Letters | ValleyNewsNow.com

Former Chester First Selectman Urges Support for Meehan and Sypher

October 4, 2011 By admin

Letter to the Editor:

During my tenure as Chester’s First Selectman I had the pleasure of working with Ed Meehan and Larry Sypher. As candidates for Selectmen, they bring a long term town commitment and a vast knowledge of municipal government with them.

They have both served on the Board of Finance, an integral part of understanding the town’s finances. They have shown prudent fiscal responsibility and accountability through our budget process. Their experience will establish us receiving the best services for the best price.

Ed is a town planner and Larry has served on Planning and Zoning. Together their experience will allow for the best quality of life to our residents and businesses, while understanding the guiding principles for our future.

Both have been committed to Chester. The Sypher’s have been around since their dairy farm. The Meehan’s moved here in 1982 and have raised their four boys through our school systems. Both have been involved locally on boards, commissions, local organizations and their jobs.

Ed Meehan and Larry Sypher head the Democratic Ticket for November 8th. Together with the entire slate they bring what Chester needs ~ Experience and Leadership.

Join me in Voting on November 8th, Row A …Ed Meehan, Larry Sypher and the entire team!
Martin L. Heft
Former Chester First Selectman

September 30, 2011

Filed Under: Chester, Letters, News

Retirement and Thanks from Lieutenant Marc Pisciotti

September 1, 2011 By admin

Dear Citizens of Essex:

As of September 1st, 2011, I will be retiring from the Essex Police.

I wanted to take the opportunity to say that I will miss the people who I have formed so many friendships and bonds with. To have had the opportunity to make an impact in so many lives and be able to have a positive influence on the youth of the Town through D.A.R.E. and other interactions for the past 13 years has been both an Honor and Privilege and I thank all the parents and their outstanding children who allowed me to do so. When young men and woman who you have had the opportunity to first meet and teach in 6th grade, but are now in college come up to you on the street when they see you and say “Hi Officer Marc” and start to tell you how their lives are going and about how they were able to use something they learned in D.A.R.E. or that you talked to them about to help them in certain situations, is one of the most satisfying feelings that an officer could ever experience and I thank them all for sharing that with me. When it is all said and done, Policing is about people and having the privilege of serving in a profession which allows you to be in the position where you can have a direct positive impact on our youth and in people’s lives is very rewarding. It’s not about writing tickets or trying to impose your authority on kids; it’s about being there when people need you and trying to make a difference when you can. I have been fortunate, in my 22 year career stemming from the New Haven Police Dept to the Essex Police Dept; I have had the opportunity to work with such Officers.

While with the Essex Police, I worked with Officers like (Ret) SGT Patrick Bowers, a true professional who always put the Town before himself, took pride in the service he gave and served with Honor and Integrity. Officer Salvatore Bevilacqua, though a young officer, one who has an understanding of this profession, cares about the Towns citizens and will certainly be the kind of Officer that will be an asset to the Town for years. Outstanding Resident Troopers like Detective Scott Wisner and SGT Paul Lussier who were not only great assets to the Town, but to their agency. Firefighters like Chief Paul Fazzino of the Essex Fire Dept who exemplified professionalism and dedication and who always worked tirelessly for the Town and the safety of its citizens, volunteering his time.

While teaching D.A.R.E. at Essex Elementary School for over the past decade plus, there have been many teachers and educators that have played major roles in the success of the program and I thank them all. However, I would like to publicly recognize one teacher and thank her for putting so much effort into helping me for the last 11 years to assure the success of the program. Her contributions and tireless efforts working on the scheduling, student/teacher participation and support of the program were instrumental, so to Mrs. Kathleen Marois, thank you for all you have done to help me and your commitment to both D.A.R.E. and to the education of young men and woman!

Lastly, I would like to thank First Selectman Philip J. Miller for allowing me the opportunity to serve the citizens of Essex and working side by side with me to provide the highest quality of police service to the Town. As I now retire from the Essex Police and look forward to new challenges, I will take the experiences and friendships I have made with me.

Once again, thank you so much and Godspeed!

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Marc A. Pisciotti
Essex Police

Filed Under: Community, Letters

Highland Hall – A Part of the Town’s Cultural History

August 10, 2011 By admin

To The Editor:

We recently learned that the former Essex Elementary School (aka Highland Hall) is again slated for demolition. After a hiatus of almost five years its owner, Our Ladies of Sorrows Catholic Church, has again requested a demolition permit from the Town. The building is located behind the Church on Prospect St. and abuts and overlooks the Grove St. Park and Town Hall properties. It was constructed in 1920 and served as the Town’s elementary school until 1954, when it was sold and used as a convalescent home until its acquisition by the Church in 2004. The building has been vacant and unused for several years, thus one can presume that its condition has deteriorated, however the reason for demolition and future plans for the property have not been announced. The Church has been asked to delay demolition in accordance with the Town’s delay of demolition ordinance, which gives interested parties the opportunity to explore and discuss ways to save the building.

Essex has lost many of its historic buildings to the wrecking ball over the past several years, a trend which is both alarming and likely to continue unless measures are taken to curb this trend. Each time a historic building is destroyed, a part of the Town’s culture and history is destroyed with it. The Town’s many wonderful old buildings are essential to the charm and character of Essex; they are, in a sense, its heart and soul and have drawn many of us to this community. Historic preservation is desirable because it enriches our lives and makes us proud. The Town has established an Architectural Design Review Subcommittee to study and recommend ways to preserve the integrity of the Town’s heritage, however its work is not yet complete.

We believe the School holds fond memories for many townspeople and is significant in terms of Town history; it is a “soul” worth saving and should not be hastily eradicated without exploring other alternatives. Surely there are many uses for this centrally located historic building that are far superior to alternatives involving demolition. However preservation requires commitment, imagination, time, effort, and money, all of which are scarce commodities. Whether or not the School can be preserved remains to be seen, however at the very least it deserves a thoughtful and meaningful discussion on preservation and reuse possibilities and we urge the Church, all interested parties, and the public at large to explore realistic options for reuse and preservation, in accordance with the delay of demolition ordinance.

