East Lyme Board of Finance Candidate Barry Sheckley Letter Published in The Day

“Sensible budget framework includes measurable outcomes”

Published: Oct 10, 2025 12:03 AM.

East Lyme will soon sail into the turbulent budget waters created by President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Our State Comptroller concluded that the act would decimate the state budget. Millions in state funding to towns like East Lyme are in jeopardy. How could East Lyme accommodate this looming budget shortfall? The current budget format — a listing of over 170 individual line item expenses — will not suffice.

If we adopt the budget format used successfully by the 2025 Capital Improvement Committee, the 2026-27 Town and Board of Education (BOE) budgets would specify how every penny in their budgets benefited taxpayers. This improved, more accountable format would have three parts. Part 1 would outline fixed costs like salaries. In part 2, agencies would tie budget increases to specific outcomes. If the Fire Department budgeted for a new rescue boat, their budget would show how the boat enabled faster and safer rescues. In Part 3 agencies would append measurable outcomes to their overall budget request. The BOE, for example, could include school improvement plans showing how their $60 million-plus budget would advance students’ performances in all grade levels.

Taxpayers could vote on the budget based on results. That’s how democracy works best. Voters make informed decisions on matters of importance to them and their communities.

Barry Sheckley, East Lyme

Editor's note: The writer is a Democratic candidate for East Lyme Board of Finance.

No Kings Dinner Dance -- October 18, 2025 at Five Churches, Niantic

The East Lyme Democrats are turning up the volume this fall at our No Kings Dinner Dance a lively evening that reminds us why democracy works best when everyone’s invited to the table. Join us on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 4:30–9:00 PM at Five Churches in Niantic, where the view of the Long Island Sound is rivaled only by the company and the cause.

East Lyme Selectman Jason Deeble, on guitar, and on it for our town

We’ll start with cocktails and appetizers as the sun sets over the boardwalk, followed by a plated dinner featuring your choice of shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, or pasta primavera, and finish with a dessert that’s almost as sweet as election night victories.

But this isn’t just dinner—it’s a full-on celebration of community, progress, and that rare political species known as “fun”. Live music will feature Jason Deeble, East Lyme Selectman, candidate, and man of many talents, who will share the stage with Clan O’Cleary, masters of Celtic rock energy. So wear your dancing shoes (and maybe your campaign pins) because this crowd won’t be sitting still.

Our full slate of Democratic candidates will be there to talk about the issues that matter most—or to share a laugh over dessert. Because the truth is, campaigns aren’t won by sound bites or slogans—they’re won by people coming together, face-to-face, with a shared belief that East Lyme can keep moving forward.

Three East Lyme Board of Selectman candidates, not on guitar, but still on it! From left: Cindy Collins, Dan Cunningham (current 1st Selectman), Ann Cicchiello (current Deputy 1st Selectman)

Tickets are $80 per person or $145 per couple. Your participation helps fund the critical final stretch to November’s election—supporting local candidates who believe in fairness, transparency, and the radical idea that public service should serve the public.

So, grab a friend, a partner, or that neighbor who still hasn’t decided who to vote for, and come celebrate democracy in motion. No crowns, no coronations—just good food, good people, and good reasons to believe in East Lyme.

A Sweet Night Out: Chocolate, Conversation & Community with Democrats

If you were anywhere near Darrows Ridge area of Flanders in East Lyme on Friday night, you probably smelled it before you saw it: chocolate!.

And lots of it.

Board of Selectman candidates Cindy Collins, Dan Cunningham, and Ann Cicchiello, between bites and sips.

Local Democrats gathered for “A Sweet Night Out,” and what a night it was—equal parts chocolate tasting, community mingling, and good-old-fashioned fundraising.

Best ever homemade truffles? Probably

Our homemade Democratic bakers delivered some show-stoppers. Lisa’s chocolate chip cookies struck that elusive balance of chewy and crisp perfection; Kerry’s chocolate crème brûlée was restaurant-quality (and we mean the kind of restaurant that gives you linen napkins); and Amy—yes, the Cicchiello prodigal daughter—brought a platter of homemade truffles that could make Ghirardelli weep.

Board of Selectman candidate Jason Deeble chats with Nina Franco.

From the store-bought collection, two clear champions emerged. The Japanese Royce Nama truffles stole hearts and melted palates across the room, proving that sometimes imported indulgence is worth the splurge. And Tony Chocolonely’s raspberry popping chocolate provided an unexpectedly delightful twist—think chocolate that quite literally ‘sparked’ conversation. Even Old Butch’s vanilla fudge earned a place of honor; while not technically chocolate, it was so creamy and rich that nobody dared complain.

The night featured perfect wine pairings, plenty of strong coffee for those who needed to stay upright, and the best part of all—time to relax and mingle with our skilled and committed slate of Democratic candidates. Good conversation, good people, and a table full of decadent desserts proved that politics doesn’t always have to be bitter. Sometimes it can be dark, rich, and served with a spoon.

Chocolate room #3.

And yes, we also managed to raise some sorely needed campaign funds to help elect our candidates this November—so thank you to everyone who came, contributed, and brought your good energy (and your Tupperware).

We may have just a teensy bit—roughly a metric ton—of chocolate left, so if you missed the event, don’t worry. We’re well-stocked for next time.

