Letters

Letter to the Editor: Patience, Kindness of Old Lyme Postmaster, All OL Postal Workers Much Appreciated

January 12, 2021 by Patricia Shippee 3 Comments

To the Editor:

“Only Kindness Matters” a popular song by Jewel, is the modus operandi of Jim Swimmer, our Postmaster of the Old Lyme Post Office. Over the years, I have witnessed his patient, kind, and personal attention as a problem solver, or just as a helpful Human Being.

December was a burdensome month for all forms of delivery due to the pandemic. There were often lineups of customers at the post office mailing packages to family and friends. Kudos to all the Old Lyme Postal Workers who handled the stream of objects coming to their counters – the packages piled up high behind the counters, which had to be sorted and started on to the next transit. Every worker was courteous and patient, and I’m sure were working many more than 8 hours a day behind the scenes to keep it all moving.

Folks complained about packages that were not delivered or received in the time expected. Even Priority Mail packages and Express Mail packages were delayed. I observed and heard about several instances of parcels that were sometimes routed to the wrong post office on the way to final destination. Through it all, Patience and Kindness to all customers seemed to be the rule at the Old Lyme Post Office. Thank You to all our Postal Workers!

Sincerely,

Patricia Shippee,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Less Than Two Weeks for This President, But Now New Concerns

January 9, 2021 by Thomas D Gotowka Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

The least of our worries is not whether the outgoing president pardons unrepentant criminals, or to whom he awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Rather, consider the following: in the final days of Nixon’s presidency, Defense Secretary James Schlesinger had issued a set of orders that, if the president gave any military strike orders, or, God forbid, a nuclear launch order, commanders should check with him or Secretary of State Henry Kissinger before execution. Schlesinger feared that the president, who appeared out of touch with reality, might start a war, or initiate nuclear Armageddon.

Today [Friday, Jan. 8], the Speaker of the House of Representatives began discussions with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding appropriate precautions that may be taken during the period before the inauguration.

God save the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: First Congregational Church Leaders Denounce ‘Unholy Alliance of Religion, White Supremacy, and Far Right’

January 7, 2021 by Rev. Dr. Steven R. Jungkeit and others 2 Comments

To the Editor:

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, (the wise ones) left for their own country by another road. — Matthew 2:12

It was for many of us a sleepless night. Though the President and his supporters have been broadcasting their intentions for weeks now (years actually), the events on Capitol Hill and the Washington Mall on Wednesday were incredibly disturbing. The violence, the lies, the ignorance, the gullibility, and the cynicism were staggering to behold, filling many of us with dread about the future of our country.

Not the least of the disturbing images to emerge from Wednesday’s events was the Confederate flag unfurled within the Capitol Building. So too, the implements and symbols of Christianity were widely apparent among the insurrectionists – a sign reading “Jesus Saves,” crosses, and other such unholy displays of religious fervor were readily displayed. Let there be no mistake: this was a white supremacist attack on democracy, one that appropriated and distorted the symbols of Christian faith as a means to achieve its twisted ends.

We at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme stand firm against this unholy alliance of religion, white supremacy, and far right political values. We call on our neighbors and friends to join us in renouncing such distortions of faith, in the name of an embracing love that refuses to accede to the darkest illusions of human life. We acknowledge the long history that has misconstrued religious faith as a means to express hatred, intolerance, racism, homophobia, xenophobia and misogyny. Together, we seek another road.

It cannot be overlooked that Wednesday, January 6th was the Day of Epiphany, when Christians commemorate the journey of the Wise Men toward Jesus. It also cannot be overlooked that in that story, Herod, another unstable political leader, unleashed violence in his own attempt to preserve what little power and authority he possessed. But the Wise Men saw through Herod’s bluster and his ruses. They refused Herod’s authority, and sought out the wisdom of the Prince of Peace.

We choose the way of the Wise. That way is arduous. It forces us to interrogate our deepest assumptions about religion, and about power. It asks us to be resolute in renouncing the blandishments and deceptions unleashed by all the Herods of the world. But it is also the way that leads toward truth, toward healing, toward wholeness, toward mercy, toward life.

It was for many of us a sleepless night. Let it be our own invitation to take up the quest of the wise and to seek out another way. Let it be an invitation to search for our own country by another road.