Sincerely,

Frederick and Mary Ann Pleva
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Essex, Letters Tagged With: Essex, Highland Hall

Historic and Architectural Resource Survey Should be Made of Highland Hall

August 6, 2011 By admin

To the Editor:

Although I am aware of the Church’s need and desire to come to a conclusion on the c. 1910 Essex Grammar School building, I think it is important that an Historic and Architectural Resource survey of the building be made. The State of Connecticut offers non-profit organizations and municipalities grants that make this possible. The Commission on Culture and Tourism and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation have the ability to survey such a building to determine its condition and viability. The Connecticut Trust’s Circuit Rider Program was designed to provide immediate and direct hands-on preservation advice.

In the 1950s Hills Academy was slated to be demolished to create a parking lot because the town did not know what to do with the building. What a grievous loss that would have been. Only after a public outcry was the building saved.

The location of the Essex Grammar School building (you may not be aware that the property abuts the Town Hall and Town Park property) and the future needs of the Town for additional space, make it doubly important that we all take a good look at this building before it is turned to rubble. Many similar school buildings throughout the state have been preserved and put to new uses.

Could the building be mothballed so that the Church and the Town could work out an arrangement to benefit both parties? It may require creativity to come up with a good solution, but Essex certainly has the ability to look into the future and solve this puzzle.

As a first step, an Historic and Architectural Resource Survey will create a detailed inventory of the building so that an alternative solution that will benefit the entire town can be reached.

Sincerely,

Eve Potts,
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Essex, Letters, News

Proud of Memorial Day Marchers

June 6, 2011 By admin

Letter to The Editor:

I am extremely proud of these fellows who marched in Essex on Memorial Day . . . they truly represent the very thing that we all should be as Americans. They, and their fellow soldiers, patriots all, deserve to be honored by their fellow citizens; what is a little rainstorm compared to being willing to fight, in any conditions, for your countrymen and way of life? Thank you for being who you are.

Sincerely,

Jonathan James

Filed Under: Letters

Essex Budget and the Big Picture

June 1, 2011 By admin

Letter To The Editor:

The Essex Budget was defeated by a vote of 114 to 81. The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance were amazed. Few usually turn out for their meetings. A budget had not been voted down in years. What happened? We were told by our town officials that it must have been an organized effort!

I say, no! A small town is made up of many special interests – library, schools, community organizations, etc. I saw members of ALL of these groups come out with a single goal, the interest and future of Essex. The attendees were ordinary taxpaying citizens concerned that their hard earned money be used wisely and carefully during this difficult economic time. This should be applauded. It is a fiscal issue, not a personal or political issue. And, it’s happening across America.

After several meetings the budget was reduced by $152,212 (less than 1% decrease) and will go to a referendum vote on June 7th. Many attending the post budget defeat meetings felt the cuts discussed were a start, and the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance needed to do more.

The Town Budget has increased from 12.9 million to a proposed $21.4 million in just ten years, while the Essex population growth has remained essentially flat in the same time period (239 more residents). Ten years ago more of the towns’ expenses were covered by state and federal funding and this amount has been on a steady decline over the past few years. Taxpayers make up the shortfall from reduced state and federal funding. We are on an “unsustainable” course. To say, “Well, prices go up,” is not the answer. Neighboring towns seem to understand and it is reflected in their budgets.

A gentlemen sitting next to us at one of the meetings had just finished his last day of work after having been let go from an executive position in Hartford. In 2007 there were 45 families living in Essex relying on Food Stamps. In 2010 there were 89 families. Subsidized school lunches are up. Reality is hitting Main Street, Essex.

What has been lost in Essex is the big picture. Citizens are seeing in Essex, what they are seeing in Hartford and Washington, D.C., a tax and spend train that has left the station. Life is not the same as it used to be. The people are shouting “STOP!” and government is not listening.

Sincerely,

Alice van Deursen
Essex

Filed Under: Essex, Letters

Essex Town Budget – The Numbers

May 31, 2011 By admin

Letter To The Editor:

Ten years ago the Town of Essex needed $12.9 million to cover all of its expenditures. The projected expenditures for next fiscal year amount to $21.4 million. The $8.5 million difference, a 66% increase in annual expenditures over the past ten years, is rather steep. The numbers are neither Republican nor Democrat. They are simply numbers reflecting the choices we as voters have made over the past ten years. They are not indictments of the Board of Finance or the Board of Selectmen. However, the rising expenditures are cause for concern, especially in this tough economic environment.

Moreover, the amount of tax collected from the town’s property owners has increased 85%, from $10.9 million ten years ago to a requested $20.2 million. This is because the funds received from State and Federal governments have declined and therefore the town’s property owners now pay for a greater portion of the town’s expenses than in prior years. Given the current state of the economy, that decline is likely to accelerate, placing an even greater burden on taxpayers.

According to the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc., our population has only grown by about 240 people in the past ten years. The increases in the town’s expenditures are not the result of needing to provide significant services to these few additional residents. In fact, funds paying off the expenses associated with major projects that were undertaken years ago, for example renovations and additions to our schools, have added little to the amounts that require funding each year. Likewise, funding that will be used in the future to purchase needed equipment and provide for replacements of outdated equipment add little to the overall budget. These numbers combined represent only about 5% of the requested budget.

These budget numbers provide a clear warning that we need to reduce spending. Gas prices, food prices and the housing crisis are real concerns that must be taken into consideration when budgeting for the coming year. Has your income or wealth increased 85% over the past ten years? Is your home worth the same or more than when you purchased it? In most cases household wealth and incomes have been hit severely by this terrible economy. Many people have lost their jobs. People living on fixed incomes have seen no increases in their income while their costs have escalated. Our town is not immune to these problems. Under the circumstances, when taxpayers are under pressure from all directions, the Town of Essex should make every effort to bring down its operating expenses and look for ways to lighten the financial burden carried by all its residents and taxpayers.