Zoning Board candidate Kerry Edwards (alternate)

Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate, from New York City.

Meet East Lyme Board of Finance Candidate Barry Sheckley

What motivated you to run for Board of Finance this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

• Build more accountability into the town budget

What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?

• A budget that lacks accountability for results

How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?

• By tying expenditures to outcomes that advance the effectiveness and efficiency of town government.

What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively on your board/committee?

• Work on the Charter revision committee, Capital Improvement Committee, Board of Education

How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?

• By working with residents to build accountability into the town budget. What are the outcomes residents most value from budget expenditures?

 What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?

• Rocky Neck. In years, as a part of my training form triathlons, I swam mile after mile along the buoys that protect the beach and ran mile after mile through the Park’s forced paths. Now I enjoy long walks through the park as often as I can. 

If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?

• Breakfast at La Belle Aurora followed by a long walk through the paths at Rocky Neck 

What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?

• La Belle Aurore

Who is someone in our community (past or present) that you admire, and why?

• Dawn, the owner and chef of La Belle Aurore. She epitomizes the entrepreneurial commitment essential for our community to thrive. 

If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?

• A seagull

Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?

• Chocolate chip cookies from Sift

If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field (music, carpentry, juggling chainsaws), what would it be?

• Golf

What’s the most unusual or surprising job you’ve ever had?

• Repairing USAF jets

If you had to give East Lyme a new slogan, what would it be?

• It’s the time to celebrate East Lyme

When you need a laugh, what’s your best guilty pleasure?

• Reading a Sci-Fi novel.

Meet East Lyme Board of Education Candidate Vivek Purohit

1. What motivated you to run for Board of Education this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

My motivation for serving the community came from my son, who has gone through the system, and has benefitted immensely from going through the school system.  This is my way of giving back. I have served on the Board for the last 2 years and I have found that experience very gratifying and it has also humbled me as I realized what the needs of the community are.  I believe I have the qualifications and the insight needed to serve on the Board of Ed.

2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?

We have to continue to maintain our schools’ standards while keeping the cost of education down. And extrapolating that sentiment to our community, considering that the cost of living has gone up considerably.  We have to strike a balance at the school with the needs of the costs of maintaining the community services.  It’s not going to be easy, it is a challenge.  We must make some sacrifices and therefore we need people who understand these details to ensure that we are not sacrificing the future of our children’s education in order for some immediate other community gain, and it will require a lot of hard work for people serving on the boards.
4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively on your board/committee?

I bring the fact that I have had a successful son who has gone through the system, and through his experiences and I would like to ensure that others have the same opportunities.  I also have a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and I do understand what is needed to be academically successful in the future.  At the same time, if our children are considering a career in trades, what is necessary to allow them to be successful also.  I’ve been in drug development for the last 20-25 years and I bring that perspective of having been successful. I liked to continue to maintain what my son experienced for our future students.

 5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?

We need to have continuous outreach with the community. That is something we need to do better.  A lot of the times life gets in the way that we must deal with immediately.  To the BOE, we have done some initiatives in which we request feedback from the community, we need to continue to do that and also expand it in the future.  From a broader community perspective, the same point, it’s all about engagement.  What is the best forum?  Giving more access to the public generally to be able to voice their concerns is the primary thing we should be doing to help communication.

6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?

It is by far the Boardwalk.  You can constantly see me walking in the evenings whether it is summer or winter.  I spend a lot of my free time there, it is the most calming spot that I can imagine.  It is a sublime experience to sit on the benches overlooking Niantic Bay, and I just love it!

 7. If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?

I would include a bike ride through all of the communities in the Niantic area.  There are a lot of roads that allows for a 16-mile ride along the coast. I’d grab a sandwich at either Sift or some other Niantic shop.  Maybe grab a donut too way up in Flanders, if they are open that late.

 8. What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?

I have to say two.  One is Deke’s Bagels, they are local, and I would really like to support them.  Ther is also Whitegate Farms, a farm that grows a lot of different vegetables and has great baked foods.  There is also Scott Farms, again some fantastic vegetables and I love to support them.

 9. Who is someone in our community (past or present) that you admire, and why?

Two people come to mind.  First is a Surgeon Consultant for the Ledgelight District, his name is Dr. Vijay Shikhand.  He has been serving the community for decades, a resident for 20 or more years and his kids have gone through our school system.  He was involved in the development of the original vaccine for Lyme Disease and conducted many trials to get that vaccine developed.  He brings a lot of medical knowledge to our community.  The second person is Dan Cunningham, our First Selectman.   He has been selflessly serving the community for a very long time.  He is very dedicated as our lead official in East Lyme,, and he has been so quietly effective.  I hope we give him the chance to continue serving us, because we can all benefit from his knowledge and commitment.

10. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?

We have the East Lyme High Viking, it has to be that.  It is our school mascot, and it deserves for everyone to know more about it.  We are persistent in East Lyme, just like Vikings were when they began their journeys all those years go.

 11. Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?

I am not much of a snacker.  I usually like a cup of tea, my favorite variety is a more involved preparation where you brew the tea with milk and some spices and a little bit of sugar.  It’s called chai in the Indian vernacular, but that really helps me get over the stress of campaigning.

