Politics

Rep. Carney Hosts Office Hours with Sen. Formica in Old Lyme, Feb. 11

January 15, 2019 by Admin Leave a Comment

State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd)

The public is invited to meet with State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23) for Office Hours in the 23rd District throughout January and February.

Rep. Carney will offer residents of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook an opportunity to meet with him in a relaxed setting and discuss any legislative or local issues, including the 2019 legislative session which convenes on Jan. 9.

The schedule for Rep. Carney’s office hours is as follows:

Lyme Office Hours
Tuesday, Jan. 15
Lyme Public Library Community Room
482 Hamburg Road
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Old Lyme Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Monday, Feb. 11
Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Community Room
2 Library Lane
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Old Saybrook Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Tuesday, January 29
Acton Public Library
60 Old Boston Post Rd.
Friends’ Conference Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.

Westbrook Office Hours with State Representative Jesse MacLachlan
Thursday, Jan. 17
Westbrook Public Library
61 Goodspeed Drive
Community Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.

All residents are encouraged to attend these events. Those who are unable to attend but would like to contact Rep. Carney may do so at (800) 842-1423 or by email at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov.

Filed Under: Lyme, News, Old Lyme, Politics

SE CT Legislators Including Sen. Formica & Sen.-Elect Needleman, Submit Bill To Allow Online, In-Person Betting at CT Casinos

January 8, 2019 by Admin Leave a Comment

(Press Release) State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and members of the Southeastern Connecticut legislative delegation have submitted a bipartisan bill for the 2019 legislative session that would amend Connecticut’s existing state laws to allow for online and in-person sports betting at Connecticut casinos.

The proposed law would include age and location verification requirements designed to block online access to persons under the age of 21 from betting on sports.

Since last May, when the United States Supreme Court struck down a 1992 federal law banning sports wagering, eight states now offer legalized sports betting, including nearby Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. New York has passed enabling legislation but has not yet instituted sports betting, and several other U.S. states – including Connecticut – are now considering it.

Rhode Island – which just launched sports betting in November – estimates it will collect $11.5 million in new state revenue in its first seven months of operation.

“Connecticut needs to play catch-up with surrounding states if we’re serious about modernizing our existing gaming industry. Fortunately, we can do that with a relatively simple regulatory fix,” said Sen. Osten, who represents Ledyard and a portion of Montville, home to Connecticut’s two Native American tribes that already operate gaming casinos.

She continued, “The U.S. Supreme Court decision last year paved the way for the expansion of private-sector sports betting, and I think Connecticut is in a good position to take advantage of that. We have the infrastructure with the tribal casinos, we can use the new revenue, and we’ve got bipartisan support. This should be an early session success story.”

“Neighboring states are already ahead of Connecticut on sports betting, but I think it’s an issue we can quickly catch up on that will have positive employment, economic and revenue impacts on Connecticut, “ said Sen.-elect Norm Needleman (D-Essex).

He noted, “Two of Connecticut’s top-10 largest employers will benefit from this bill. The U.S. Supreme Court has already cleared the way legally, so I believe it’s incumbent on us as state policymakers to do what’s necessary to remain relevant and profitable in a rapidly expanding new national industry.”

The bill, with the current working number of LCO 578, is co-sponsored by Sens. Osten, Steve Cassano, Paul Formica, Heather Somers, and Sen.-elect Needleman, and by state Reps. Ryan, Christine Conley, Emmett Riley, Joe de la Cruz, Susan Johnson, Doug Dubitsky, Mike France and Holly Cheeseman.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Murphy, Wyden Reintroduce Bill Requiring President Trump to Publicly Release his Tax Returns

January 4, 2019 by Admin Leave a Comment

Measure supports House efforts to use congressional authority to obtain tax returns in closed session

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) on Friday in reintroducing the Presidential Tax Transparency Act to require sitting presidents and presidential nominees to release their tax returns to the public. Murphy and Wyden first introduced this legislation in May 2016 after then-presidential candidate Trump broke his promise to release his tax returns.

“Presidents have a lot of power—they can unilaterally change federal contracts, influence foreign governments, and impose sanctions. Americans deserve to know if the foreign policy decisions presidents make are based on the best interests of the country or made to benefit the president’s pocketbook. President Trump’s bizarre history of nonsensical foreign policy decisions could easily be explained by his or the Trump Organization’s financial ties to countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia. This legislation would ensure Americans know the truth about President Trump and every other presidential candidate, and will prevent the Trump administration from stonewalling congressional oversight efforts,” said Murphy.