Sincerely,

John Ackermann
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Essex, Letters

Please Vote “Yes” on June 7th

May 31, 2011 By admin

Letter To The Editor:

I am writing this letter to friends, neighbors, fellow property owners, and residents of the beautiful villages of Essex, Centerbrook and Ivoryton to request that you come out and vote in the referendum on June 7th is support of our revised 2011-2012 budget. I am asking you to do this because the budget we have developed with the support of both Democrats and Republicans is fiscally prudent and in the best interest of our community.

The revised budget calls for total expenditures for both the town and education to increase by approximately 2.9%. In these times of soaring costs (as we all experience when we to go to grocery store or the gas pump), this level of increase is exceedingly responsible. And, candidly, anything less will have a material impact on the quality of life that we have come to expect.

No one likes to see costs go up, which is why we have worked very hard over the past seven (7) years to make government more efficient. We have made some difficult and painful decisions in order to control costs while trying our best to support organizations like our libraries, our volunteer fire department, and our various Boards and Commissions. These are the people that have guided our town while promoting the spirit of volunteerism that allows us to control our spending and limit the corresponding tax burden.

Of the total proposed spending increase of just under $600K, approximately $455K is for the increased cost of education, and a majority of that increase has already been approved by voters who participated in the Region 4 referendum. Although the increase in the Regional school budget was small, our share has increased because Essex will have a higher percentage of students attending the Region 4 schools next year. The local Board of Education worked hard to keep their spending in line despite increases in special education costs, making difficult choices that reduced a number of programs and staff.

The balance on the town side of the budget is largely comprised of small increases in expenditures for health insurance, maintenance of town roads and buildings, public safety, libraries, technology and sinking funds that will prevent future borrowing. These decisions were not made in a vacuum; they were made collaboratively with elected officials and volunteers of both parties acting in the best interest of the town.

In the bipartisan spirit that has guided our Town for many years, I ask for your support of this budget. Please come out and vote YES on June 7th. The Town Hall will be open for voting between 12 noon and 8PM.

Sincerely,

Norman Needleman,
Essex, CT.

Norman Needleman is a Selectman in the Town of Essex

Filed Under: Essex, Letters

Dangerous to Attribute Motives on Budget Voting

May 31, 2011 By admin

Letter To The Editor:

Recently I was dismayed to read a letter in your publication regarding the motives and background of the people who voted against the budget at the town meeting. I find it a dangerous practice to attribute motives to people’s actions. How does Mr. James know what their motives are? I know I never spoke with him. Did he survey all the participants in that meeting?

It seems he knows little about their contributions to the town. There were people there who have given of their time to Planning and Zoning commissions, Park and Recreation, Conservation Boards, School Boards and who served on the Library Board. As well, many of these same people have spent hours in volunteer services to keep our town as lovely as it truly is. I daresay many, if not all of the people present are financial supporters of our library, fire department and ambulance. It appeared to me there were people there who had spent hours studying the budget thoroughly and had no desire to embarrass anybody.

We all love Essex, and I would guess that each of us has our own reasons for our “yes” or “no” vote on the budget. I know of no organized cabal to overthrow the desires of the people of Essex. Perhaps many who voted “no” feel that our budget is too high for those who have had to go on food stamps (100% increase in 3 years) or those who have had liens put on their homes because they are struggling to pay current taxes. Perhaps some feel that with a declining enrollment at Essex Elementary School, the budget should have been held at no increase. Maybe some have recently lost jobs or are struggling to sell their homes. I drove down Maple Avenue yesterday and there were at least 4 homes for sale on that short street. Perhaps some who are on fixed incomes and worry about maintaining their own budgets for food and medicines just know that they can’t afford any increase at all.

The criticism is well deserved that many people didn’t make their concerns known at the budget hearings or workshops. But now that they have asked to be heard, it is unfair and unwise to suggest that they are trying to harm our town or those who currently serve as administrators. And perhaps there will be more questions on the 31st at the hearing. For instance, I still don’t understand why the contingency fund, if not used during the year for an emergency, is placed in another category. Why don’t we have a policy of rolling it over to the next year?

I won’t attempt to guess what is in someone’s heart when they cast a vote and truly resent it when someone, unknown to me, does so.

Sincerely,

Linda K. Dwyer
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Essex, Letters

Essex Town Budget II

May 31, 2011 By admin

Letter To The Editor:

It appears that Democrat Extremists are coming apart at the seams. They can’t handle the fact that a large group of non-partisan residents of Essex voted down the budget that, amongst other things, gave our Selectmen a pay raise at a time when many of our neighbors are suffering. We have one hundred and forty homes with liens, our seniors have not had a cost of living increase in over two years and the number of people in our town on food stamps has increased by ninety-eight percent.

This is not a political issue for those who voted down the budget. It is an ETHICAL issue. Democrat Town leaders seem unable to grasp this and appear inordinately annoyed that anyone should have the audacity to question their budget as it stood-before being voted down. The citizens of Essex have every right to ask questions and make comments. Since the budget was sent back to the drawing board, Democrat Extremists have picked-up their pitchforks and launched a campaign of lies and deceit against the citizens of this town who dared to question their wisdom.
There is so much nonsense in Mr. James’ letter that it is hard to know where to begin. His comments are replete with gross misrepresentations and downright lies.

It is the Selectmen who called for the referendum that will cost over five-thousand dollars. They knew that if they had initiated another paper ballot, they would have lost again. By having a referendum, they have time to rally their loyal subjects – by making false accusations in their phone calls, emails and letters. When they scare them about the EES, the Library and our Firefighters, I wonder, do they remind them that they had given themselves a pay raise at a time when many of their neighbors are in financial trouble? I doubt that they do.

Mr. Jonathan James claims that a concerned Citizens group is contacting residents who are in rest homes. This is a fallacy, but reveals a well known political campaign strategy practiced by Democrat operative. Our seniors have been faced with substantive tax and cost of living increases and do not need to be used by Democrat extremists for political reasons.

