Darienite.com will accept letters to the editor about the election up to 11:59 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. Email your letter no later than that to dave@darienite.com.
Approachable, thoughtful, responsible candidates
To the editor:
Approachable, thoughtful, responsible. The first two words are Susan’s and Kip’s own view of themselves, the third is my assessment of the track record Jayme and the team has exhibited over the years leading our town.
This “approach” to governance is needed now more then ever before in the more then 50 years my family has lived inDarien. We are anticipating major redevelopment of and repositioning of down town as well as the Heights, affordable housing with a thoughtful and inclusionary plan is not only the law but it is our responsibility.
Understanding and participating with like communities in southwestern Fairfield County to protect local interests from Hartford and Washington D.C, will be yet another challenge as our state faces additional financial crisis.
Now is the time to stay the course with proven leaders like Jayme and Susan and to significantly enhance the team with the skills Kip brings to our town.
We will all benefit with this team standing watch on our behalf.
Doug Milne
Darien
Susan Marks is proactive, involved and committed
To the editor:
Proactive, involved and committed. That is what Susan Marks is, and has been for the 20-plus years that my husband and I have known her.
From volunteering in the schools and for the good of the schools spearheading referendums, to serving on various town boards and serving as a selectman for the past two years, Susan has had a huge heart for Darien and has passionately shared her time, talent and energy with our community.
Her experience, insight and commitment combined with the outstanding leadership of Jayme Stevenson and Kip Koons will serve Darien well.
On Nov. 3, we will be enthusiastically casting our vote for Jayme, Susan and Kip!
— Kathy and Andy Saulitis of Darien
Darien needs candidates with proven capabilities and a track record
To the editor:
Unlike the disclaimer noted on financial investment documents, in politics past results do serve as indicators of future performance. So, what might performance results in 2015 portend for Darien’s near term future? Consider just a few examples.
To start, despite frequent assurances by our first selectman, P&Z director and town counsel, the town failed — by four and one-half points — to renew the 8-30g moratorium. How did that happen? Whatever happened to the notion of “trust but verify?” Going forward, will this miss negatively impact Darien’s human and financial resources? Likely so.
Expenses related to the Shuffle overrun continued to mount. It stands at more than $1 million for an effort budgeted at $7 million. Can we be certain the end is in sight? How is it that sound business practices — especially in due diligence and contingency planning — were not established? Who is most accountable?
A contract was signed with the new school superintendent that makes him one of the highest paid in the state. Yet, for this important 24 x 7 job, he retains the right to continue working concurrently in his professional practice. How is it that doling out full-time pay for part-time work puts Darien’s children first?
What are the key takeaways from the above? Results over the past year point to ineffective oversight, weaknesses in project management, and flawed controls. In light of the challenges before us (e.g., the development and infrastructure projects), unless these shortcomings are addressed the difficulties they present will continue and worsen.
Darienites, please do your due diligence. On Nov. 3 vote only for those candidates with proven capabilities and a track record of worthwhile results.
Cynthia M. Eiswert
Darien
McIlmurray on Darien Domestic Abuse Council
To the editor:
It’s a pleasure to know that a candidate for Selectman is involved with the residents in town despite this being a critical time in campaign season. I’m talking about Spencer McIlmurray who has joined the Darien Domestic Abuse Council and also spent time with Darien’s artist community at the first Annual Grove Street Arts Festival.
Spencer believes residents are first in our Town, whether new parents, senior citizens, or children. He wants to hear what citizens of Darien want, what they would like to improve or change, and where it is going.
He is an active member of the RTM and serves on Rules, Planning, Zoning & Housing (PZ&H), and the Board of Ethics. He also attends meetings of other town boards and commissions routinely and is always ready with intelligent questions and worthwhile suggestions.
I hope you’ll consider a fresh start for Darien and vote McIlmurray on November 3rd.
Isabel Negron
Darien
Jerry Nielsen endorses Stevenson-Marks-Koons ticket
To the editor:
I am writing today to express my support for the team of Jayme Stevenson, Susan Marks and Kip Koons.
Having served with Jayme for the past six years on the Board of Selectman, four of those years with her being First Selectman, I have admired her leadership ability and incredible work ethic.
She has been a true collaborative leader in moving Darien forward focusing on our quality of life while always keeping a keen eye on being fiscally prudent. Jayme is admired and respected throughout the State and there can be no doubt she is incredibly effective in making sure our voice is being heard in Hartford.
Susan’s resume is filled with leadership volunteer roles throughout the past 20 years that have helped make Darien a better place to live. I was first introduced to Susan when she led the charge to get our new high school approved.
From that day forward I have always been inspired by her work ethic and can do attitude. She joined our team two years ago and hit the ground running. Susan takes the time to understand the issues, ask questions and get input from others before she makes her decisions.
Kip has volunteered to step forward and I feel it is a critical time for him to bring his experience to the Board of Selectmen. Kip has a strong business background and the desire and drive to make sure our voice is heard at the State level.
With the new regionalization of our State Government and the recent Hartford push to make this entity a new taxing authority his expertise at this time is critical.
After six years I am moving on but I have one hundred percent confidence these three candidates will best represent our wonderful Town for the next two years.
Please join me in voting for them on November 3rd.
Jerry Nielsen