The Presidential Tax Transparency Act requires sitting presidents to release their most recent 3 years of tax returns to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). It also requires that, within 15 days of becoming the nominee at the party convention, presidential nominees must release their most recent 3 years of tax returns to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Should the sitting president or future candidates refuse to comply, the Treasury Secretary will be required to provide the tax returns directly to the OGE or FEC respectively for public release.

Section 6103 of the U.S. tax code grants the Chairman of the Finance Committee and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee authority to obtain the president’s tax returns from the Treasury Department. According to reports, House Democrats plan to use this authority to demand Trump’s tax returns, but Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has not said whether he would comply.

Joining Murphy and Wyden in introducing the Presidential Tax Transparency Act are U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin, (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

A one-page summary of the legislative proposal can be found here. The bill text can be found here.

Filed Under: Lyme, News, Old Lyme, Politics

Rep. Carney Receives Committee Appointments

January 4, 2019 by Admin Leave a Comment

State Representative Devin Carney, pictured above in a file photo, whose district includes both Lyme and Old Lyme, has received his appointments regarding the committees on which he will serve on during his third two-year term.

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides named Carney to her 2019-2021 leadership team as Assistant House Republican Leader, which provides for a stronger voice at the legislative bargaining table and gives him leadership responsibilities on the House Floor during floor debate.

Rep. Carney will return to the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee where he will serve as the Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee, which oversees state bonding for transportation projects.

Rep. Carney will also return as a member on the Transportation Committee, where he previously served as Ranking Member.

New this term, Rep. Carney will be a member of the Planning and Development Committee which oversees matters relating to local governments, housing, regional planning, conservation, and economic development.

He was also named to the House Republican Screening Committee, a select committee that reviews all legislation.

“During his time here in the legislature Representative Carney has proven himself to be a trusted leader and legislator,” said Rep. Klarides on her appointment of Carney. “These committee assignments and his position as Assistant House Republican Leader prove that he is someone I have come to depend on.”

“I am honored to be appointed to these committees for the 2019-2021 legislative term,” said Carney. “There are many important issues that will arise within each of these committees. I look forward to dedicating myself to the work ahead and advocating for the people of the 23rd District.”

Rep. Carney represents the 23rd District, which, apart from Lyme and Old Lyme, also includes Old Saybrook and part of Westbrook.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Needleman’s New Year’s Resolution is to be 33rd District’s ‘Common Sense Advocate’

December 23, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

The holiday season is a time when we enjoy good cheer and look forward to the promise of a bright new year. It is a time when we resolve to do the things that didn’t get done in the old year, and fix the things that need fixing.

For me, the coming year will be both demanding and promising. On January 9, I will be sworn in to represent the 33^rd district in the State Senate, a responsibility that brings with it significant challenges and exciting new opportunities. That’s why my only resolution this year is to be the common sense advocate the towns in our district need and deserve. As your voice in the state senate, I will keep you posted on progress in addressing the issues that concern all of us.

Meanwhile, I hope we can all enjoy the festive spirit and good will that make the holiday season so enjoyable. I wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year.

Sincerely,

Norm Needleman,
Essex

Editor’s Note: The author is the State Senator Elect for the 33^rd District, which includes Lyme.

Filed Under: Essex, Lyme, Politics, Top Story

State Senator-Elect Needleman Hosts First Office Hours

November 26, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

State Senator-Elect Norm Needleman

State Senator-elect Norm Needleman (D-Essex) is inviting the public to ask questions, share their concerns and meet their new state senator during his first public office hours to be held Thursday, Dec. 6, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the McDonald’s restaurant at 375 South Main Street in Colchester.

For the past 30 years, Sen.-elect Needleman has been the owner and CEO of Tower Laboratories, a pharmaceutical business which employs more than 150 Connecticut residents. Sen.-elect Needleman serves as a board member of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, and he is also currently serving his fourth term as the first selectman of Essex

Beginning Jan. 9, 2019, Sen.-elect Needleman will represent more than 100,000 Connecticut residents in the 33rd State Senate District, which includes the Town of Lyme along with Chester, Clinton, Colchester, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Deep River, Haddam, Portland, Westbrook, and part of Old Saybrook.

Filed Under: Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Needleman Wins 33rd Senate District After Recount, This Time by 83 Votes

November 19, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

State Senator-Elect Norm Needleman

UPDATED 11/20, 8:50AM — Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman has been declared the winner of the 33rd State Senate District by 83 votes after a nail-biting recount involving all the towns in the district, which include Lyme.

