Letters: Democrats Exhibit Experience, Perspective, Determination

Electing Lundeen is critical to Darien's future

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support for the campaign of John Lundeen, David Bayne, and Vickie Riccardo and to encourage Darien voters to set aside party affiliations and vote for the best team for the job on Nov. 8. I firmly believe that the Darien Working Together team has the right experience, perspective, and determination to continue to make our town a pleasant, safe, and affordable place to live and work. 

Since moving to Darien four years ago, I have been impressed with David Bayne’s tireless activism for the community, especially on issues such as public safety. He demands results, voices concerns, promotes accountability and is responsive to the concerns of townspeople.

I recently met John Lundeen at a neighborhood rally to discuss the Hoyt Street sidewalk issue. I was impressed with his proposed proactive solutions to pedestrian safety and other town issues such as affordable housing and the budgeting process. I feel that that he possesses similar characteristics to Mr. Bayne — qualities that I believe all of our town leaders, regardless of their political party affiliation, should display.  

In particular, Lundeen and his colleagues’ drive to scrutinize capital projects and restore fiscal responsibility to our town is critical for our future. If the shuffle project moves forward as proposed, our town will reach its debt ceiling, putting Darien in a precarious financial situation especially if an unforeseen project expenditure comes to light. I believe that Lundeen, Bayne, and Riccardo will give thorough appraisal to this project and other matters and will present refreshing alternatives. I encourage all Darien voters to support them at the polls next week.  

Cassandra Hegarty

31 Barringer Road

Lundeen misstates facts

To the Editor:

I just received a card in the mail from Mr. Lundeen. While I appreciate his desire to differentiate himself from Mrs. Stevenson, that does not entitle him to mislead the public.

The first point on the card states: "$12,000,000 to shuffle 60 people costs $200,000/person." In September, program attendance at the Edgerton facility was 1,503, of which 1,347 were unique users. His costs are misstated, and he doesn't enumerate the costs that will go to required renovations at Town Hall regardless of what happens to the senior center — nor does he tell of the savings of removing 18,000 square feet of a high maintenance building. 

The Representative Town Meeting committees were assigned this project in September of 2010. There have been 30 studies over 12 years on the senior center. The hard working members of the RTM, including myself, carefully analyzed the proposed project costs and benefits and overwhelmingly approved the plan. Fiscally responsible means spending money wisely, and that is what this project does.

Joanne Hennessy