

I plan to diligently continue this work, and focus on the following over the next two years:

1.      Continue efforts to build sidewalks and aesthetic improvements in our commercial districts. I personally drafted the application for an $800,000 Community Connectivity Grant for a sidewalk and landscape improvements at Halls Road, which is now under consideration by the state.

2.      Hold the line on the budget and keep taxes low.

3.      Address water quality issues and restore safe swimming at Hains Park.

4.      Support open space and preservation efforts, with particular attention to our vulnerable marshlands.

5.      Continue defending local control for our town.

6.      Pursue every possible grant opportunity focused on infrastructure improvements and environmental preservation to save our taxpayers’ money.

7.      See the sewer issue through to a logical and fair conclusion

8.      Work with the Resident State Trooper on increasing overnight policing and identify funding sources.

9.      Work with concerned citizens and zoning officials to find solutions that preserve our town and encourage responsible development, including housing options for our seniors and young families.

10.   Continue engaging with all of our residents and listening with respect to those who don’t necessarily agree with me, keeping an open mind as we work together to chart the best course for our town.

Thank you to the wonderful people of Old Lyme. I’d be honored to have your vote again on November 4^th.

Sincerely,

Jim Lampos,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is an incumbent Old Lyme Selectman.