 12. If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field (music, carpentry, juggling chainsaws), what would it be?

It has to be artificial intelligence. AI has the potential to change the world.  We need more understanding of what the capabilities are, because it is so important for our future.

 13. What’s the most unusual or surprising job you’ve ever had?

I’ve never worked outside the drug development industry.  But within it, I have been asked by a small company that wanted to use my expertise to help me design their dosage forms.  I didn’t realize my training could actually help with something like that.  My life has been pretty linear actually so while that might sound technical and not surprising, but that job was a surprise to me.

 14. If you had to give East Lyme a new slogan, what would it be?

Great schools, great value, great town!

15. When you need a laugh, what’s your best guilty pleasure?

I usually enjoy stand up comedians.  Like Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, and a couple of Indian stand ups.  One of them is Vir Das, he is exceptional.

Meet East Lyme Zoning Commission Candidate Cathy YuHas

1. What motivated you to run for office this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

a.        I believe that Zoning is one of our most powerful tools for shaping the future of East Lyme. I believe that transparent planning keeps our town livable for people like seniors and parents. I’ve been on the Zoning Board as an alternate for 2 years now, and I believe that it is time for me to step up and serve as a full-time member.

2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?

a. What I’m hearing from the community is that it is very important to balance growth with that incredible hometown feel of East Lyme. We need smart growth, which means placing the right projects in the right places. We can do that with designs that match our neighborhoods, while at the same time protecting our open spaces, and our open shoreline. Those are the things that are important to voters, and also to me.

3. How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?

a. Part of that has to do with smart development, making sure that development happens in an intelligent way around existing services. And we of course need a better approach to providing housing here, for example the multi-use mix where businesses can thrive while at the same time having affordable rental units, that’s important.

4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively on your board/committee?

a. When I first got into Zoning, I thought about what I had to offer. As a 35-year registered nurse and also doula, I am trained to listen and advocate for people—that helped to do my jobs better. So, I think that my skills translate directly to fair and public hearings. I am used to listening first before making tough decisions, and I have a community-first lens, I have a sense of small business and a community focus at the same time.  I have a small business myself and I am an author, I can understand both the residents and the entrepreneurs needs.

5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?

a.        That’s a good question. One of the big challenges is getting people to come to our town meetings. I’d like to see lots of people show up. We need more clarity and consistency in our communications, and we need to build trust, which happens when people feel respect. We need to inform the community about our meeting agendas, provide live streams whenever we can, and also provide surveys to community members where we ask their opinions on housing, traffic and water—all of the things that people think are important.

6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?

a.        Tricky because I love them all. I love every restaurant in town. If I must pick one, it will have to be Dev’s on Main. They hosted my book launch; they made it feel like the whole town showed up for each other. Their tapas are my favorite, and it’s everything I love about East Lyme:  great food, great community, and a great vibe all under one roof.

7. If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?

a.        I like starting my day with breakfast at Café Sole, I love to walk on the boardwalk from Hole in the Wall, up to McCook’s and back down. Sunsets by the water too! These are amazingly simple joys that are close to home for me.

8. What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?

a.        I support so many! Dev’s on Main. Café Sol. Maybe I’ll say the Salt Cave here though. It’s just a cool place that’s great to relax. I go to monthly meditations there, it’s an excellent group thing, it’s a lot of fun and it’s relaxing!  Everybody should know about it.

9. Who is someone in our community (past or present) that you admire, and why?

a.        Well, I’m gonna pick somebody current, I’m gonna say it’s Dan Cunningham. He had so many things on his plate when he first started. He has done so much in a really brief period of time. He has really dived into all the challenges of leadership in our town, he has owned them, and he has just done a really excellent job!

10. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?

a.        Well, as I look out over Dodge Pond from my house. I would pick an osprey, they are resiliant, they are watchful, and when one of them sets its sights on something it doesn’t flinch, when it flies high it sees the big picture. They are beautiful. So, I think that the osprey is the perfect symbol for our town.   A mascot that values stewardship.

11. Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?

a.        I don’t get a lot of relaxation, but comfort food is pretty easy. I’d have to say that it would be a hot fudge sundae with peanuts and whipped cream, from Dairy Queen of course!

12. If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field (music, carpentry, juggling chainsaws), what would it be?

a.        What comes to mind is that I’ve dabbled with guitar since I was 15 years old but never really mastered it. I feel that music and art can help to bridge any community divide, and so I’d love to see more of that at our East Lyme community events, more with guitar.

13. What’s the most unusual or surprising job you’ve ever had?

a.        It’s hard to say, because I’ve been a nurse for 36 years and that is not all that unusual or surprising.  However, I’ve also been a massage therapist, and I even have a real estate license—those might not be too unusual either. Oh, wait a minute, I’m an author. I never thought I was going to author a book. But I did, and I still say today, who knew that I could write a book, but it’s out there now! The reason for my book was my passion for supporting our community!

14. When you need a laugh, what’s your guilty pleasure?

a.        I enjoy most every late-night comedian. That’s kind of our routine at home each night; we start the end of the evening with late-night comedians. That really helps to get us through these tough times.

