To the Editor:
Soon after the municipal election, the legislature is expected to convene a special session to potentially consider a revised, slightly less stringent version of the housing bill that Governor Lamont vetoed in June. The draft legislation has not been widely circulated and will not be subject to a public hearing, which raises concerns regarding transparency. The proposed bill may reduce local authority and streamline processes for developers to bypass local zoning requirements, as well as possibly circumvent inland-wetlands and other regulatory committees. Such changes would primarily benefit deep-pocketed, large-scale developers, while diminishing the influence of residents and taxpayers.
Gov. Ned Lamont, responding to broad-based input including from his own party, appropriately vetoed the previous bill due to its potential negative impacts. However, without continued advocacy, there is concern that the current legislative process may yield a different result. It is imperative that municipal leaders advocate for sound policy and against bad policy, regardless of its origin.
I am confident that John Mesham and Jude Read will actively support and defend small towns against unnecessary state overreach. That is why I am supporting them. In addition, I believe the Republican candidates are well-positioned to uphold the values and traditions that define Old Lyme.
Furthermore, I want to underscore the importance of supporting J. David Kelsey, Matt Olson, and John Flick for the Board of Finance. Old Lyme has a long-standing tradition of fiscal responsibility, and I trust these three candidates to represent taxpayer interests effectively, much more so than their extremist opponents.
Regardless of your preferred candidates, I encourage all eligible voters to participate in the municipal elections, as these decisions directly affect our community, education, and quality of life. Please make your voice heard on Election Day and I am asking you to vote for Row B.
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State Rep. Devin Carney, a Republican, represents Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and a portion of Westbrook