In the name of the Child born in Bethlehem …

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Steve Jungkeit, Rev. Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager and Rev. Carleen Gerber,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The signatories are all ministers at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme; Jungkeit is Senior Minister, Fitzpatrick-Nager is Senior Associate Minister and Gerber is Associate Minister.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Hold Accountable Everyone Who Played Any Role in DC Disruption, Jan. 6; Elect Courageous Lawmakers at All Levels to Heal the Divide

January 7, 2021 by Mary Jo Nosal 3 Comments

To the Editor:
Reflections on 01/06/21

On a day in which our elected lawmakers were carrying out their Constitutional roles, violent rioters, rather than peaceful protesters, illegally entered the U.S. Capitol and disrupted and obstructed our government. Tragically, people died during this riot. Those responsible, those who instigated it, and those who played any role in it, both domestically or abroad, must be held accountable to the full extent of the law for their illegal actions and the resulting deadly consequences.

I understand that U.S. senators, forced to shelter together for their safety, had meaningful conversations, and this hopeful sign helped me sleep last night. We must use the peaceful power of the vote to elect courageous lawmakers, at all levels of our government, who will do the hard work to heal the polarized divide and build a more civil union for all the people of the United States of America.

Peace.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Nosal,
Old Lyme

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: LymeLine Should Focus on Positive, Local News Stories

December 2, 2020 by Dwayne Basler Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

While the LymeLine header states “Community News for Lyme and Old Lyme”, it seems like the passion for national politics hasn’t diminished following the election. I suggest we take a break from including these critiques/opinions in your publication. There are plenty of media outlets to share views about how evil republicans are.

I enjoy the local LymeLine articles especially those recognizing the special people we are fortunate to call our neighbors. I’d love to see more articles about high school students excelling in academics, arts, sports, volunteering, … Articles could also be about people new to our towns, people providing essential services, new to town hall, new to our schools, new businesses…

There are so many great stories to be told. Let’s redirect the passion for national politics to positive stories about our awesome community.

Sincerely,

Dwayne Basler,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: A Thanksgiving COVID Retrospective — Running to Daylight

November 26, 2020 by Thomas D Gotowka 3 Comments

To the Editor:

Paraphrasing Thomas Paine, “These were the times that tried our souls.”

Looking back, the first COVID-19 case in the United States was diagnosed in Washington State, just seven weeks after last Thanksgiving [2019]; the patient had recently returned home from Wuhan, China. Yesterday [Nov. 25], that state’s total cases exceeded 158,000, confirmed; with over 2,800 deaths.

On March 8th of this year, Governor Lamont announced that CT DPH had confirmed CT’s first case in a Wilton resident who had just returned from CA; and was under treatment at Danbury Hospital.

The Bad News:

We are currently in a public health crisis, and it’s worsening daily. This week, we reached 265,740 dead Americans; and 142,732 new confirmed cases, nationwide. CT’s case total now exceeds 109,000, with 4,926 deaths.

The seven-day rolling average of 170,856 new cases per day grew nearly 50 percent in the last two weeks. We now have more than 88,000 people hospitalized with Covid-19, the highest number the nation has ever experienced. Scientists have predicted this fall surge for months, and now, have also warned us that it’s extending into a dark winter. “dark winter”.

Public health officials have stressed, for months, some simple behaviors that should help to curb the further spread of the disease: Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, avoid crowds, especially indoors, keep a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household — a piece of cake? Some elected officials have absolutely refused to promulgate, or model these accepted behaviors; and some new jargon, “super-spreader events” has become part of the epidemiologic lexicon.

Unbelievably (to me), seven Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire have called for the NH House Judiciary Committee to begin an investigation to determine whether Governor Sununu, also a Republican, can be impeached for requiring people to wear a mask in public places.

I always review the data from South Dakota, whose “cowboy culture” (their term), makes anything, but free choice, unacceptable. This week, SD reported more COVID-19 deaths per capita than anywhere else in the United States, and it also had the highest per capita rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Two weeks ago, SD’s test positivity rate reached a frightening 60 percent, second only in the U.S. to neighboring Wyoming. SD hospitals are approaching their breaking point.

The Daylight:

There is some very good news. Scientists and boffins on both sides of the Atlantic have made vaccine development their highest priority, and have moved forward “All Ahead, Flank, Cavitate”! (This is Southeast Connecticut, just ask a submarine driver.)