A Sweet Night Out with East Lyme Democratic Candidates - Oct 10, 2025 6:30 pm

A Sweet Night Out with East Lyme Democratic Candidates — Friday, Oct 10, 6:30–9:30 pm

Join us for a chocolate tasting fundraiser featuring:

-- At least 10 varieties: American classics, premium boxed assortments from multiple makers, and bolder flavors with coffee, fruit, and a touch of spice

-- Local bakers’ classic brownies, chocolate fondue, and chocolate creme brulee

-- Wine (many types) and coffee (r2 types, reg/decaf)

Plus:

-- Death by Chocolate game hosted by Cindy Collins

-- Our Democratic slate of East Lyme municipal candidates will attend, including First Selectman Dan Cunningham, Deputy First Selectman Ann Cicchiello, Selectman Jason Deeble, and many others!

Suggested Donation: 30 dollars per individual, 55 dollars per couple.  RSVP directly eastlymedtc@gmail.com for details, and bring a friend or three.

#EastLyme #Community #Democrats #ChocolateTasting

Donuts with Democrats Kicks Off a Sweet Sunday Tradition

What a perfect morning in Niantic! The sky was a brilliant blue, the air was crisp, and the smell of fresh coffee and sugary donuts greeted everyone who stopped by Democratic Campaign Headquarters for our first “Donuts with Democrats” event.

First Selectman Dan Cunningham spent time chatting with both campaign team members and local residents about the upcoming election, community priorities, and the bright future of East Lyme. Deputy First Selectman Ann Cicchiello joined the fun as well, catching up with volunteers and supporters.

We were also thrilled to see Jason Deeble and Cindy Collins, both candidates for two year slots on the Board of Selectmen, along with several other key members of our Democratic slate: Barry Scheckley, Nina Franco, Cathy Yuhas, and Kerry Edwards. The team spirit was strong, the conversation was lively, and the enthusiasm for Election Day was unmistakable.

As for the refreshments -- the donuts were plentiful and delicious, the coffee was hot and energizing, and the weather couldn’t have been more cooperative. It was the kind of morning that reminds us why we love living (and campaigning) in Niantic.

If you missed this one, don’t worry -- we’ll be hosting Donuts with Democrats every Sunday at 11:30 AM between now and Election Day. Come for the coffee, stay for the company, and leave with a little extra optimism about the future of our town.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today and helped make this such a successful kickoff. See you next Sunday -- and bring a friend!

Meet East Lyme Democratic Zoning Commission Candidate Kerry Edwards

1. What motivated you to run for office this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected as an alternate on the Zoning Commission?

a.        I was motivated through Kamala’s campaign, and Nick Menapace just happened to knock on my door--he really motivated me to come out and do something for our community.  So, I started by just sending out postcards to voters and then found that I just wanted to get even more involved.  I’m fortunate in that my job and my life allow me to have the time to dedicate to our town, I want to balance the small-town quaint feel and find ways to make sure that our taxes are not too high.

2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?

a. Unfortunately, like so much of our country, our town is also very much divided right now, and I want to see people work together for the greater good of our community. I don’t like the divisiveness in our country, and I see this is as creeping down into our town in ways that are definitely not great for our long-term health, our long-term survival as a happy and vibrant community. So, let’s find all the ways we can to work together to improve things.

3. How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?

a. I think we need commerce to help to do that.  We must be choosy about which businesses come to our town, and that is the ideal way to help offset costs for our residents. To make sure that the businesses we support can thrive but also that our citizens can also benefit, use those businesses and not get lost amidst all the high costs of providing services to all.

4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively on your board/committee?

a. I have had the privilege of remodeling our home.  I had a one-family home, and then when my parents wanted to move in with me, so I went through the process of turning my one-family home into a two-family home.  I know the ins and outs of the regulations. That was not a pleasant process.  If residents want to do something to benefit their families, we need to make it easier for them. 

5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?

a. I just like being out there and being available, and I think that’s a simple model that any town official can also have.  I love how our First Selectman, Dan Cunningham, is always available to listen—this weekend’s Donuts with Democrats is such a simple example of that and how Dan reaches out to people to hear what they have to say.  People want to approach the candidates, and the candidates absolutely need to hear from them. 

6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?

a. Hole in the Wall and the Boardwalk. I am a beach girl at heart.  I just love how chill the beach is, and the Boardwalk is just so beautiful.  We can do better for our bodies while walking in a safe place along with it being a beautiful environment.

7. If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?
a. Wake up and walk the Boardwalk. And then grab a bite to eat from Giuliano’s, their egg sandwiches are the best. Then I would go home and bake something, I would spend the afternoon on Hole in the Wall Beach.  Then I would get take-out from Family Pizza on Main Street and then listen to a band at McCook’s bandshell, then take my dog Max for a walk outside.  He just loves to sit outside of Gumdrops & Lollipops and just watch people.  That’s all within walking distance from my house so I wouldn’t have to get in my car for any of that. 

8. What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?
a. Café Sole, I just think they are a great place to get food and to get coffee.  And it’s a cool place to hang out.

 9. Who is someone in our community (past or present) that you admire, and why?
a. Roseanne Hardy, she was my middle school history teacher, and she is still involved to this day with the betterment of our community.

10. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?
a. A scallop, I guess we already have the Vikings through the high school and that’s great, but the scallop is good because we are a coastal town, and it is sourced in our local waters.

11. Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?
a. I just started my sourdough bread journey, and I am really enjoying making the sour dough starter and baking that kind of bread.

12. If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field (music, carpentry, juggling chainsaws), what would it be?
a.  I would like to know more about the ins and outs of the Zoning Commission. I want to be as knowledgeable as Bill Mulholland is.

13. What’s the most unusual or surprising job you’ve ever had?
a. I was a lifeguard.  It was one of my first jobs, I really got to know the people of Crescent Beach.  That was just fun to be on the beach and just get paid for it.  And it was a great sense of community feeling.

14. If you had to give East Lyme a new slogan, what would it be? (Bonus points if it’s funny but true.)
a. The greatest small town that you probably never expected.

15. When you need a laugh, what’s your favorite guilty-pleasure?
a. Tik-Tok, I am a Tik-Tokker, I just love the stupid things on there that make me laugh.  A really nice way to decompress.

Meet East Lyme Board of Selectmen Candidate Jason Deeble

1.     What motivated you to run for office this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if you are re-elected?

 I got involved in 2016 after Donald Trump was first elected.  I was, like many people in shock and felt like the country was in free fall.  I saw a newspaper ad from an organization called the East Lyme Democratic Town Committee, they were asking local folks to come out and join them for a meeting.  I showed up and it was crazy.  There was crosstalk, people shouting at each other.  No one seemed to be listening to each other, and they were going nowhere.  I wanted no part of it.  So, I stood up and left.  

Then, I had a moment in the parking lot.  I knew that if I walked back to my car and drove off, I would be giving up any opportunity I had to be the change I wanted to see in the world.  I knew I couldn’t shy away from the tough work and the unpleasant conversations if I really wanted to do something in my community.  So, I turned around and went back inside.  I watched.  I listened.  I took notes.  Then, I went home and typed up a proposal telling these Democrats what they had to do to turn it around.  

 I submitted my ideas to the chair at the time, and he shared it with the group.  They were kind of like, “Who’s this guy?  If he wants to make change, let him try.”  So, they offered me the opportunity to do what I wanted to do, and I started to do it.  

 I came on board with a team of others like me who were ready to get involved and make change.  The old timers were happy to have our energy.  Together we charted a path forward and scored one success after another.  I felt capable and confident.  When the time came to run, I stood up and threw my hat in the ring.  

 I lost pretty badly in my first municipal election.  

 A few years later, I ran again and won!  I was also elected chair of the EL DTC putting me in charge of the group that I initially ran away from.  My tenure as chair included some major electoral successes.  I felt more confident and more capable.  The team was killing it, and I was super proud.  I spent a lot of time online talking politics in public forums and pushing back against malevolent actors that would post comments to the DTC’s Facebook page.  I’m a middle school teacher and I’m used to dealing with confused, emotional people.  When they approach me with that sort of energy, I switch into teacher mode.  I know something they don’t.  I can help them understand something new, but I must be calm and patient.  I was relentless online and seemed to build up a brand as a calm, rational voice in the community.  When I was knocking doors, people would thank me for my efforts online.  I didn’t think anyone was paying attention, but it was connecting with folks.  

 This all led to a spot on the Board of Selectmen.  I feel even more confident and more capable.

In the next term, we need to take affordability.  It’s a massive, multi-dimensional, intergenerational, HUGE issue and municipalities have only a small toolkit with which to address it.  But I’m feeling more capable and confident.  New tools are coming online for us to use.  The stakes are high, and I’m committed to getting it right.  

 Also, I want to expand the footprint of East Lyme’s cultural and artistic institutions.  I want to lift up and celebrate all the wonderful things about our town that people moved here for.  I want to make it so folks can afford to live here but I want them to want to live here too.  

2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?

 Affordability is THE issue.  All the other issues come out of that.  During my first term, we spent a lot of time dealing with issues that had been languishing for years.  Solving those took a lot of time and resources.  It was hard and stories on the front page of the paper made it look like East Lyme was struggling.  We’re not struggling.  We’re in a much better position now that many of those long-simmering issues have been addressed.  Now, we can focus on issues surrounding affordability.  Now, we can chart a path forward that will balance allowing our town to grow while preserving the heart and soul of the town.   

3. How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?

As an educator, I have a lot of thoughts about how the schools can get kids ready for the world of tomorrow.  Their job is so difficult because they are preparing kids for a lives and careers that don’t exist yet.  But they can give kids what they need to be successful no matter what tomorrow brings.  Getting them ready for universities.  Teaching them to do research.  How to make sense of information presented to them online.  How to interpret large sets of data.  The emphasis should always be on future thinking.  What’s it going to look like ten years from now and how can we get kids ready to live in that world?

In terms of services and infrastructure, I think we need to listen to our department heads, to our leaders on Public Works and Parks and Rec.  We have some great people employed by this town.  Tremendous wisdom, experience, and insight.  I think they’ve been doing awesome work, and they’ve helped us build up a network of important services out residents rely on.  I believe the sewer moratorium we just passed on Board of Selectmen will go a long way to improving our overall infrastructure.  We’re nearing absolute capacity.  We need to pause and figure out how to expand our capacity so the town can continue to grow.  We can’t rely on the current system so figuring that out will be a big task in the next few years. 

