To the Editor:
A recent letter claimed East Lyme is “going in the wrong direction,” and that a new First Selectman is needed to correct course. I could not disagree more, and assert East Lyme is right on track. After looking past the rhetoric and considering my view, I see a vibrant, well-managed community, stabilized under the leadership of Dan Cunningham.
The letter promised a new direction— but provided no details on what the problems are, or solutions to be proposed. When someone’s platform is simply “change,” we must ask: change from what— and to where? Lower taxes are a universal goal, sure, but achieving it requires a plan and a clear sense of residents’ values. But seeing mention of neither in the piece, I was left to wonder what services or investments might end up targeted.
The record of incumbent Dan Cunningham, on the other hand, requires no such guesswork. He has proven his approach through thoughtful oversight and tangible results. Not all may know, but the last early budget forecast predicted significant tax increases. Dan worked collaboratively with department heads to evaluate wants vs. needs, find savings, and substantially reduce the end taxpayer burden. He understands that many cost drivers, from energy prices to state mandates, are beyond local control. This underscores the need for strong leadership, and Dan’s method— to listen, guide, prioritize, and make tough choices— is one I endorse.
My pride in East Lyme isn’t just about its beautiful beaches, the Boardwalk, Main Street, woods, farms, and varied wonderful businesses. It’s about the quality of town services: our first-rate schools, dedicated Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments, our beloved Library, and active Senior Center. Such quality of life doesn’t happen by accident; it is tied to competent stewardship.
Perhaps the strongest case for Dan Cunningham is how he handled challenges. Note, he didn’t create these problems; he inherited them, and he resolved them:
When our valiant fire service needed modernization to ensure reliability, he oversaw and finished necessary reforms where past leaders had stalled. · And, when crises erupted in our Police Department, he navigated the painful storm with a steady hand, despite legal complexities and public pressure. He remained focused on the long view, and steered the town toward a new chapter and a safer, more accountable future.
Beyond managing crises, though, Dan, at the same time, was proactive in moving East Lyme forward. He led the creation of a Fair Rent Commission, supported the addition of the first full-time caseworker for our seniors, established a Climate Adaptation fund, and streamlined town committees to better serve youth and families.
This is the work of a leader not just reacting to events but anticipating them. Dan shows his care for our community through his quiet yet diligent problem-solving. One needs just to watch Board of Selectman meetings or read minutes to confirm he has demonstrated his talent. Dan, to me is the best person to address our next issues, known and emerging, like affordability, infrastructure, and ecosystem services. East Lyme is great! and will continue to be with Dan Cunningham.
No matter your view, however, PLEASE VOTE. We are interdependent, so we need all our voices. Town Registrars are available to help register you in person or online, and with new early voting, you can cast your ballot—even on weekends! — and well before Election Day on November 4th.
Michelle Maitland
Niantic, CT