Letters: 'I’ll Choose Character over Cartoons Every Time'

I’ll choose character over cartoons every time

To the Editor:

Does it make sense to run if you can’t catch a train?

To seek political office, and once elected, question the time required to serve, raises the issue of putting self interest ahead of responsibility. Then to politicize the issue, claiming that adhering to established practices demonstrates a lack of empathy for a certain group (in this case, commuters) is disingenuous at best. I compare this to a college graduate applying for a job that, once hired, complains the hours conflict with his personal life.

The response to the “issue” of scheduling Board of Selectmen meetings is telling. The Republicans offered a clear and thorough response from Jayme Stevenson detailing scheduling protocol. Some Democrats and the Democratic Town Committee attacked, trying to manufacture a lot of sound and fury about early executive sessions and published a political cartoon implying Stevenson doesn’t care about or want help from commuters. Really?

Darien faces bigger issues than this. Real issues. Let’s not waste time inventing fake ones to score cheap political points. Look no further than this “non-issue” to judge how each party will approach the political process, and how they will communicate their views.

I’ll choose character over cartoons every time. Vote Republican.

Matthew Troy

19 Great Hill Road

The author is a member of the Republican Town Committee.

Lundeen will lead sound, earnest, collaborative town government

To the Editor:

The qualifications of those seeking elective local government office include proven career experience, sincere interest in the well being of the community at large, and an ability to lead town government for the common good of its constituents.  First selectman candidate John Lundeen has these attributes as demonstrated with his proven leadership roles in the public, private, and Darien community sectors.  

My support for John is based on my personal experience working with him on the Darien Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors where, as vice chairman, he has shown unique creativity in problem solving and a collaborative, open and consensus leadership style which together have combined to help the Chamber accomplish its business and community mission to Darien.  His leadership as president of The Friends of Gorham's Pond further demonstrates his interest in tackling local issues and problems.  

A vote for John Lundeen for Darien first selectman is a vote for sound, earnest, and collaborative town government.

Richard L. Kelsey

14 Partridge Lane

Republican selectmen reflect the will of the people

To the Editor:

Again we have the opportunity to select our town leaders. Two years ago we elected the GOP team of First Selectman Dave Campbell, Jayme Stevenson, and Jerry Nielsen. Now Jayme Stevenson is running for first selectman and Dave Campbell and Jerry Nielsen for selectmen. Their past performance has shown outstanding leadership in accomplishing much for the town of Darien. 

One of the notable accomplishments was obtaining a four-year moratorium on state statute 8-30g pertaining to affordable housing developments. They have initiated open dialogue with Hartford legislators concerning revision of 8-30g so as to provide an equitable housing solution for all residents of Darien.

Our selectmen are doing a great job in balancing the needs of our community while limiting tax increases. We need intelligent, rational, competent and committed people with integrity and common sense who will reflect the will of the people of Darien. We have such candidates in Jayme, Dave, and Jerry. 

Please join me in supporting them so that they can continue their record accomplishments from which we in Darien are all beneficiaries.             

Charline V. Dale

10 Holly Lane