To the Editor:

Serving effectively on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) requires substantial knowledge and experience.  The review of variance applications is a highly regulated process defined by state statute, zoning regulations, and case law.  Every ZBA decision can be appealed in court and overturned if all legal requirements are not met, and any appeal of a ZBA decision results in significant legal costs to the town.  Thus, to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to support informed decision-making and to reduce the risk of costly appeals, most new ZBA members first serve as Alternates before transitioning to full Members.   

I currently serve as a ZBA Alternate, and I have enhanced my knowledge and experience by attending two Land Use courses:  an introductory UConn course, and a full-day course that is offered every two years by the CT Bar Association entitled “CT Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions”

I am also a practicing professional engineer with an undergraduate degree in planning and relevant professional Land Use experience, including the planning of an Open Space Planned Unit Development (PUD) on a 120-acre farm in Michigan that is recognized as a model for maximizing preservation and utilization of natural resources within a development. 

Old Lyme faces many Land Use challenges, including its being a shoreline community facing sea level rise.  I feel my experience and training will enable me to bring a valuable perspective to the ZBA, and help the ZBA balance the need to provide relief to property owners that can demonstrate a legal hardship and the need to protect the town’s comprehensive plan that is intended to protect the greater good of the community.

With my experience serving as a ZBA Alternate, I understand the importance of electing ZBA members with relevant Land Use experience, training, and a demonstrated commitment to our community. 

Please allow me to continue to serve on the Old Lyme ZBA by electing me a Full ZBA Member on Tuesday, Nov 5th.  Thank you.

 Sincerely,

Stephen P. Dix,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

The choice in the election for Old Lyme’s tax collector is clear, Judy Tooker deserves re-election. Judy has dutifully served Old Lyme during her tenure and has a collection rate of about 99% – one of the best in Connecticut. Old Lyme depends on these taxes to fund its schools, town services, and public safety. As an Old Lyme taxpayer, it makes me feel good knowing Judy is so consistent, efficient, and hard working.

Judy is also a lifelong resident of Old Lyme who has built strong relationships with so many people and organizations in town. This goodwill is due to her many years of service and her dedication to our community. She is always out supporting local organizations such as the Old Lyme Fire Department and the Lyme’s Senior Center and her entire family lives in Old Lyme. She is engaged with all aspects of the town, including our schools.

Her commitment to ensuring Old Lyme’s success is apparent to many in town. There is no reason to change course now. Put politics aside in this race and vote for the only candidate with the experience, knowledge, relationships, and strong record. Vote for Judy Tooker.

Sincerely,

Lisa Knepshield,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I, Adam Burrows, have served three terms as an alternate member of the Old Lyme Board of Finance. I now seek a fourth term. I believe that the role of the Board of Finance is to wisely use the local, state, federal and other dollars available to the town to maintain appropriate services and to support those projects that reflect the current and projected needs of our community. This requires careful development of a reasonable budget for the local taxpayers to review and approve at the annual town meeting. 

My deep commitment to Old Lyme has developed over many years. I was the principal of Old Lyme Center School from 1985 to 2005 and was one of the founding members of the Lyme/Old Lyme Education Foundation and served as president for three years. Our family has resided in Old Lyme for 25 years. JoAnn, my wife, is a retired Region #18 teacher. We have three children. Heather resides with her husband in Wallingford. Meredith resides in Willow Grove, Penn. with her husband and two daughters, Eleanor and Eliot. Adam, our son, is a 2008 graduate of Lyme/Old Lyme High School. 

I would greatly appreciate your vote on Nov. 5. 

Sincerely,

Adam Burrows,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I attended a meeting of the Halls Road Improvements Committee this past February and came to recognize the need for economic development and growth in Old Lyme.  Shortly thereafter I began to make a contribution by joining the town’s Planning Commission as an alternate. I am now seeking your vote as a regular member of this Commission.

I feel qualified for the position as I am a Civil and Land Development Engineer working mostly in residential, commercial and retail design. Having lived in Old Lyme for over three years, I now understand the need for development as well as the concerns of our residents. I am confident that as member of the engineering/planning industry I can provide a unique perspective on ways to develop our town that do not detract from its charm and the New England shoreline character most of us cherish. 