Shifting from bonding to cash capital is a good way to get out from under the cost of debt servicing.  Continuing on that path will make East Lyme’s finances healthier and make more room to support the folks that live here.  

4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel helps you serve effectively on the Board of Selectmen? 

I’m an independent thinker and an independent voice.  I cannot bring myself to say something unless I wholeheartedly believe it is true.  You won’t catch me with someone else’s words in my mouth even if it is politically expedient.  If I’m going to make a decision on behalf of the people of the town, it has to be my decision and not someone else’s.  I call this honesty and integrity.  Other folks might have a few, less-kind words to use to describe these attributes.  But whatever you call them, I think they’re an important part of making me who I am as a town leader and help me serve. 

I think I’ve done a pretty good job working with others on the board.  Making connections, gathering consensus around issues.  We work well together and are all pulling in the same direction.  We all want what’s best for the town.  We all want to get this right and are willing to collaborate to make it happen.  I am not polemic.  I will not let something go if I think it’s wrong, but I am absolutely open to opposing viewpoints.  In fact, I solicit them.  I want to hear all sides of a story before deciding.  Give me your thoughts!  Help me incorporate them into my own!  Then, one we can see the big picture for what it is and all the little details holding it together, we can make a decision.

Lastly, I love looking at numbers, listening to what they’re saying.  Give me sheets of data, reams of financial records!  I will pour through them until I hear the story they’re telling.  I catch things in the data that go unnoticed otherwise.  I never knew I would enjoy it as much as I do.  I seem to have a part of my brain that just switches on when it’s time to make sense of numbers and I think this has been an asset on the Board of Selectmen.  

5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?

I believe folks should be comfortable talking to their leadership at meetings.  I believe in preserving space for folks to talk about whatever is on their mind.  The government cannot silence the people and attempts to do so are wrong.  We serve at the pleasure of the people and though we may have a busy agenda or big problems to face, we cannot give their thoughts and comments short shrift.  Say what you gotta say, people!  I want to hear it.   

Creating public hearings is an important part of government too.  We need to allow for formal presentation of thoughts, observations, opinions, stories, etc.  It needs to be part of the record.  It needs to be part of our decision-making process.  Again, there is an option to bypass public hearings to allow for efficiencies.  However, this part of the process cannot be clipped.  I’m not a religious man but allowing for public input at meetings is sacrosanct for me.  

Beyond creating space during meetings, soliciting input for things like the plan of conservation and development is vital when it comes to figuring out what we want East Lyme to look like in the future.  And, really, it can’t just be soliciting.  It has to be an active process.  We have a responsibility to go out and find out how people feel who can’t make it to a meeting.  Folks who work second shift shouldn’t lose out on their opportunity to offer input just because we hold our meetings at night!  That’s not fair.  It’s not right.  That’s why I love going door knocking.  I want to be on your turf where you feel comfortable.  I want to hear what’s important to you and your family. 

6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why? 

My favorite spot in town is my basement studio.  That’s where I go to make music and bang away on the drums.  That probably sounds a little insular and anti-social, but my basement is a place where I have meetings with friends.  It’s where I collaborate with band mates.  It’s a place that gives me silence to think, space to reflect.  I bring folks over to record music that wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so otherwise.  Recording music is difficult and technical and time consuming and can be very expensive.  If you’re my friend, if you’re in my band, I will make your music for you free of charge.  We’ll get it out there into the world together!

Sadly, not everyone in town can enjoy the magic of my basement because, let’s face it, that would just be super weird.  So let me pick a few other places.  

I like to run.  I really enjoy running around my neighborhood, seeing all my neighbors out walking their dogs, enjoying the weather and each other’s company.  I like to run on the board walk but that’s a little flat for my tastes.  Plus, I hate having to weave in and out of people’s way.  I prefer the hills and challenges of my neighborhood, the trails at Oswegatchie. 

Besides running, I love being in the planetarium at the high school.  The grand scale of that great big dome is mesmerizing.  And, when the lights go down and the projections begin, it’s magical.  They talk a lot about the magic of the theater, how it can transport you but it’s nothing compared to the magic of the planetarium.  Yes, Hamilton can transport you to an alternative America at its tumultuous birth, but the planetarium can take you to the Big Bang, to the tumult of stars colliding.  Wicked can take you to fantastic lands but the planetarium can take you to fantastic worlds, solar systems, galaxies. 

Also, Tumbleweeds is great.  I like the Book Barns.  Café Sol is super nice too. 

7.  How would you spend a perfect Saturday in East Lyme?

The perfect Saturday for me would fall after the first Friday of the month.  I run musical performances at the planetarium at the high school every first Friday.  I get home unload my car and go to sleep.  As soon as I wake up on Saturday morning and put my gear away.  I start planning for next month’s show.  I wake up early, before anyone else in the house is up.  I curate the pictures I took the night before and post them online for folks to see.  Then, I create the flyer for the next month’s show and start putting together the next big projection.

 After a while, my family wakes up and we do breakfast.  My wife goes and gets yummy stuff from Deke’s.  I go for a run around my neighborhood and then eat.  I have a cup of nice tea, get ready for the day, and then head out for an adventure.  