Distribution and vaccination are on the horizon.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: A Note of Thanks From Organizers of Christ The King’s Food Drive

November 6, 2020 by Tom Ortoleva Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Thank you everyone for contributing to the success of the Christ the King Food Drive. We surpassed our goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of food with a total intake of more than 1,500 pounds. In addition, our generous supporters donated close to $700 of gift cards and cash.

Thank you to the Christ the King Men’s Club members, confirmation candidates and all those, including LymeLine.com, who help spread the word about the drive.

Sincerely,

Tom Ortoleva,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Community, Letters, News, Old Lyme, Top Story

Letter to the Editor: Rubino Will Bring Unique Background, Fresh Perspective to State Rep. Role

November 2, 2020 by Gloria Dimon Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: We received this letter on Oct. 27, but, due to an oversight on our part, failed to publish it. Ms. Dimon contacted us to highlight that we had omitted her letter when we published all the letters we had received by our publication deadline. We apologize sincerely for the unintentional omission of Ms. Dimon’s letter and are publishing it now to compensate for our error.

To the Editor:

I am writing in strong support of Dave Rubino for State Representative for Connecticut’s 23rd District, which includes the towns of Old Lyme, Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Dave will bring a unique background and a fresh perspective to the work he will do on our behalf in Hartford. He is an attorney and small business owner in Old Lyme with a lengthy career in promoting democracy in other nations. This is the kind of experience the constituents in the 23rd District need to navigate the challenges of a state suffering through a pandemic and the aftermath of these circumstances.
Like Dave, I also chose to live in Old Lyme and have been a resident of Old Lyme for 24 years. My entire career has been dedicated to supporting and advocating for public education and public school teachers. Dave is the clear choice for those who believe in maintaining strong policies to protect our education system and the teachers working our schools. He will protect the collective bargaining rights of teachers. He will ensure adequate funding for our schools. He will protect teacher pensions. He will co-sponsor legislation to address student trauma and promote social-emotional policies and funding.

More globally, Dave will work to strengthen our economy. He will work to attract small business owners by proposing that the state invest in a marketing campaign to improve the economic future in Connecticut. Similarly, he will work to improve policies and funding to promote travel and tourism, which is so critical to this region.

Please join me in voting for Dave on November 3rd. The residents of the 23rd District deserve a legislator who is committed to these principles.

Sincerely,

Gloria Dimon,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Carney Focused on State, Local Policies, A Strong Advocate for our Communities

November 1, 2020 by Cyndi Miller Aird Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Let’s be clear about one thing, the race for the 23rd District is about Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. Devin Carney is focused on state and local policies and has been a strong advocate for our communities. Reading his campaign literature and in speaking with Devin, I know this will continue.

Not long ago I can remember Devin working alongside Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters to defeat a federal rail bypass plan that would have devastated our region. Devin has always worked to keep local control of our towns and schools and will not back down against the governor on this issue. He took on the Port Authority and demanded accountability from an organization that misused our tax dollars. He formed bipartisan caucuses to move Connecticut forward in a united way. He helped countless individuals and businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic despite an unprepared Department of Labor. He demanded better from the Lamont administration on their COVID nursing home response. His focus is clear and he always works toward common ground.

This election is extremely important to the future of our community. Devin has immersed himself in our region and has given his support to so many local organizations. He has my vote on Election Day and I hope he has yours.

Sincerely,

Cyndi Miller Aird,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: You Know What’s Scary? Democrats for Who Vote for Carney

November 1, 2020 by Amy Elliott Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

This letter is in response to this Oct 29 letter written by Karen Palenski.

Did you watch Hamilton on Disney+ this summer over Fourth of July weekend as I did, fireworks streaking across the sky in the background? What did you think about? I thought about how horrified our founding fathers would be to see the division that has overtaken our nation…and our neighborhoods right here in District 23.

I realize that what I am about to say plays into the division I am decrying, but you know what? There is too much as stake. I am urging democrats who are satisfied with Carney’s performance to divorce themselves from their alliance to him. “Moderate” Republicans seem to trade on issues like the environment and the opioid crisis but it’s not where their passion lies. It can’t be in the era of Trump. For a democratic candidate like Dave Rubino, these issues—and proactive measures to prioritize them—are the rule not the exception. Here’s what else you get with Rubino at the wheel:

Sophisticated, relevant experience: Rubino is a highly accomplished human rights attorney who has practiced his profession on a global level. He possesses the ability (read: smarts) to spot opportunities, whether it’s crafting a new law, or adjusting existing ones as necessary so that the rights of everyone in our community are served and protected.