I love Old Lyme and want to help encourage sustainable and purposeful development that promotes economic growth while also reinforcing why Old Lyme is such a great place to live!  If this resonates with you, please vote for me on November 5, at Cross Lane Firehouse. Polls are open from 6am-8pm.

Sincerely,

Alexander Klose,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I love living in Old Lyme.  Of all the towns my wife and I explored, this community was clearly our first choice to raise our children. I hope to be part of the decision-making process which guides our town in the 21st century. I want Old Lyme to be a place where my children can continue to flourish, and where people from all walks of life and economic status can live. 

I decided to run for a seat on the Old Lyme Zoning Commission because, as a social worker and Army veteran, I feel it is important to give back to my community. I have been volunteering as an alternate member on the Zoning Commission for the past two years. During this time, we have worked on routine matters, such as residents wanting to put up a fence, or add an addition to their existing home. We also have worked on a few controversial topics, such as the introduction of affordable housing, discussion of the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and the sewer pumping station.  I believe I have made a significant contribution to these discussions and want to continue the opportunity to represent my neighbors.

I would greatly appreciate it if you take the time to vote, for me and the rest of the Old Lyme Democrats, on November 5th. 

Sincerely,

Harvey Gemme,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I decided to run for the Region 18 Board of Education in Old Lyme because I care greatly about the top-rated school system we have and I want to contribute to its ongoing success. I have lived in Old Lyme for about seven years, joining my wife, Kimball Robbins, who already had two daughters in our schools. We now have another child, just starting out in Center School, and I have seen why this town draws so many families concerned about their children’s development. 

My household has a mix of skills, needs, and ages. I believe our schools should be a place for all children to develop academically, athletically, musically, and artistically, from wherever they may start. We must also be fiscally responsible to protect the interest of every town resident, with or without children in our town. My education in law, as well as my career spent mediating and evaluating family disputes through the court system, have given me the experience and skills needed to critically assess the requests of the school system and balance the needs of our children and the other residents of our town.

 I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 5, at the Cross Lane Firehouse.

Sincerely,

Jason L. Kemp,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I am running for the office of Zoning Board of Appeals in the town of Old Lyme.  

I have been a resident of Old Lyme for fourteen years and I consider my home here a part of heaven!  I value my home and my neighbors who share this beautiful place with me. I live near the shoreline and I believe the members of this community need to have a stronger voice in town governance.  

Giving back to the community that I enjoy so much is one of the main reasons I decided to run for office. I have seen the positive growth of the town with the current administration but I also believe more voices need to be heard.  I hope to work with our town leaders to unite our town for the benefit of all. I have not always been pleased with the current ZBA and I think it could use a fresh voice and new ideas. I believe my background as an educator has given me the skills to think critically about situations presented to the ZBA and also make choices that will take into consideration all points of view.

I would appreciate your vote on November 5th at the Cross Lane Firehouse.  Together we do make a difference!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Tracy,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

The Day recently published an interview with Tim Griswold, candidate for Old Lyme First Selectman.  Apparently his principal objective would be to maintain Old Lyme as it is today (or was yesterday), at the least possible cost, with no view to the future and no advice from outside experts.

In the interview Griswold seems most proud of “his extreme fiscal prudence while in office.”  But towns suffer from over-zealous frugality. For example, in 1978, when the state was reimbursing 80% of the costs, Old Lyme and Lyme cheaply built a new high school.  Within 25 years it was falling apart and had to be largely rebuilt, for more than $35 million. 

During his administration Griswold skimped on building maintenance. Even the renovation of Town Hall, one of Griswold’s claimed accomplishments, was done poorly enough that problems continue to be addressed.  Furthermore, he failed to pursue a grant available for that renovation, costing the taxpayers $400,000.   

Once in office, Bonnie Reemsnyder’s administration spent substantial sums repairing poorly-maintained systems, implemented planned maintenance programs, and hired a facilities manager.  While absolutely committed to preserving the character of our town, Bonnie and Mary Jo Nosal strive to identify needs and opportunities so they can be addressed proactively and cost-effectively.

Let’s not go backwards.  Please vote for Bonnie and Mary Jo on November 5.

