Later school starting times, the new Fitch Academy, technology in the schools and how the Board of Education communicates were some of the topics discussed by candidates for the school board at a recent election forum. Democrat Michael Burke and Republican Debra Ritchie, both incumbents, and Dennis Maroney spoke last week at a Darien League of Women Voters election forum. Although there aren’t more seats up for election than there are candidates (so the three Republicans and one Democrat are all expected to be elected), the event gave some insight on what three of the nine school board members are thinking about Darien education topics. Republican David Dineen, also a Board of Education member, was on a business trip and sent his regrets about not being able to make the event, a league official told the audience. Although all three candidates said the effect of possible loss of state aid on the education budget was the most important issue facing the board, but none of them offered specific ways to cut the budget or otherwise deal with the potential cut in funding.
On Tuesday Oct. 24 the Darien League of Women Voters will host an opportunity for the community to meet and question candidates running for municipal office in Darien. The program will begin at Town Hall Auditorium with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by separate debates by the candidates for first selectman, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Planning and Zoning Commission. The debates will be facilitated by a trained moderator. The audience will have an opportunity to submit questions on topics of interest either in person or online during the program at lwv.darien@gmail.com.
To the editor,
There are many complex issues facing Darien right now: financial pressures from the state, major development proposals, master plans, etc. In an effort to help Darien voters understand how the candidates for local office will address these issues the Darien League of Women Voters is hosting TWO candidates forums this year. The first, on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium will focus on the candidates for the Board of Education. While this race is uncontested, the four candidates for the Board will be given the opportunity to provide insight into their philosophy about our district and the challenges we face.
On two separate evenings during the next few days the Darien League of Women Voters will host an opportunity for the community to meet and question candidates running for municipal offices in Darien. ____________
— an announcement from the Darien League of Women Voters
____________
On Thursday, Oct. 19 the League will sponsor a forum at Darien Town Hall Auditorium featuring four candidates running for the Board of Education. The program begins with a reception at 7 p.m., followed by debate and discussion. On Tuesday Oct.
The Darien League of Women Voters will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday May 25, 2017 at the Country Club of Darien, 300 Mansfield Avenue. The program will include a presentation entitled, No Labels: The New Center Strikes Back featuring citizen leader Clyde White who will discuss the history, values and goals of No Labels. The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program is scheduled to begin with lunch at noon, followed by the presentation. Please R.S.V.P. by May 19 to maryellen7@optonline.net. Send a check for $50.
The Darien League of Women Voter’s annual Town Officials presentation takes place Wednesday, April 5 in the Library Community Room with a reception at 6:30 p.m., and the program starting at 7 p.m.
First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, Board of Education Chair Michael Harman, Board of Finance Chairman Jon Zagrodzky, Planning and Zoning Chairman John Sini and RTM Moderator Seth Morton will give prepared remarks followed by questions from the audience.
Where’s Darien headed in the future? What do town officials who pay attention to the town’s problems think are the most important ones, and where is the town doing well? What new services should we have or where are we wasting money? Get answers to these questions and more Wednesday night when Darien’s town officials come to speak and answer the public’s questions. They work (as volunteers) for you, although occasionally Darienite.com and others have to remind some of them of that.
Want to contact an elected official but not sure where to begin? Join The Darien League of Women Voters and Darien Library on Thursday, March 23 and make your voice heard. The League and the library are sponsoring a non-partisan letter writing campaign, “Engage Your Government”. The event will take place in the Library conference room from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. If you have an issue with your local, state or national government, put your thoughts into action by writing a letter to one or more of your elected officials. Supplies, contact information and postage will be provided.
