Letters: Wood, Orner Endorse Republican Board of Selectmen Slate

Republican selectmen have shown character, honesty, integrity

To the Editor:

I am pleased to state my strong support of Jayme Stevenson for first selectman and Jerry Nielsen and David Campbell for selectman. Working closely with Jayme, Jerry and Dave over the last two years in my state representative role I know they serve the best interests of Darien in all that they do.

They have created a plan to relocate the senior center and build senior affordable housing — something that this town has debated far too long without a decision. They have obtained a moratorium under 8-30g, the state mandated affordable housing act, and brought fireworks back to Darien after an absence of 9 years. Their goal in these accomplishments as well as in a number of other initiatives has been to find solutions to issues facing our town in the most cost effective way possible. 

Quoting Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana: “Candidates should campaign to govern, not just win an election.” Jayme Stevenson, Dave Campbell, and Jerry Nielsen have done just that with character, honesty and integrity. They’ve certainly earned my vote on November 8th.

Terrie Wood

50 St. Nicholas Road

The author is a Republican legislator representing the 141st assembly district (Darien and Rowayton).

Democrats bring impressive financial acumen and management experience

To the Editor:

The major issues facing Darien — flooding, affordable housing, and the shuffle — must be addressed while preserving our excellent schools. Our schools and moderate real estate taxes are key reasons why people choose to “buy Darien.” During these uncertain times, with record unemployment impacting our friends and neighbors, fiscal restraint is essential to protect real estate values. This is why we must address affordable housing. Like it or not, the law was put in place to incentivize builders. This law is non-negotiable, and four years is not that long to develop and implement a plan. 

These are not party issues. These are town issues.  I was very impressed with John Lundeen in the League of Women Voters debate. I encourage my friends and neighbors to vote for the Democratic ticket because Mr. Lundeen’s financial and management expertise, along with his excellent running mates, are what Darien needs at this time. In the debate, Lundeen highlighted the understated costs of the Shuffle.  That number excludes purchase and carrying costs of the old library, which understates the cost by more than $4 million.

I am impressed with the Democratic ticket’s financial acumen and management experience. I encourage you to vote for the Lundeen ticket.

Tina Lirot

23 Fairmead Road

Republicans offer disciplined and pragmatic leadership

To the Editor:

I am writing today in support of the reelection of Jayme Stevenson, David Campbell and Jerry Nielsen to the Board of Selectmen. This team is united in their understanding of the important issues facing Darien and has sought innovative and workable solutions to these issues. Darien needs the disciplined and pragmatic leadership offered by this seasoned team.

Over the last two years, they have delivered real results for Darien residents, making progress on some of the most significant issues facing our town and improving our quality of life. This team secured a four year moratorium on the affordable housing requirements under state statute 8-30g, something that previous administrations couldn’t accomplish. They have made progress on flooding issues in Noroton Heights. They’ve improved the spring clean-up process. They’ve proposed an innovative solution to providing our seniors with quality meeting space. And to the delight of many residents, they’ve brought back the 4th of July fireworks. All of this has been accomplished with an eye towards the future and in a fiscally-conscious manner.

I encourage you to support the re-election of Jayme Stevenson, David Campbell and Jerry Nielsen to the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 8. 

David Orner

Intervale Road

The author is a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District.