Letters: 'My Door is Always Open'

Thnk you for strong vote of support

To the Editor:

I want to thank the Town of Darien for their strong vote of support for me last Tuesday. I’m honored to serve as Darien’s 43rd first selectman. I’m also grateful that you re-elected my teammates Dave Campbell and Jerry Nielsen. Teamwork is how we accomplished so much over the past two years and how we will continue to face issues for the next two. I’d also like to congratulate fellow board members David Bayne and John Lundeen and welcome them to our team! I’m hopeful that we will work very well together in a nonpartisan way to execute the responsibilities of our board.

I want to thank Dave Campbell for setting a high standard of excellence in getting things done. Darien is a better place because of him. I’m grateful that he is willing to continue his service to the town as a selectman.

This campaign confirmed for me that we live in a wonderful community filled with great people and, no matter what your political affiliation, we all want the same things — good schools, a safe community, a vibrant downtown, clean and nicely appointed parks and beaches, appropriate and efficient town services, prudent investment in our town infrastructure, and taxes that support our needs without overburdening our residents. These things and the people I serve will guide my daily decision-making. 

My door is always open and I’m happy to talk with anyone who has questions or concerns. I will work hard for you.

Jayme Stevenson

The author is the First Selectman of Darien.

Shuffle petition met by enthusiastic support

To the Editor:

While participating in gathering signatures for the petition on a referendum to cancel the shuffle, I thought getting support from many Darien voters would be difficult because of the united opposition of the town’s Republican officials and the complexity of the issue.

Consequently, I was surprised at the enthusiastic support from a majority of fellow Republicans I encountered. I want to thank them not only for adding their names to the petition, but also discussing the issue with me. It confirmed my opposition. 

Finally, I want to remind everyone who signed that the tough part lies ahead — making sure enough opponents of the shuffle turn out to vote it down. 

Bart Ice

Darien