He was originally announced as the victor by 303 votes but a subsequent correction in Essex’s vote count reduced the margin of victory to a number that requires a recount by Connecticut law.

Asked his reaction to the recount result, Needleman responded, “I welcomed the recount, because it assured everyone that every vote cast was counted. I am grateful to the election workers throughout the district who worked so hard to make the recount fair and accurate. We can now move on to the task of being the credible advocate the towns in our district badly need in Hartford.”

Filed Under: Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Needleman Says, “The Election Is Over … Let’s Get To Work”

November 12, 2018 by Norman Needleman Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

The voters of the 33rd District have chosen me to be their advocate in the State Senate for the next two years. The depth of my gratitude to the voters and to the hundreds of volunteers who helped throughout the campaign is beyond my ability to express.

The electioneering is finished, and now we will confront the hard work: get the state back on track, and secure a fair share of support for the towns in our district. My opponent and I differed in our approach to addressing those issues, but we agreed that the core challenge is restoring the state’s financial health and economic vitality. There is no quick fix, but in my view the path we must travel is clear.

First, we have to bridge the partisan divide that stands in the way of good ideas and sensible solutions. Partisan politics have crippled our state, and it should be obvious by now that retreating to an ideological corner is lethal to the kind of cooperation we badly need. As I said throughout the campaign, I will work with anyone who is committed to finding real solutions, regardless of political affiliation.

Second, renovating our approach to developing revenue projections and budgets is vitally important, but is not the only component of the path to recovery. As importantly, the state needs a comprehensive economic development plan that clearly defines strategies and tactics for creating jobs. We need a plan that builds a compelling and durable appeal to businesses of all sizes…a plan that creates a marketing and communications framework for coalescing the state’s many attributes and advantages into a compelling message. Without a comprehensive plan, the road to economic vitality will be random and reactive, instead of well directed and focused.

Third, I will tirelessly advocate to make certain that every town in our district receives its fair share of support from Hartford. The perspective I have gained from real world experience in budgeting and managing town and business operations will add both credibility and impact to the voice our towns have in the State Senate.

But we also need to address issues that go beyond the state’s finances. We can never stop advocating for measures that address the quality of life in our towns: women’s issues; primary, secondary, and higher education; benefits to our seniors; support for small businesses; and job training for the thousands of unfilled, high paying technical and manufacturing jobs.

I make the same pledge to those who voted for me and to those who didn’t: I will listen to your concerns, I will give you straight answers, and I will never stop working for you. The challenges and the issues that concern you will always be my focus.

It is time to bridge the partisan gap and start on the road to finding solutions. I’m optimistic, because I believe all of us recognize that we have to set aside our differences and truly work together. That’s the approach and the attitude I will bring to Hartford as your state senator.

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support.

Sincerely,

Norm Needleman,
Essex.

Editor’s Note: The author is the first selectman of Essex and state senator-elect for the 33rd Senate District.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Politics

Needleman Wins 33rd State Senate District by 303 Votes

November 8, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

State Senator-Elect Norm Needleman

State Representative (R-34th) Melissa Ziobron.

Melissa Ziobron, Republican Candidate for the 33rd State Senate District [which includes Lyme] and outgoing House Representative for the 34th District, called her opponent to concede the race just after noon today.

According to the Connecticut Secretary of State, Mr. Needleman leads by 303 votes, or 0.58 percent, which is just 0.08 percent over the 0.5 percent threshold that would trigger an automatic recount.

Rep. Ziobron stated “I am very proud of the race that I ran and grateful for the tremendous effort from my campaign staff and volunteers. We worked hard, earned every vote and did not give an inch of ground.”

Rep. Ziobron concluded: “I want to thank everyone who has supported me, both in this race and elsewhere, most especially my family.”

Filed Under: Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Results In Old Lyme Give Wins to Republicans Stefanowski, Formica and Carney

November 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Note these are unofficial results. We do not have numbers for Questions 1 and 2 on the ballot, but have heard Question 2 has passed statewide.