It is particularly galling that James credits Miller with the Essex Credit Rating improvement. Once again, truth eludes him. AAA Credit rating accrues to a Town which maintains a Rainy Day Fund at or above 10% of its annual Budget. Credit for this achievement goes directly to our Town Treasurer who has fought long and hard to get our Rainy Day fund over the 10% threshold. He had initiated this effort before Miller became First Selectman. Miller is now proud of our Credit Rating and taking the credit.

Mr. James’ comment that “these people” do not contribute to the town is not only wrong, it is condescending. This type of gibberish makes people who are generous with their time talent and money wish to take their talents and dollars elsewhere.

The most ludicrous comment is how well our town is now managed. One after another of our highly qualified town employees have been terminated or forced-out. As a result, we are engaged in a series of defensive actions brought by several of these employees and are facing significant penalties. Even a cursory review of the year over year growth of our legal expenses will show a problem that is growing-not improving. In addition, several of our employees no longer talk directly to our First Selectman – preferring e-mail only. Unfortunately, we no longer have a team in our town government but rather a group of fiefdoms that are forced to drink from a poisoned well.

Sincerely,

Alison Nichols,
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Essex, Letters

Essex Town Budget

May 29, 2011 By admin

Letter To the Editor:

There is in Essex a seemingly fanatical fringe group who has decided to try to take issue with the present town administrators, solely for the purpose of embarrassment, and they’ve chosen to attack the town budget.

Our budget is non-partisan, put together by the Essex Board of Finance, the Republican Town Treasurer, and Essex Board of Selectmen, both Democrats and Republicans, who were united in their support of the proposed budget. They held open workshops, where anyone in the town could participate and make suggestions and propose changes; in a completely non-partisan and a very time-consuming job they came up with the budget they presented to the voters for the town of Essex. There is little room for changes without hurting the town of Essex; the Regional District 4 budget has already been approved as part of this budget, a big part, and then there’s the Elementary budget, which is already lean, and further reductions will mean reduction in the staff or other serious cuts to our children. Then there’s the town staff, which is seriously not the best paid in the state. There’s no one making six-figures who’s a town employee, administrator or staff
member . . .

You have to look at what’s been accomplished under Mr. Miller and his administration, as well as the Board of Finance, and town commissions, etc. Essex infrastructure was in a virtual state of collapse when they moved in (it’s a fact), including roads, structures, and especially the town hall. The town hall itself was totally disorganized, it’s every part seemingly totally unaware of what everyone else was doing; there was little or no cooperation or communication between departments and staff, and town commissions weren’t doing a great deal themselves.

Phil, our First Selectman, began obtaining grants and financial aid, making many, many improvements in the town’s infrastructure at little or no cost to the town, whatever. Commissions became empowered to act and set agendas contributing to the betterment of the town. The town hall building has been renovated and improved, and it now has a centralized computer system; there were adjustments made in the staff as needed. When Phil and company assumed office, there were no job descriptions for town employees, no hiring and firing policies, and no clear means of handling personnel issues and grievances. Best of all, under Phil Essex has obtained a triple-A credit rating, and we’ll lose that if we’re not careful . . .

The list of achievements and improvements done for us, the citizens of Essex, by our elected officials in the past eight years is impressive and seems almost endless; a lot of this has been a thankless task at best, and there’s no indication that any of this was done with a personal agenda in mind. None. Now this reactionary group, which represents itself as fair and even-handed, wants to do what they did in Deep River over the past few years: vote down the Essex budget, and for no other reason than they themselves do indeed have a political agenda. Look at who these folks are. Every one is a reactionary with one agenda: win at all costs. They believe in and will do whatever it takes. They don’t contribute to the process, or the town, but step in at the end and try to get naive voters to so “no”. Right now they’re lining up property owners in rest homes to vote, for instance. They’re telling people that there’s room in the budget to eliminate those very things that we depend on: snow-removal?, teachers?, town crew?, what are they thinking. And again, why didn’t they, if they really cared about the town, participate in the process? We have to have a referendum, which costs the town more money than they can save in the budget, because they want to win. No other reason. They cloak themselves in respectability, but don’t believe it.

I urge the voters in Essex to approve the town budget at our upcoming referendum. It is a very carefully assembled budget, with very minimal increases, some of which are offset by grants and other means, and, if any, only a very small raise in the mill rate, which is even now the 13th from the bottom.

Vote for the budget on June 7th. If you can’t vote between noon and 8:00 p.m., then get an absentee ballot; there’s a concerted effort afoot to again defeat this budget, and we don’t need that in Essex.

Sincerely,

Jonathan James

Filed Under: Essex, Letters

Battered and Bruised Following the Essex Budget Meetings

May 18, 2011 By admin

Letter To The Editor:

I am feeling a little battered following this week’s budget meetings in Essex. The first meeting was attended by approximately one hundred and seventy-five concerned citizens. Twenty additional Democrat loyalists appeared for the vote after being frantically summoned by Democrat leaders after they realized that the majority present (consisting of Democrats, Independents and Republicans) were not going to vote in favor of the budget. Despite their last minute tactics, the budget was turned down 114 to 81.

The questions and comments before the vote were spirited, but polite. However, the participants who questioned the budget were constantly chastised and belittled by the Finance Chairman and rebuked by the Democrat Registrar. It was clear that they believe that the participants had no rights because they had not attended the nuts and bolts sessions held previously by the committee. It has been my understanding that the committee builds the budget, makes it public and at that time the citizens have the right to ask questions, comment and vote.

After the budget was rejected by the citizens, Democrat operatives misinformed both our heroic volunteer Firemen and employees of the library. It was claimed that a “small group of activists (that would be 114 out of 175)” wanted to defund them. Of course, this was blatantly untrue. To add fuel to the fire, an employee of the library sent an incendiary email that went viral immediately. In the email she stated that the library was in peril because a small but vocal group of activists wanted to defund the library. She claimed that the complaint was the funding for the Essex library-not the amount, but the fact that the town offers us any funding at all.” She went on to say that “the Draconian cut in our funding…would effectively eviscerate the library.” The person that sent this email was not at the meeting and led astray by lies. If I were the author of this email, I would be outraged that I was used as a pawn in an ugly game.