Usually, my adventures involve errands at local shops, a trip to the hardware store, and dropping off/picking something up from friends.  These days I spend a lot of time knocking doors and talking to people which I really like.  Even when the weather isn’t so great, it’s a real treat to talk to my neighbors.  

When I get hungry, I’ll knock off for a while and go to my favorite restaurant in the whole world, Taza!  While I’m there, I invariably get my favorite food of all time, baba ghanoush, a sort of hummus made from eggplant.  I’ve had baba ghanoush all over the place and I have to tell you no one does it better than Taza.  It is just some freak coincidence that I live only a couple of miles from the best baba ghanoush served anywhere in the known universe.  I really consider myself fortunate.  I usually bring something back for my family to eat too.

After lunch, I’m back out into the world.  There’s always something going on.  Maybe it’s band rehearsal with my friends.  Maybe it’s a meeting with a constituent.  I don’t know what it is, but I will probably end up downtown.  I will grab dessert from Dairy Queen.  I like to go there because they have this liquid peanut butter stuff.  I don’t know what it is or how they make it, but I love it!  I just want to drink it straight from a cup like some kind of peanut butter madman.  I gobble up my ice cream by the time I am at the entrance to Book Barn Downtown.  I head in hoping to see one of my friends.  It’s always mobbed in there and that fills my heart with joy.  All these bookworms geeking out over the book they didn’t know they were looking for but now can’t live without.  I look through the sci fi section hoping a new book will turn up from one of my favorite authors.  Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark, Stanislaw Lem, William Gibson.  If not, I’ll hit up their graphic novels and comics.  I ALWAYS find something there.  On this day, I select a copy of Watchmen by Alan Moore.  It’s one of my favorites and I’ve read dozens of times, but I always buy an extra copy to give away to someone who hasn’t read it yet.  

Then, I’ll walk along the street and make my way to Tumbleweeds.  Upon entering, I say, hi, to Tara, the shopkeeper and swear to myself that I’m only going to look.  Of course, they’ll have something I love and can’t find anywhere else. They never let me down!  Somehow, they always have Sade records or old jazz discs I love so naturally I spend too much money there and leave feeling lucky.  

The day is getting long and by now I’m probably tired of being out in the world, so I’ll head home.  I go into my basement studio and make some music for a while.  Then, emerging with a fresh new jam, my family and I plan out our evening together.  That generally involves a trip to Zavala’s and watching a few episodes of Modern Family together afterwards.  We talk about what we have planned for tomorrow and then sit down to read, write, draw, listen to music, etc.  I hang out with my cats for a while or work on some project I have going.  

Before long, my wife reminds that, if I don’t stop working on a project at least an hour before bed, I won’t get to sleep.  I thank her for reminding me as she does almost every day.  The kids head off to bed.  My wife and I do the same.  The cats join us and lights go out in the Deeble house after another perfect Saturday.  A beautiful full moon hangs in the sky over East Lyme.  

8.  What business in East Lyme do you think everyone should know about, and why?

That’s an easy one.  Everyone should know about the Stars to STEM Regional Planetarium up at the high school and visit it as often as possible.  They do cool, traditional programming on the weekends and a musical show the first Friday of each month from 7:00-9:00.  I love it there. 

Also, when it came time to get married and start a family, my wife and I looked around southeastern Connecticut.  We chose East Lyme because of the Book Barn.  It’s just a wonderful, magical place.  I can’t overstate how important it is to me and my family. 

The Barn for Artistic Youth has also been fabulous for my kids.  

And, of course, Taza is also wonderful.

9.  Who in East Lyme do you truly admire, past or present?

There are so many people I admire and really, I think everyday people do really admirable stuff.  The world is so crazy and so hard for so many people, just seeing people carry on loving, living, working, raising their kids, caring for themselves and others is pretty amazing stuff.  But I know that’s not the answer you want so I’ll pick one past and one present.  

I admire East Lyme’s first-ever, democratically elected female First Selectwoman, Beth Hogan.  She was a mentor and friend and helped me mature into who I am today.  She was a sage and guide and touched the lives of countless people. She worked up to her dying day trying to make East Lyme a better community.  Her legacy carries on through people she taught like me and my friends.  

Also, I admire our current First Selectman, Dan Cunningham.  Dan is just a wonderful guy.  We’ve been friends for years playing music together and having crazy adventures together.  He is wise, gentle, contemplative, and has an endless supply of stories that are so far out and funny, they’ll make your jaw drop.  He has vision and the wherewithal to make ideas into realities.  I aspire to be the sort of leader that Dan is.  

10.  What mascot would you assign to East Lyme?

Shelly the Scallop Shell, you know the scallop thing again?!  Also, there are a lot of cheeky squirrels that live in my neighborhood. I think they’d be my second choice.  

11.  What snack replenishes you when you’re stressed from campaigning all day?

I eat a lot of trail mix out on the campaign trail.  It just seems appropriate.  Also, it is delicious.