An agenda that protects our seniors: A Medicare Asset Test could have irrevocable effects on the finances of senior citizens who don’t own yachts. Rubnio knows this and will fight against it. I like the specificity of this stance and am pretty sure Carney doesn’t have an opinion either way. Or if he did it would be dangerously milquetoast. Our seniors deserve better.

Belief in science and the gravity of climate change: Dave has been endorsed by both The Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement. He will also aid in crafting legislation mandating climate change education in public schools (it is right now only “encouraged” but is not part of the required curriculum).

Police accountability: A bill was passed this summer. Rubino is patently in favor of it. Carney voted against it. For the seats in the back, especially in Saybrook, Carney voted against the police accountability.

On Nov. 3, do not throw away your shot. Vote for Rubino.

Sincerely,

Amy Elliott,
Old Saybrook.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Saybrook

Letter to the Editor: Carney is a ‘True Advocate’ for Seniors, Retirees

November 1, 2020 by Anne Bingham-Pierson MD Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

In the race for the 23rd District, I will be supporting Devin Carney because of his strong support for seniors and retirees.

Connecticut is an expensive state to live in for those on fixed incomes and Devin has continuously championed legislation to reduce the cost-of-living here. He supported reducing taxes on pensions and social security, supported preserving the senior property tax credit, and proposed legislation to reduce taxes on other forms of retirement income like IRAs.

On healthcare, Devin recently co-sponsored legislation to expand telehealth services and to reduce the cost of insulin and hearing aids. He advocates for aging-in-place initiatives and giving seniors more options as they get older. Devin has always worked to curb elder abuse and will propose legislation, again, to ensure seniors are protected. He’s even worked to pass laws targeting those terrible robo callers that prey on seniors.

He is a true advocate for the senior community and I was proud to cast my absentee ballot vote for him. And I thank him for voting to expand absentee ballots this year – it went a long way in ensuring so many seniors were able to vote. I hope you will vote for him on November 3rd or before.

Sincerely,

Anne Bingham-Pierson, MD,
Old Lyme, CT

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Rubino Has Been Fighting for Women’s Rights for Years; If Elected, He Will Continue the Fight in Hartford

October 30, 2020 by Lorianne Panzara Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

As a woman voter, I am concerned about the threat to women’s rights. It seems ironic, that we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a women’s right to vote, and at the same time are at risk of losing ground in so many other ways. Despite the success of the early suffragists, and gains made in recent decades, women are now facing the deleterious impact of a possible shift in national policy. There is a clear threat to reproductive rights, achieved with the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. Additionally, legislation in many states has strategically eroded those rights.

Women need legislators who will provide strong state leadership and fight for their rights. I believe Dave Rubino is that leader. As a human right’s lawyer, he has worked diligently to protect women’s rights. He advocates for women’s equality, but also understands that progressive legislation must support that goal. He will work to ensure a living wage, pay equity, affordable housing, and childcare which is so essential to the quality of life for women. He will also support legislation that protects women from sexual harassment in the workplace, job discrimination, and domestic violence. He will make certain that Connecticut has legislation that serves as a firewall to national policy that threatens women’s rights.

Women need to know which candidates they can trust. Before they cast their vote, they need to know who will vote to protect their rights.

I have done my homework. I know that Dave Rubino will be there for me.

Sincerely,

Lorianne Panzara,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook

Letter to the Editor: Rubino Has a World View That Can be Applied Locally, Beneficially

October 30, 2020 by Mara Lowry Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

These days the world is more connected than ever before. One thing we’ve learned from COVID-19 is that something going on anywhere in the world can have a quick and substantial impact here in our hometown. We need leadership who understands this connectivity on all levels and can help us manage our relationship with the world while also maintaining the unique nature of our small towns.

Dave Rubino and his family have lived around the globe and witnessed all forms of government. They chose to end up here in the 23rd District, near where Dave’s wife grew up, to start a law practice, raise their family, and now, participate in state governance. Dave knows how to do this and he understands us, in ways that Devin Carney does not. He will be getting my vote on November 3rd.