Several people who attended the meeting are so angered by the lies and deceit that they question whether they will continue to donate to the library. As the truth comes out, they will realize that the library was duped. As light is put on the genesis of the misinformation, I am sure the angered citizens will continue to donate to our library. The campaign of lies was despicable and has backfired.

At the second meeting, the Finance Chairman graciously allowed for more questions and comments. Within a New York minute, however, he became testy and continued to lecture and belittle those who questioned the budget. At this meeting, library employees, fueled by misinformation, came to the meeting with a prepared speech. They passed out stickers to “save the library.” They were righteously concerned. How were they to know that they were fed a pack of lies by Democrat operatives?

The sadness about the kerfuffle is that we all understand and appreciate the hard work that goes into the construction of our budget and want what is best for the citizens of Essex. There was an audible gasp when one of the participants informed the group that there were currently more than one hundred and forty homes with liens in Essex-up from around forty in the previous year (the up to date numbers are fifty two last year and one hundred and ten this year). And, of course, this is the crux of the issue for most of us not in favor of the budget as it stands today. Taxes are already too high and going higher as a result of the Malloy budget. We have citizens who are going under, about to go under-and so many of our citizens are on fixed income. It is pathetic that some believe that the only way to get what they want is to demonize and victimize.

Sincerely,

Alison Nichols,
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Letters, News

“Thank You” from Literacy Volunteers for Supporting Backward Mile

April 11, 2011 By admin

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter as a “thank you” to those who made Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore, CT, Inc. even better on April 2, 2011. That day we sponsored the 4th annual April Fools Backward Mile/ 5K Race. This is especially appropriate during National Volunteer Week.

The April Fools race would not have been possible without the help of our volunteers: Jean & Rich Alexander, Don Male, Linda Morales, Ann Fogg, Ann Lander, Rebecca Harris, John McGirr, Mac Walker, Ron& Mary DeMartino, Chris Egri, Pam Skelly, Ada Wilson, Donna Bowden, Nan Strolha, Suki McLaren, Paula Ferrara and the Boy Scouts of Troop 12. I also want to thank our staff and Board members whose time and effort cannot be ignored.

We appreciate the support of the Town of Essex, the Police department and resident Trooper Kerry Taylor, First Selectman Phil Miller and the Essex Parks Department.

Donations from The Clark Group, Tower Laboratories, Guilford Savings Bank, Essex Savings Bank, Edward Jones Investments, Bogaert Construction, Kearney Insurance, Thompson and Peck Insurance, The Clinton Floor Store, The Valley Courier and Cohen’s Bagels without whose support this community event would not be possible.

I want to thank the participants for supporting Literacy Volunteers. We hope they all had a good time and plan to come back next year.

I especially want to thank our Race Director, Cathy Bishop, who spent countless hours organizing and directing this race. The race would not have been nearly as successful without her efforts.

To all those I have mentioned, and to those I am forgetting, I cannot express in words the gratitude that we at Literacy

Volunteers Valley Shore, CT, Inc. feel. THANK YOU!
Sincerely,

Michael A. Noto
Executive Director

Filed Under: Letters, Towns

Chester Selectman Endorses Miller

February 19, 2011 By admin

To the Editor,

If there ever was a time for government to operate more efficiently, it’s now. We are fortunate that Phil Miller has already been actively working on and creating smarter, leaner government for years in our region. From providing quality education at a lower cost, to sharing Municipal health care costs, to coordinating regional incentives for job growth, Phil Miller is in a strong position to go to Hartford and really reform the way the state conducts its business.

Phil Miller is a dedicated public servant with many years of proven experience. Phil is clearly the best choice for State Representative in our shoreline district. His opponent just doesn’t seem to get it. When his opponent was asked about property tax reform recently at a candidate forum, she said “I really haven’t thought about that.” At this week’s Chester event, she said we don’t need to change property taxes. This clearly indicates to me that she doesn’t understand Connecticut’s complex tax structure and the stresses it puts on us as shoreline residents.

Please join me in voting for Phil Miller this Tuesday, February 22, in the special election. Phil is experienced, and has proven he is ready to take on the challenges facing our state and region.

Larry Sypher

Chester, CT.

Editor’s Note: The writer is a Selectman in the Town of Chester

Filed Under: Letters

Contrary to Miller’s Opinion, Connecticut in Dire Situation

February 19, 2011 By admin

To the Editor,

It was stunning to hear Mr. Miller state at the debate at Chester Village West that he did not think Connecticut is in a dire situation. Connecticut has a staggering budget deficit, exorbitant taxes and regulations, a downgraded bond rating, the highest energy costs in the nation, an enormous cash shortage and businesses that are leaving in droves for other business friendly states. Is Mr Miller simply ignorant of the issues or beholdent to those in Hartford who drove us into this ditch. I know Ms Peckinpaugh understands with alacrity that over-taxing and over-regulating drives businesses away. Despite what Miller thinks, Connecticut is in a dire situation. If he does not understand the severity of our problems in CT, how can he possibly help to fix the problems? We need to send fiscally enlightened people to Hartford to work for us.

Alison Nichols, MDiv.,
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Letters

Malloy Budget: Just Rearranging Deck Chairs on the Ship

February 17, 2011 By admin

To the Editor:

Some thoughts re Malloy’s Budget:.

As I have read through Malloy’s budget, I am reminded of the sailing of the unsinkable ship into the cold waters of the Atlantic. On her departure the crew was reminded that this would be a cold and stormy passage and that they were well advised to rearrange the deck chairs so that they would not blow around and injure passengers.

Yesterday, Governor Malloy proposed rearranging the deck chairs not on the Titanic but on our own “Ship of State”.

