Government & Politics
Marks Stevenson reelected 2017

Stevenson Re-elected First Selectman, Richards Off Selectman Board, Replaced by Sparkman

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First Selectman Jayme Stevenson thanked voters and supporters for electing her to a fourth two-year term as the chief town elected official. “I want to thank all the voters who came out today,” a rainy election day, she pointed out, “and I want to thank the tremendous ton of people who helped Susan [Marks], Kipp [Koons] and I [the Republican ticket for Board of Selectmen].” Editor’s note: This article has been updated, with later updates incorporated into the body of the text. FINAL UPDATE — 11:49 p.m.

“We’ll work very hard for everybody in Darien, regardless of their party,” she added. She hoped to work well with Pamela Sparkman, who will be the new Democrat on the Board of Selectmen, and she and other Republicans will welcome her to the board, Stevenson said. Asked what factors were different this election year, Stevenson pointed out that “There are many outside pressures this year,” some of which could have hurt Republican candidates, others that could hurt Democrats running for office.

Education
Burke Maroney Ritchie LWV forum 10-26-17

New School Initiatives, Board of Education’s Role Discussed at Candidates Forum

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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.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Letter: GOP Selectmen Team’s Expertise, Vision Needed Now More Than Ever

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To the editor:

We strongly support the “Best for Darien” team — Jayme Stevenson, Susan Marks, and Kip Koons, because of the strong, insightful leadership they have consistently provided to our town. EDITOR’S NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR ELECTION-RELATED LETTERS IS 11:59 P.M., WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1. Given the critical issues facing towns throughout Connecticut and the state’s fiscal budgetary crisis, we need their expertise and vision more than ever. They have demonstrated a consistent, strategic approach to Darien’s governance, both short-term and long-term, without regard to party affiliation (other than fighting against Gov. Dannel Malloy’s painful Democratic budget proposals in Hartford).

Government & Politics
LVW Darien candidates forum 2015

Darien Candidates for Town Offices Debate Tuesday for November Election

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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.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Letter: Listen to and Meet Darien Candidates From Both Parties

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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.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Letter: Jayme Stevenson Has Been Transparent

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To the editor:

My name is Greg Ehlers and I am supporting Jayme Stevenson for First Selectman. Being a student of politics, I was not surprised to already hear the rhetoric from the left regarding Jayme Stevenson. But I was surprised at such unfounded criticisms.

For example, there were accusations of a lack of transparency. Look at the record:

Channel 79 is covering every meeting at Town Hall, with funding in the selectmen’s budget. Your DVR or the web will get your transparency anytime you want.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Letter: Re-elect All Five of Darien’s Selectmen, Who Each Bring Something to the Table

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To the editor:

Jayme Stevenson, Susan Marks, and Kip Koons make a strong trio governing, developing, and protecting Darien. In fact all five members of the Board of Selectmen have done a great job, been effective, worked very well together. I encourage you to re-elect this entire board to let them continue their strong leadership in this difficult time in Connecticut. Each person brings a special talent. Jayme is a steady and decisive leader.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Re-elect GOP Selectmen for Difficult Times Ahead

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To the editor,

We are lucky to have such an experienced and committed team of Republican town leaders in Darien like First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, Selectman Susan Marks and Selectman Kip Koons. We need their steady hands and clear thinking more than ever to navigate our town through the difficult times ahead. Connecticut is facing significant and widespread financial difficulties. Hartford is already seeking to push some of this burden down to well-managed towns like Darien. Fortunately, our town leaders have had the foresight to begin preparing for this by working hard to strengthen Darien’s financial position, helping us become more self-sufficient.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Letter: Pam Sparkman Is Uniquely Qualified for the Board of Selectmen

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To the editor:

With the financial woes of our state effecting the Darien school system, it is more important to have someone on the Board of Selectman who is in tune with the needs of Darien students and parents.  Pam Sparkman is uniquely qualified to be that voice. 

Pam has children currently enrolled in Darien schools, and an extensive professional background in education. She has worked as a director of admissions at several schools, and currently serves on the education committee for the Representative Town Meeting.  She has also had educational research published in academic papers. Pam has spent her career in education focused on the arts. She would like to see Darien become more active by having art festivals, concerts, and other events that celebrate Darien’s vibrant culture. Pam’s expertise is exceeded by her work ethic to realize her goals. I hope you join me in voting for Pam Sparkman for Board of Selectman.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Letter: Jayme Stevenson Is a Fair, Non-Partisan First Selectman

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To the editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Jayme Stevenson for First Selectmen of Darien. Jayme has always been a fair and non-partisan leader for Darien. In the six years she has led this town I never gave it a thought of which party she belonged to because she never played party politics. Looking out for Darien is her only priority. Whether she is at the helm steering us through a major storm or fighting for us in Hartford, Jayme has always put Darien first.

Government & Politics
Letter letters

Letter: GOP Selectmen Successfully Negotiated Ox Ridge Purchase, Developed Long-Term Strategies for Darien

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To the editor:

Although we are repeatedly reminded of the issues our state is facing as a result of the failed majority leadership in Hartford, we should rest assured that here in Darien we have proven leadership that is focused on the things that matter to Darien residents. Jayme Stevenson and her running mates Susan Marks and Kip Koons have shown they can successfully negotiate and execute on important projects such as the acquisition of the Ox Ridge Hunt Club property, and develop long-term strategies for our assets such as bringing natural gas to Darien and implementing new pedestrian safety measures. Stevenson’s team has continued to drive greater efficiencies in the services delivered to our town’s residents while delivering historically low budgets and working closely with leaders of the town’s other boards and commissions by leading with a nonpartisan and inclusive approach. Join me in reelecting Stevenson, Marks and Koons this November. Jim Palen

Palen is a Republican member of the Board of Finance

Letters to the Editor
Letter letters

Letter: We Need GOP Ticket’s Sound Leaders to Face Hartford’s Upcoming Challenges to Darien

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To the editor:

Our town is under assault from Hartford. Our family has lived in Darien for 47 years. We’ve greatly benefited from our town’s “uniqueness”— closeness to New York, the beauty of our shoreline, top educational system, appreciating real estate values, town safety and lasting friends. We are so fortunate. But, serious change will significantly impact Darien’s future — and it’s coming from Hartford and years of state fiscal mismanagement.

Letters to the Editor
Letter letters

Letter: GOP Selectmen Have Town in Good Shape to Face CT Budget Mess

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To the editor:

Living here in lovely Darien, it is easy to fail to notice the turmoil in Hartford as Connecticut struggles to get a budget. For years, our leaders in Darien saw that eventually we would have to “go it alone” without state aid. That day is here. Our First Selectman and her team have been preparing. Jayme Stevenson has kept growth in town operating budgets modest, yet all the while investing in infrastructure improvements, modern software, better human resource utilization, and collaborative processes to open up lines of communication.