GOVERNOR

Lamont/ Bysiewicz: 1,961

Stefanowski/ Markley: 2,054

Griebel/Frank: 56

US SENATE

Murphy: 2,435

Corey: 1,732

Lion: 9

Russell: 7

US HOUSE:

Courtney: 2,671

Postemski: 1,449

Reale: 24

Bicking: 37

STATE SENATE:

Formica: 2,326

Marx: 1,863

STATE HOUSE:

Carney: 2,294

Pugliese: 1,890

SECRETARY OF STATE:

Merrill: 2,232

Chapman: 1,859

Gwynn: 29

DeRosa: 31

TREASURER

Wo0den: 2,175

Gray: 1,891

Brohinsky: 33

CONTROLLER

Lembo: 2,144

Miller: 1,800

Passarelli: 25

Heflin: 37

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Tong: 2,052

Hatfield: 2,057

Goselin: 46

Filed Under: Old Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Murphy Easily Wins Re-election

November 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy speaks to supporters Tuesday night. Photo by Douglas Healey for CTNewJunkie.

Editor’s Note: We are providing this link to an article by Jack Kramer published on CTNewsJunkie.com Nov. 6, which covers Senator Chris Murphy’s victory. CTNewsJunkie.com is a fellow member of the Local Independent Online News (LION) publishers national organization and we are pleased occasionally to cross-publish our stories.

HARTFORD, CT — U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy easily won a second term Tuesday night defeating Republican challenger Matthew Corey.

Murphy was declared the winner shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m. Early results showed him with a 3-2 margin over Corey.

Read the full article at this link.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Huge Lines All Day at Polls in Old Lyme, Exceptional Participation Rate in Lyme

November 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

The line at Cross Lane Polling Station at the Firehouse at 7:45 a.m. this morning. Photo by M. Seidner.

We are receiving numerous accounts of long lines throughout the day and early evening at the Polling Station at the Cross Lane Firehouse in Old Lyme. Despite the large numbers, there were many favorable comments on the efficiency of the volunteer election workers. Old Lyme printed 5,000 ballots but had used over 3,000 of them by around 4:30 p.m.

Emily Berber Bjornberg reports that Lyme passed the 75 percent participation mark just before 5:40 p.m.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Politics, Top Story

We Asked, They Answered: The Candidates Respond to Our Questions

November 5, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Photo by Parker Johnson on Unsplash

In keeping with a long tradition and in the interests of increasing voter knowledge prior to next week’s critically important mid-term elections, we asked all the candidates whose districts include Lyme and/or Old Lyme to send us a brief biography and photo, and answer four questions that we posed to them. The questions came from you — our large and diverse community of readers. We were overwhelmed by the sheer number of questions you sent to us, which we interpret as a clear sign of the level of interest in this election, and are extremely disappointed we could not include more of your questions.

We are delighted to report that all six candidates responded to our questionnaire and are pleased now to publish their responses. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the candidates for taking the time to answer our questions and for adhering to our strict word deadlines — 100 words for the bio and 300 words for each response.

The questions were:

What is the biggest problem facing the state, why is it the biggest problem, and what would you do to help solve it?
What do you think of our leadership in Washington?
What policies or infrastructure do you support at the state level for fostering or managing growth in you district?
Why are you running for this position?

The candidates are:

House District #23 (includes Lyme and Old Lyme)

Devin Carney (R – Incumbent)

Matt Pugliese (D)

Senate District #20 (includes Old Lyme)

Paul Formica (R – Incumbent)

Martha Marx (D)

Senate District #33 (includes Lyme)

Norm Needleman (D) Essex First Selectman

Melissa Ziobron (R) State Rep. House District #34

Click on the candidate’s name above to read their biography and responses to our questions.

For the record and again in keeping with a long tradition, we will not be making any candidate endorsements.

Happy reading … and voting!

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Salary, Other Benefits Become An Issue In Local Senate District

October 26, 2018 by Christine Stuart Leave a Comment

State Rep. Melissa Ziobron CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO

Editor’s Note: We are providing this link to an article by Christine Stuart published on CTNewsJunkie.com Oct. 24, since it pertains to the senate race affecting the residents of Lyme. CTNewsJunkie.com is a fellow member of the Local Independent Online News (LION) publishers national organization and we are pleased occasionally to cross-publish our stories.

HARTFORD, CT — On paper it looks like state Rep. Melissa Ziobron, who is in a pitched battle for a state Senate seat, was the highest paid state legislator in 2017.

Her opponent in the race, Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman, sent out a press release last week to highlight the fact that Ziobron collected $18,379 in “other” pay last year. That’s on top of a base salary of $32,241 for the part-time lawmaker.

In a phone interview last week, Ziobron said that Needleman is wrong.

Read the full article at this link.