Without any will, vision or sense of urgency, he proposed to rearrange Agencies and Commissions thereby reducing the number of both by the 30% he proposed in his campaign. The functional areas of responsibility will not be eliminated but reassigned. Inexplicably he does not propose to reduce headcount by the 10 – 15% Foley proposed but rather a paltry 100 jobs (more or less).

Not taking any lead from the Democrat Governor of New Your and the republican Governor of New Jersey. he proposes to accomplish this on the backs on the citizens of the most overtaxed State in the Union. He proposes a direct assault on the poor and and middle income with a 1/4 percent increase in the sales tax. This is a 5% increase on largest portion of our population who are already carrying the burden of job losses, health care, food, fuel and rent cost increases.

During the French Revolution, some wag was reported to have said “let them eat cake”. For our citizens, the cupboard is bare. Cake is not the option but the obvious choice of reductions in the size of government and spending was not considered. He goes on to propose new income tax thresholds to punish yet again the best and most mobile of our citizens. Once again this direct assult on the segment of our “Job Creators” will result in a hemorrhage of these as they uproot and head to friendlier climates and take their business entities with them. Many of their former employees will be left behind out of a job, with no health coverage and little or no options for improvement in the foreseeable future.

With all the cheers of the assembled audience yesterday, I was not comforted by the excitement of the Legislators present.

In Janet Peckinpaugh, we have the opportunity to elect a 36th District State Representative who is committed to reducing the out of control spending and growth of State Government. For 30 years, Janet has reported on our State Government. She knows the players and their history. Her communication skills are unparalleled. Her experience in affairs of state is unmatched by even the most seasoned members of the Legislature.

I will be voting for the BOLD, NEW LEADERSHIP that Janet represents.

Neil Nichols
37 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426

Filed Under: Letters

We need more pro jobs, lower tax and lower spending voices in Hartford

February 16, 2011 By admin

To the Editor:

Governor Malloy has just unveiled his fiscal plans for Connecticut for the next year. At a time when most Connecticut residents are tightening their belts he is calling for expanded government spending and higher taxes in almost every category that can be taxed. This is an anti jobs program of the first degree.

Pfizer is cutting jobs and moving them out of state. The CEO of Aetna warns of the perils of being a high cost, high tax state like Connecticut. Our State is losing jobs and population.

The answer is not to call for even higher spending and higher taxes. We need the opposite. We need more pro jobs, lower tax and lower spending voices in Hartford to counter the tax and spend culture there.

Please vote for Janet Peckinpaugh on Tuesday February 22nd. Janet’s pro jobs call for reduced State spending and lower taxes will help get Connecticut moving in the right direction again.

George Mayer
Essex

Filed Under: Letters

Common Sense for Hartford

February 16, 2011 By admin

To the Editor:

I’ve read with interest the many comments regarding the upcoming special election for the 36th District State Representative. On February 22nd voters will be asked to select one of two well-spoken and well-liked candidates. However, this is not a popularity contest, nor is it an election for a town first selectman, and the outcome will determine whether we have a voice for reductions in spending or whether we continue to have out of control spending in our state.

Connecticut is in dire financial straits as evidenced by the recent budget proposal put forward by the Governor. We have massive unfunded liabilities, a very high per/capita tax burden and jobs are leaving Connecticut, relocating to of all places, our neighbor to the north that used to be called Taxachussetts!

We cannot afford to continue spending and imposing taxes on those few areas of the economy that still provide jobs and industry in our region of the Connecticut River Valley. Increased income taxes, increased sales taxes, and the proposal to increases taxes on various segments of the boating industry will move more jobs and more money out of state. These changes will be especially onerous to the towns of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam, all beneficiaries of boating and tourism that will be severely reduced as expenses increase. We will not be able to compete with our neighboring states if they have lower costs for boat storage, maintenance and repair.

Janet Peckinpaugh is the one candidate who has spoken about cutting state spending and about not increasing taxes or fees. Janet has also spoken about streamlining state services, reducing costs while improving those services through the use of technology.

Janet, as a reporter, is accustomed to digging deep for the facts and making informed decisions. She has years of experience running a business and has a clear understanding of what it takes to create a business friendly, job creating environment.

Please join me in voting for real change in our state and bringing fiscal conservatism and common sense to Hartford.

Sincerely,

John Ackermann
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Letters

Vote for Results not Promises

February 16, 2011 By admin

Vote for RESULTS … Not promises! Vote for Phil Miller!

Phil Miller, who is running in the Feb. 22nd Special Election as State Representative for the 36th District, has a head-start in serving the District: He founded the Household Hazardous Waste facility we all use; he is presently chair of the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission; he supports regional cooperation and has served as chair of the Connecticut River Valley Council of Elected Officials.

As First Selectman of Essex, Phil managed to address vital infrastructure concerns while maintaining a balanced budget, reducing the size of government, and keeping taxes low. In Connecticut’s time of need, we need Phil’s experience to lead us into the future!

Vote for Phil Miller on February 22nd!

Diane Clowes
Higganum, CT

Filed Under: Letters

Deep River First Selectman Dick Smith Endorses Phil Miller for State Representative

February 16, 2011 By admin

To the Editor:

As the First Selectman of Deep River, I know a thing or two about making tough decisions and what it takes to implement them. With very difficult problems facing Connecticut, we need a leader with proven experience who is ready to fight for our communities in Hartford. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Phil Miller for State Representative in the February 22nd Special Election.

Phil and I have worked closely strengthening the regional ties Essex and Deep River share. Along with Chester we have made tremendous progress reducing municipal costs with smart, home grown solutions developed collaboratively. Phil knows there is more to be done, and will work to eliminate the bureaucratic roadblocks and mandates that put unfair burdens on towns like ours.

Phil’s work as Essex First Selectman has extended far beyond the borders of his town. He’s done much to improve our quality of life while reducing costs and keeping taxes low.

This area has long had strong legislators in Hartford protecting our local interests. Having worked so closely with Phil all of these years I know that he will work tirelessly on our behalf in Hartford.