Sincerely,

David Woolley,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

As a 23-year resident who loves Old Lyme and wants to continue supporting our beautiful community, I am seeking re-election to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).  I have served on the ZBA over 5 years, was unanimously elected ZBA Chair by my peers in 2018, and have successfully completed extensive training in CT Land Use Law and Procedure.  As a retired research scientist and executive with 7 years’ experience as a senior regulatory professional, I also bring extensive professional knowledge to my role on the ZBA.

As ZBA Chair, my contributions include: hosting a UConn Land Use Training Course in Old Lyme that was open to all local Land Use Board/Commission members, leading the creation of a “Residential Variance Application Guide” to help applicants understand and navigate the highly regulated variance process, and bringing the ZBA into timely compliance with FOI requirements.  Working with the ZBA Attorney, we also reviewed and updated our ZBA processes and decision-making to ensure the ZBA was current with evolving state statutes and case law.

My volunteer service beyond the ZBA includes: being a member of Lyme-Old Lyme High School Building Committee; being a ‘Safe Graduation’ Chaperon, leveraging extensive scientific and regulatory research to aid the Zoning Commission in rewriting the town’s Aquifer Protection regulations, and helping to organize multiple local voter registration drives as a member of the League of Women Voters of SECT.

I remain an ‘Unaffiliated Voter’ to underscore my unbiased dedication to supporting our community and my willingness to work with other local volunteers and elected officials in support of Old Lyme regardless of political affiliation.  As an ‘Unaffiliated Voter’ seeking re-election to the ZBA, I applied to both Political Town Committees for possible endorsement, and I thank the Old Lyme RTC for endorsing my candidacy based on my solid record of achievement, training and experience.

Please allow me to continue bringing value to the Old Lyme ZBA.

Sincerely,

Nancy Hutchinson,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

My name is Mara Lowry and I am running for the Old Lyme Zoning Board of Appeals because, as a long-time area resident and mother of two young children, I am invested in continuing the safety and unique character of Old Lyme. I believe firmly in maintaining the spirit and integrity of our zoning regulations, as they are intended to uphold these values.  At the same time, I understand that occasional common-sense exceptions are vital to ensuring the livability of our town. 

If elected I will listen carefully and consider respectfully the perspectives of all stakeholders. I am committed to fairness and equity before the law and will put the quality of life in Old Lyme–now and for generations to come–over the interests of any individual or interest group. I hope that you will allow me the opportunity to serve as your representative to the Zoning Board of Appeals by voting for me this November.

Sincerely,

Mara Lowry,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

My name is Michael Reiter and I’m running for Old Lyme Town Treasurer. Since moving to Old Lyme eight years ago I’ve seen how important local government is to the things important in my daily life, from schools to playgrounds to roads and bridges.  My job as an engineer at Pratt and Whitney, and past volunteer and professional experience have taught me the skills necessary to do an excellent job as your Treasurer.  I had a two-year term as treasurer of the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program, responsible for monitoring the organization’s finances and ensuring that all funds were spent according to the agreed plan.  Professionally I’ve been a Project Manager for almost 15 years, responsible for budgeting and tracking my group’s spend on every project I’ve been a part of.  My wife, three children and I love Old Lyme and are committed to promoting its best interests. I would greatly appreciate your vote on November 5th.

Sincerely,

Michael Reiter,
Old Lyme.

To the Editor:

I decided to run for office in Old Lyme in 2008 while sitting at a desk overlooking the Caspian Sea.

A plan nearly eleven years in the making hatched halfway across the world requires explanation. I’m a human rights lawyer, and in 2008 I was working in an oil-rich dictatorship. The country had elections, and I was excited to see how its unfamiliar system would work. To be blunt, it didn’t: stuffed ballot-boxes, university students forced to vote by armed soldiers, journalists arrested on false charges, and opposition parties silenced.

I vowed then never to take American democracy for granted.

For nearly twelve years I directed long-term international projects with multi-million dollar budgets. Through this process I not only learned how to be fiscally prudent, but also how important making thoughtful spending decisions can be to the success of a community. The Board of Finance, therefore, seemed a natural fit.

I have a law office in town and two young children in our superb schools. I moved to Old Lyme because it is a special place. I’m running for the Board of Finance because I want to be a part of keeping it that way.

Sincerely,

David Rubino,
Old Lyme.