Filed Under: Lyme, Politics, Top Story

The Day, Eastern Chamber to Host Series of State Senate Candidate Debates

September 30, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Day and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut are hosting a series of debates for candidates running for state senate. Those relevant to our coverage area are as follows:

The 20th Senate District debate will be held Monday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Charter Oak Credit Union headquarters, Waterford, and features incumbent state Sen. Paul Formica (R), who is running for a second term, and challenger Martha Marx (D). The district includes Old Lyme.
The 33rd Senate District debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 25, at Old Saybrook High School and features state Rep. Melissa H. Ziobron, (R-34th) and Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman, (D). Incumbent state Sen. Art Linares is not seeking re-election in the 33rd Senate District. He was unsuccessful in his attempt to be nominated as the Republican candidate for state treasurer. The district includes Lyme.

Both debates start at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Admission is free.

Visit this link on the day.com for more information about all the debates.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Politics, Top Story

Needleman, Ziobron to Participate in Senate 33rd District Debate at Bacon Academy, Oct. 16

September 25, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

State Senate 33rd Democratic candidate Norm Needleman.

State Senate 33rd District Republican candidate Melissa Ziobron.

The Bacon Academy Young Democrats, Colchester Young Republicans, and the Bacon Academy Debate Club will host the first debate for candidates vying to represent the Connecticut State Senate 33rd District, which includes Lyme. T

he debate will take place Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bacon Academy in Colchester, Conn. Admission is free and all are welcome.

From 6:30 to 7 p.m., there will be a meet-and-greet with State Representative candidates in the auditorium lobby.

From 7 to 8 p.m., the debate will take place in the auditorium with Democratic candidate Norm Needleman, who is currently First Selectman of Essex, and Republican candidate State Rep. Melissa Ziobron, who represents the 34th Connecticut House District. Incumbent Senator Art Linares (R) is not seeking re-election.

The Senate 33rd District includes Lyme along with Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

All candidates for the 33rd District State Senate race are welcome to participate in the debate as long as they have filed paperwork to be on the ballot with the Secretary of the State’s office by Oct. 1.

For further information, email mkeho399@colchesterct.org.

Filed Under: Lyme, Politics, Top Story

NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Needleman For State Senate

September 24, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Essex First Selectman and Democratic candidate for the 33rd State Senate District, Norm Needleman

NARAL Pro-Choice America, one of the nation’s leading women’s health advocacy organizations, has announced its endorsement of Norm Needleman for the 33rd District State Senate seat in Connecticut. The 33rd District includes the Town of Lyme.

The objective of NARAL Pro-Choice America candidate endorsements is to, “elect champions who don’t just pay lip service to values of reproductive freedom, but who truly fight for them…and help defeat those who want to roll back the clock on our rights.”

In accepting the endorsement, Needleman said: “We must continue our efforts to make certain that women have the right to choose how and when to raise a family, that paid family leave is assured, and that pregnancy discrimination is erased from the workplace. The endorsement by NARAL-Pro-Choice America is deeply gratifying. It strengthens my longstanding commitment to insure that basic reproductive rights are guaranteed to all women in or district, our state, and our nation.”

Needleman is the Democratic candidate for the 33rd State Senate District, which consists of the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Portland, Westbrook, and part of Old Saybrook.

Needleman is the founder and CEO of Tower Laboratories, a manufacturing business. As CEO, he has built the business to become a leader in its field, employing over 225 people.

Filed Under: Lyme, News, Politics

Jeannine Lewis Sworn In as Judge of Probate for Saybrook District, Includes Town of Lyme

July 31, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Atty. Jeannine Lewis is sworn in as Judge of Probate for Saybrook Probate District by Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna.

On Monday, July 23, Essex Attorney Jeannine Lewis was sworn in as the next judge of probate for the Saybrook Probate District in a ceremony held on the town green in Old Saybrook. The swearing-in was performed by Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna, Jr.

Attorney Lewis was elected in November to fill the remaining term of Hon. Terrence B. Lomme, who retired the same week after eight years in service to the district. The Saybrook Probate District encompasses the Town of Lyme along with the Towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

Attorney Lewis has focused her legal career on the types of cases typically handled by the probate court. She is particularly concerned with ensuring that the rights of the most vulnerable individuals who appear before the court are respected and upheld including the rights of the elderly, disabled, mentally ill, and minor children. She has been actively involved in educating other attorneys regarding elder law and estate planning as immediate past chair of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Elder Law Section Continuing Legal Education Committee.