Please join me in voting for Phil on February 22nd.

Sincerely,

Dick Smith
First Selectman, Deep River

Filed Under: Letters

Phil Miller: a thoughtful voice in our area

February 15, 2011 By admin

To the Editor,

I am writing to add my voice to the many who support Phil Miller for the 36th Legislative district. Miller has done a great job in Essex, passing balanced budgets and keeping taxes among the lowest in Connecticut. In his years as first selectman in Essex, he has worked across the aisle, to address a wide variety of problems that have come up.

Friday’s debate between Phil Miller and Janet Peckinpaugh showed sharp contrasts between the candidates in terms of both background and approach. Many of the questions focused on cost-cutting. But when asked for specific cuts, Peckinpaugh could not name one, while Miller cited four specific agencies that duplicate work and could be combined for cost savings.

When asked about Property Tax reform, Janet Peckinpaugh replied: “I haven’t thought about that.” In contrast, Miller has gone beyond thought on this pressing problem and has already implemented a partial solution in Essex. Instead of offering specific ideas, Ms. Peckinpaugh offered sound-bites and Party boilerplate, rather than thoughtful, fact-based responses.

We don’t need a representative that answers with talking points, telling us what we want to hear. Instead, let’s send Phil Miller, who has ten years experience working with state agencies and has built solutions with people of all political philosophies.

Thanks,

Henry Krempel
Chester, CT

Filed Under: Letters

Support for Phil Miller

February 14, 2011 By admin

To the Editor:

On February 22, 2011 there will be a special election for State Representative in Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam. As the current First Selectman of Essex, Phil Miller has worked hard to make government more efficient and less expensive for taxpayers.

All of our families have been impacted by the changing economy over the last several years. Phil has made the tough decisions and spending reductions necessary to balance budgets and keep taxes in Essex among the lowest in the state. He has also worked in the region to promote economic growth that is consistent with the character of our small towns.

Phil has proven he is up to the challenge of these difficult times. Our next state representative will go to work the day after the election and will need to be ready to get to work immediately.

In this race—results speak louder than words. Phil has a record of cutting spending, promoting economic development and bringing people together to tackle difficult problems and come up with positive solutions. There is only one candidate with a record of providing results to our communities and that candidate is Phil Miller.

Next Tuesday, I hope you will join me in supporting Phil Miller for state representative.

Sincerely,

Kathleen S. LaBella, RD, CD-N
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Letters

Former Chester Selectman Shows Support for Miller

February 10, 2011 By admin

To the Editor:

I am a Chester native and former Selectman who has spent most of my life in this area. I am very proud of what we are all about in the 36th district and there is no question that Phil Miller, who is running to be our next State Representative, is too.

This election should not be about political banter, about “talking points” coming from someplace else but about who best understands the needs and concerns of of our towns. I mean everybody in the 36th district. I simply want a representative who everyday asks “what’s best for the people I represent?” I know Phil, and I know in my heart that his only ambition is to advocate for the people of the Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Haddam.

I want a representative with deep roots in the district who, first, understands the 36th district’s uniqueness and, second, is willing to defend it. At the same time I want somebody with the political experience and savvy to effectively “do business” in Hartford. Phil Miller is that person.

I appreciate the fact that he has won comfortably the last four elections; that he is an avowed conservationist; that Essex has had eight years of balanced budgets. He is a proven public servant for Essex who has made very difficult decisions and there’s no doubt he’ll do the same in Hartford to get Connecticut back on track.
Please join me in voting for Phil Miller on February 22nd.

Peter Zanardi
Chester

Filed Under: Letters

Eileen Daily Endorses Phil Miller

February 10, 2011 By admin

103 Cold Spring Drive

Westbrook, CT 06498

January 20, 2011

To the Editor:

It has been my good fortune to work with Phil Miller throughout his tenure as First Selectman of Essex and it is now my distinct pleasure to endorse his candidacy for state Representative. I have firsthand knowledge of his longstanding commitment to our area and his extraordinary ability to find common ground among people.

As the chief elected official in Essex Phil Miller has distinguished himself with his attention to detail and his sense of perspective in pursuit of what’s best for Essex over the long term. He and I have worked together seamlessly on projects requiring cooperation and coordination between state and local governments.

I also know of Phil Miller’s work through the Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST). He knows very well how statewide policies can effect individual, municipal governments so he works with all his regional counterparts to ensure the impact is a productive one.

Phil Miller’s loyalty to the Connecticut River valley and its residents, his work ethic, and his proven ability to bring about desired, positive results make him an ideal candidate for state Representative. The people of Essex know of his attributes and have returned him to office – with record-setting margins – for what is now his fourth term.

I urge voters throughout the 36^th Assembly District (Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Haddam) to elect Phil Miller and have him represent their best interests in Hartford.

Sincerely,

Eileen M. Daily

State Senator – 33^rd District

Filed Under: Letters

Haddam Selectman Arseneault Endorses Miller

February 9, 2011 By admin

From:
Peter Arseneault
peter93@comcast.net

Message:
Phil Miller – The person who has the contacts and communication skills to get the job done. It’s not often that we get a person of Phil Miller’s caliber to run for public office, all too often their snatch up by the corporate world, someone who has the communication skills to listen and understand different points of view and work toward a mutual agreeable solution.

The mere fact that he has been re-elected as First Selectman of Essex by not only voters of his own party but by unaffiliated and Republican voters as well speaks volumes of the trust those voters have in his abilities to govern. A trust no doubt he earned by working for the people of Essex and not their party affiliation. It’s critically important, in this time of economic crisis, that the voters of the 36 district elect a person that will have all our best interest at heart.

Phil has earned the respect of public and legislative officials he has had to work with to successfully accomplish his responsibilities as First Selectman. No person is an island unto himself and team work is what is necessary to get things accomplished in life. He has made the contacts and developed the relationships necessary to succeed in Essex and he will use those same contacts and relationships to successfully represent us as our State Representative. As a Selectman of Haddam I look forward to working with Phil and calling upon him for his support on issues that are important to the voters of Haddam. It is with great honor I announce my support and vote for Phil Miller.