Mara Lowry,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook

Letter to the Editor: Rubino’s Vast Experience Makes Him a Strong Leader, “Not Afraid to Tackle Difficult Issues”

October 29, 2020 by Marisa Hartmann Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Dave Rubino is a newcomer to the 23rd District, but he brings an extraordinary range of experience as a human rights attorney who has committed his life to the values and principles of democracy. As an attorney, his work abroad focused on fair election process, legislative reforms, anti-corruption policies, human trafficking, and gender inequality. These experiences have enriched his view of the world and reinforced his commitment to improve the quality of life for others through the legislative process. He would be a tremendous asset in the CT General Assembly!

Let’s face it. It takes guts to relocate your family, start a new business, become a respected leader in your community, and challenge a third term incumbent for an assembly seat! That is exactly why Dave Rubino is my choice for state representative. He is a leader who is not afraid to tackle the difficult issues of our times, whether they be healthcare, the climate crisis, womens’ rights, racial injustice, or the economic wellbeing of our state. In Dave Rubino, we have a candidate who is astute, educated, forward thinking, and honest. We can count on him to approach the legislative process with a full grasp of the issues, and to write effective legislation, not just vote for it.

Dave Rubino has my vote for state representative. He will bring strong leadership and a depth of experience to the 23rd District.

Sincerely,

Marisa Hartmann,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Re-elect Formica, He Has Strong Skills That We Need

October 29, 2020 by David Kelsey Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Paul Formica has a long history of outstanding public service, and I urge all voters to re-elect him as our state senator. Paul was the leader of East Lyme, one of our most successful large towns, guiding its prudent growth, championing conservation and governing in a strong, fair and effective manner as evidence by the vibrance of his town. He has done the same for us in Hartford.

Mr. Formica’s opponent has many unfounded and distorted criticisms for him, including that Republicans are holding up a “completed” bill for a public health insurance option because Republicans are being paid by insurance company lobbyists. This bribery charge is inflammatory and just not true, but unfortunately not unusual for attacks on Republicans. Further, as should be obvious, if Democrats have a “completed” bill they would like to pass, they control
every branch of government and can pass whatever they choose without need of a single Republican vote.

We need as our state senator a person who not only cares for constituents, but has the proven experience putting well-conceived policies in place to make constituents’ lives better. In the 45 years of Democratic rule in New London, of which Ms. Marx highlights her participation, it would be very hard to find too many people who say their lives have improved. Vote Paul Formica to make Connecticut affordable again and fix the absolute mess in Hartford created by truly awful, one-party rule.

Sincerely,

David Kelsey,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Democrat Supports Carney (R); He’s ‘Always Been There’ for Our Schools, Seniors, Environment

October 29, 2020 by Karen Palenski Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

It takes a certain kind of person to get me to split my ballot on Election Day. As a Democrat, I tend to vote for Democrats across the board, but I will be voting for our State Rep, Devin Carney this year. Devin has always been there for Lyme and Old Lyme – especially for our schools, seniors, and our environment.

As someone who works in mental health and addiction services, I am especially pleased with Devin’s consistent support to improve state policy in these areas. He co-sponsored legislation on mental health parity, which requires insurers to treat mental health and substance abuse disorder the same as physical health. He also co-sponsored legislation to look into increasing employment opportunities for those recovering from substance abuse. He has consistently been a strong voice at the Capitol in battling the state’s opioid epidemic, which touches every town in the state.

Devin was recognized by the Connecticut Counseling Association for his work on these issues and for his efforts to stop elder abuse. He is a well-rounded legislator who has put the work in over the past six years. This Democrat will be proud to cast a vote for him on November 3rd.

Karen Palenski,
Old Lyme, CT.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Carney Has Served With Integrity, Put His Constituents First

October 29, 2020 by Rowland and Nancy Ballek Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Devin Carney has served Connecticut’s 23^rd House District with integrity and has always put us, his constituents, first. As a lifelong resident of the district, Devin has always worked to ensure our quality of life and that our small towns have the resources they need to succeed.

Over the past few sessions, there have been attempts to take away local control of our towns and schools, which would be devastating. The state can’t get its own budget in order, yet they want to control how we run our local governments. Devin has always stood up to these power grabs and works to ensure that our voices are heard through the noise at the Capitol.