In addition, she is a contributing author of the manual used online by Connecticut’s Probate Court Administration to help train attorneys on how to properly represent clients in probate court. As a result of these accomplishments she was appointed to the Probate Court Administration’s Conservatorship Guidelines Committee, which developed standards of practice for Connecticut conservators that were published on July 1 of this year.

As a 17-year-resident of Essex, Lewis is also an active community member. She is a board member for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries and has been a meal site server for the organization for more than 10 years. In addition she is a community lecturer on end-of-life issues and the pro bono attorney for Sister Cities Essex Haiti.

Judge Lewis is running unopposed in the upcoming November election for a full four-year term as probate judge for the Saybrook Probate District.

For more information about Lewis and her qualifications, visit www.lewisforprobate.com.

Filed Under: News, Politics, Top Story

Courtney Joins Others in Cautioning President Trump Not to Undo 73 Years of European Stability

July 11, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT Second Congressional District)

Yesterday, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, joined 43 other members from the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees in releasing a joint statement regarding President Trump’s attendance at the NATO Summit and his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“As I have made clear over the last two years, our committees have been briefed by military and diplomatic personnel, as well as outside experts about the non-stop, focused efforts of the Russian government to disrupt the stable, democratic unity that has prevailed in Europe since the end of the Second World War,” said Courtney.“Whether it is election interference, the illegal annexation of Crimea, or the uncalled-for provocations at sea and in the air in the Baltics, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean, Russian military and intelligence forces are actively undermining the NATO alliance at every turn. My colleagues and I issued this statement to express our strong desire to the president that he should aggressively challenge President Putin on his government’s intentional violation of international law and norms.”

The 44 members said in their joint statement: “President Trump must not seek to undo the work that generations of American men and women have done to help defend and uphold democratic values throughout the transatlantic region. Europe returned from the devastation of the Second World War to prosperity largely due to the North Atlantic community’s commitments to its shared values and to collective defense.

“The signals regarding potential outcomes that are coming from this administration in advance of the President’s upcoming trip to Europe are deeply concerning. Without question, in his upcoming meetings with NATO and President Putin, President Trump must continue to affirm America’s commitments to our allies, especially Article V of the Atlantic Treaty. He must not praise, condone, or abet any Russian efforts to undermine the sovereignty or democracy of any of our allies and partners. He must take a genuine stand against Russia’s cyber campaigns and its efforts to interfere in our elections.

“President Trump must recognize the importance that our forward military presence and joint exercises play in deterring Russia and ensuring military readiness. He must not weaken this posture or suspend or cancel these crucial activities, nor emulate Russian propaganda attempting to discredit them.

“He must stand up for Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea and against the illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory and maintain sanctions until the conditions in the law are met. He must follow the law passed every year through the National Defense Authorization Act prohibiting military-to-military cooperation with President Putin. And he must continue to stand by NATO’s open-door policy on the admittance of new members. The substance and symbolism of these upcoming meetings will matter. The future of the Atlantic alliance and the international order, which has helped make the world safer and more prosperous is at stake.”

The other 43 members who signed the statement are:

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), Rep. Robert A. Brady (D-PA), Rep. Susan A. Davis (D-CA), Rep. James R. Langevin (D-RI), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX), Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Seth Moulton, (D-MA), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-VA), Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY), and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), Rep. Theodore E. Deutch (D-FL), Rep.Karen Bass (D-CA), Rep. William R. Keating (D-MA), Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX),Rep. Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Rep. Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Rep. Bradley S. Schneider (D-IL), Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), and Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D-CA).

Filed Under: Lyme, News, Old Lyme, Politics

Rep. Carney Earns 100 Percent Voting Record During 2018 Legislative Session

July 6, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd)

State Representative Devin Carney (R-23) earned a perfect voting record during the 2018 legislative session. There were 317 votes taken this year according to information released by the House Clerk’s office.

“I have always made it a priority to be present for every vote,” said Rep. Carney. “In my opinion, the most important part of my job is to ensure the people of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook are heard on each and every piece of legislation that comes before the General Assembly. I am proud to have achieved this distinction for the district for the fourth year in a row.”

Rep. Carney currently serves as ranking member of the Transportation Committee, is on the Environment Committee and the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

For an overview of important legislation addressed in the 2018 legislative session, visit the Office of Legislative Research website at www.cga.ct.gov/olr.

Anyone with questions, ideas or concerns about state-related issues can contact Rep. Carney’s office at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or 860-240-8700.

Filed Under: Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Politics, Top Story, Westbrook