Respectfully
Peter Arseneault
Democratic Selectman
Town of Haddam, CT

Filed Under: Letters

Neil Nichols Endorses Janet Peckinpaugh

February 9, 2011 By admin

To whom it may concern

Letter of endorsement

I am writing to add my endorsement of Janet Peckinpaugh to that of Rob Simmons and many others. I have known Janet as one of Connecticut’s premier anchor persons for almost her entire career in our State. She is known as a professional journalist who knows how to research a story and report the facts without straying into any personal bias. She brings to the table an understanding of the issues and is someone who will give voice to the people’s concerns.

As a member of our State Legislature, she will work to represent the 36^th State Representative District with the same professionalism as she reported the nightly news. A small business owner, Janet feels a great responsibility to our overtaxed businesses and individuals. Her legislative goals will rest on a smaller government and responsible but reduced spending. Accountability will remain a major focus during her tenure at the Capitol.

Janet has my total confidence in this special February 22^nd election.

Neil Nichols
37 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426

860-767-1511

Filed Under: Letters

Jodi Rell Endorses Janet Peckinpaugh

February 9, 2011 By admin

Feb. 9, 2011

Dear Editor,

I encourage residents of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam to vote for Janet Peckinpaugh for state representative on Feb. 22. Janet will be a strong voice for the people of the Connecticut River Valley.

Janet Peckinpaugh is best known as a television reporter who has spent many years listening to people and getting the bottom of a problem or issue. She raised a son as a single mother and he is now attending college. Janet also owns a small business and understands what is needed to promote economic opportunity.

The state Legislature faces many challenges. Janet Peckinpaugh will work tirelessly and make the right choices to close our budget deficit and foster growth in our economy. Janet is the type of decent, honest, hardworking person we need at a critical time in Connecticut’s history.

Sincerely,

M. Jodi Rell

125 Long Meadow Hill Road
Brookfield, CT 06804

Filed Under: Letters

Doreen Joslow Endorses Janet Peckinpaugh

February 9, 2011 By admin

February 9, 2011

Dear Editor,

There are many important issues facing this state, and every town will be affected by who is voting in the halls of the State Capitol. That is why it is important for residents of Deep River, Chester, Essex and Haddam to vote for Janet Peckinpaugh for state representative on Feb. 22.

Janet is smart, tough and understands what needs to be done. She is not interested in being a career politician. Janet wants to get our financial mess cleaned up so that her son, along with our children and grandchildren, has the opportunity to live and work in Connecticut and raise families here.

I ran against Janet for the Republican nomination to be the candidate for the 36^th State House District seat. Janet won that nomination and is our candidate and I whole-heartedly support her.

Janet Peckinpaugh has the common sense and the will to do what’s right for Connecticut taxpayers and their families. She is worthy of our confidence.

I urge my friends, neighbors and the residents of Chester, in addition to the people of Deep River, Essex and Haddam, to vote for Janet Peckinpaugh.

Doreen Joslow

46 W. Main Street
Chester, CT 06412
860-526-4016

Filed Under: Letters

Tom Foley Endorses Janet Peckinpaugh

February 9, 2011 By admin

Thomas Foley
62 Khakum Wood Road
Greenwich, CT 06831

To the Editor:

The people of the Connecticut River Valley have a great opportunity on Feb. 22 to have their voice heard in Hartford by electing Janet Peckinpaugh to the state Legislature.

Most of us know Janet Peckinpaugh from her years as a Connecticut television reporter and news anchor. But you should also know she is hard working, single mother who runs a small business and understands what needs to be done to make our economy healthy again.

Janet understands that we need to spend wisely and create a business environment that encourages job growth and opportunity. She would use her seat to make sure the concerns of working people and business owners are heard in Hartford.

We need Janet Peckinpaugh also looking after the interests of taxpayers who are paying the state’s bills.

I urge the good people of Essex, Deep River, Haddam and Chester to give Janet Peckinpaugh their vote for state Representative in the 36^th State House District.

Sincerely,

Thomas Foley

Filed Under: Letters

Democrat Double-Dip Criticism of New Britain Mayor Should Also Apply to Miller

February 8, 2011 By admin

To the editor:

Much is being made in Hartford of the fact that the mayor of New Britain, who is running for state Senate in the Feb. 22 special election, has said he would keep both jobs if he wins the Senate seat.

Mayor Tim Stuart, a Republican, has become the target of Hartford Democrats who are labeling him as a politician who wants to double-dip taxpayers for two public-sector jobs.

I find it hypocritical that Democrats would criticize Stuart, when the First Selectman of Essex, Phil Miller, has said he would do the same. Mr. Miller has said he will keep his present job if he wins a seat in the state House, offering to not run for re-election as selectman in November if he wins the seat to represent the 36th House District.

Mr. Miller has said that he can handle both jobs for the next nine months because the legislator job is only a 50-day commitment. The fact is the Legislature is now in a long session, which is schedule to end in June. That’s a minimum 60 days and doesn’t count any session extensions.

The Hartford Courant wrote a Feb. 7 editorial agreeing with the Democrats, saying that “No one should hold two public-sector jobs at the same time.” That same standard should apply to Mr. Miller. No one should hold two public sector jobs – not even for nine months.

The town of Essex and the 36 state House District deserve the fulltime attention of the person elected to represent voters. Essex, especially, needs a fulltime first selectman. Essex is last in the 36th state House District in the amount of tax dollars returned to the town. We receive 4 cents back on every dollar we send to Hartford. Chester gets 16 cents on the dollar, Deep River gets 32 cents and Haddam, 17 cents.

Mr. Miller should do the right thing and promise to leave the selectman’s office immediately if he wins the Feb. 22 special election. And the Democrats need to be called out on their double-talk.

Edward Cook
Essex RTC chair
14 Hunters Trail, Essex, CT 06426
860-391-4163

Filed Under: Letters