He is also very conscientious about local issues. He helped stop a federal rail bypass that would have decimated our shoreline. He recently got DOT to extend service on the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, which is very important to those who live in Lyme. He always works to help us preserve open space and is always supporting our local non-profits.

With Devin, we know that our towns will be well represented and that’s why we will be voting for him this year.

Sincerely,

Rowland and Nancy Ballek,
Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Carney, Rubino Display Distinct Differences in Response to President; Rubino Rebukes Trump, Carney Does Not

October 28, 2020 by Kim Thompson Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

In 2016, Devin Carney said of Donald Trump, “Up to this point I have not expressed support for him and have not endorsed him. I’m not supporting him. I’m not supporting Mrs. Clinton either.” Of course, the polls favored Hillary Clinton at the time so the politically opportune thing for a Republican to do was to ride the fence. Don’t endorse, but don’t rebuke. Since that time, Donald Trump has been caught on video making vulgar comments about women, ignored a global pandemic so profoundly that the U.S. has seen more than 220,000 deaths, overseen the biggest recession since the depression, and sowed racial divisions like no other President in recent history. Even Fox News confirmed that he called our fallen veterans “losers” and “suckers.” One would think that Carney has ample reason to pick a side now. But he hasn’t. Because disavowing the President will lose him votes. We need a leader who has the courage to take a position on the important issues of the day – even if it will cost him politically.

Dave Rubino has rebuked President Trump from the get-go. When Trump pushed the myth that absentee ballots would lead to fraud, Dave pushed back with the facts. Voters in our district should not have to choose between their health and their Constitutional rights. When Trump said that states like Connecticut had to send their students back to school or lose Federal funding, Dave spoke out. Most significantly, when in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the political tides favored support of Black Lives Matter, Carney spoke with vigor at BLM rallies. But when Trump and his enablers came out against police accountability, Devin fell in line and voted against the police accountability act.

We deserve better than that. We deserve a leader who will stand for what’s right regardless of the political consequences. We deserve Dave Rubino.

Sincerely,

Kim Thompson,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook

Letter to the Editor: Carney’s Record on Veterans’ Affairs is Strong, Consistent

October 26, 2020 by Ed Shyloski Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Devin Carney has a strong record when it comes to veterans’ affairs and, as a veteran, that means a lot to me. This past session Devin co-sponsored legislation that would allow more veterans access to public assistance should they need it. In years past, he has backed bills that would assist veterans with starting their own businesses, reduced the property tax burden on veterans and Gold Star families, and helped veterans affected by PTSD and brain injuries. Devin understands that we must support our servicemen and servicewomen when they return – and that includes as they age. He has always been supportive of our local VFW and has always been there to honor our local veterans – including this past February when he and the Lt. Governor recognized those who served in Korea and Vietnam. He will continue to be a strong advocate for us and I look forward to supporting him for re election on November 3rd.

Sincerely,

Ed Shyloski,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The writer is a Vietnam Veteran.

Filed Under: Letters, Old Lyme

Letter to the Editor: Vote for the Future, Rubino is Committed to Protecting Environment, Addressing Climate Change

October 26, 2020 by Sarah Foley Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

As a mother voting in this election, I feel a responsibility to support a candidate who will be a strong advocate for the environment and who will demonstrate a commitment to address the climate crisis. I would like to see a more robust response to this crucial issue, and hope to have a more enlightened approach by newly elected representatives. I was impressed to learn that Dave Rubino, candidate for State Representative in the 23rd Assembly District, was endorsed by the CT Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement. He is a strong supporter of the CT Green New Deal to protect the environment and understands that a “green economy” is an asset to the state economy and job growth. Dave is also committed to helping CT develop an effective plan to replace fossil fuel with solar and wind energy.

Dave Rubino also recognizes that the natural beauty of CT must be preserved for future generations and to promote tourism, so vital to the state economy. Protecting our rivers, lakes, marshes, and woodlands must be a legislative priority, but we must also take measures now to minimize the impact of the climate crisis. Climate crisis education in our schools, which he supports, is but one measure to take now. We can no longer have legislators who deny, minimize, or ignore this devastating issue. I support Dave Rubino for State Representative because he has already demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment and addressing climate change. This election, I’m voting for the future. It is also a vote for my children and a sustainable environment.

Sincerely,

Sarah Foley,
Old Lyme.

Filed Under: Letters, Lyme, Old Lyme