12.  If you could become an expert in any unrelated field at all, what would it be?

I often become experts in fields.  I get obsessed with things and work like crazy until I fully understand them and make them work.  That’s how I Iearned to play all the instruments I do.  That’s how I learned to do digital art.  That’s how I learned to record music.  This quirk is one of my biggest assets and biggest flaws.  It takes a lot of time and energy learning new stuff and only truly happens after a ton of frustration and sometimes a little swearing.  That being said, if I were to do it all over again and not go to school to become a teacher, I would have gotten a degree in mathematics.  I think math is just so fascinating and allows you to understand the world in new ways.  Lots of folks hate it but I think that’s mostly because of the way it’s taught.  As a kid, I hated it too but, as an adult, it blows my mind how it can be applied to the world, used to glean fascinating realizations.  Also, I wish I were a better pianist.  I’m passable now but I’d love to be a good jazz pianist.  

13.  What’s the most surprising job you’ve ever had?

At the tail end of my senior year of college I was working at a summer camp at a local school.  They hired a guy named Jungle John to come in and show an assortment of reptiles to all the kids.  While I was there, Jungle John took a shine to how I worked with the kids, how I used drawing and juggling to capture their interest.  He offered me a job as a clown in his entertainment company.  Jungle John was an interesting guy.  He held a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for a stunt called the cockroach coffin.  He had terrariums and critters all over his house.  He taught me to make balloon animals and sent me off to kids’ parties.  Folks like to call politicians clowns as an epithet.  Well, I made pretty good money as a clown (more per hour than my first-year teaching!) and I made a lot of kids happy on their special day.  I enjoyed that brief stint as a clown and remember it fondly.  Which reminds me, I should try to find Jungle John online and see what he’s up to these days.  

14. If you had to give East Lyme a new slogan, what would it be?

East Lyme:  You will get stuck at the traffic lights going south on 161 by Roxbury Road. 

15. When you need a laugh, what’s your guilty pleasure?

I teach 6th grade science and they’re a hoot.  They keep me laughing all day long!  I don’t really care much for watching shows or videos or anything.  I’m super weird that way.  We’re living in a golden age of streaming, and it’s totally wasted on me. There’s no such thing as guilty pleasures.  That’s all snobbery.  Love what you love!  Enjoy your joy!

Be Alarmed - the US National Guard Training on American Citizens in Our Cities!

This week, at a hastily arranged meeting in Quantico, Virginia, the President of the United States told military leaders that our armed forces should use American cities as "training grounds" to prepare for battles overseas.

“Inner cities are a big part of war,” the US President said, “I will never hesitate to protect our people from the horrible plague that is taking place from within.” The current Administration has sent in the US National Guard to Los Angeles, Washington DC, Memphis, and Portland—all four cities where Democrats have been leading— because he sees them as lawless and disagrees with their local policies.

Think about that for a moment: the Commander-in-Chief suggesting that American citizens be treated as mock targets for military drills. It is silly on its face, dangerous in precedent, and insulting to every community that values freedom and security.

The United States military exists to defend us from threats abroad, not to menace or "practice on" its own people. Deploying troops into American neighborhoods to sharpen their skills is not leadership--it is reckless rhetoric and an unprecedented misuse of authority.

Here in East Lyme, our Democratic slate of candidates rejects that kind of thinking. We believe every resident--regardless of age, race, sex, gender identity, or political affiliation--deserves respect, dignity, and the assurance that their government will not use them as props in a political drama.

Our local Democratic leaders are committed to doing the real work: protecting the rights and well-being of our citizens, ensuring safe and welcoming communities, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with state and national leaders who value reasoned dialogue over reckless threats.

We Democrats in Southeastern Connecticut will never treat East Lyme residents as pawns. Instead, we will continue to fight for greater opportunity, greater safety, and the greater good for all.

Meet East Lyme Board of Education Candidate Steve Luber

1. What motivated you to run for office this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Two things.  Public service is very important to me, I try to find ways to give back to the community.  With my background in education and administration, it was a natural fit.  I have 2 small kids in the system, so anything I can do to help out them is fabulous.  And we live in very uncertain times.  Teachers need more autonomy.  So do parents. I want to be a voice of reason in a space that seems to have less and less reason.

2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?

The budget is what I hear the most about.  How the money is spent, and how transparently it is spent.

3. How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?

We have to look at what we already spend and make sure the allocations are being done efficiently, to reduce any type of waste or bureaucracy.  I am also a big believe that the better we fund our schools the better the value of our town will be.  A good school system is the rising tide that lifts all boats.

4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively on your board/committee?

I am a teacher for over 20 years in higher education.  I am attuned to the needs of teachers in public education, I’ve taught for a number of public schools.  I am the administrator for an academic program, not only do I teach and shape the curriculum, I also am in charge of the budget, exactly the sort of skills that are needed on the Board of Education.

5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?

Very good question!  I believe we do a relatively good job here in EL, it is less a matter of transparency and more a matter of accessibility.  Not everybody can go to a public hearing on a weeknight.  The ability to connect with people is so important.  I would look to models that I already admire and appreciate, 20th District CT State Rep. Nick Menapace goes to places where he connects with people and just talks.  The meetings, the email, the websites, all just reinforce that everyone has access to our local leadership.

6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?

McCook’s Park, it’s the reason why we moved here.  My kids have grown up playing on that playground and I find it to be one of the most peaceful spots in the region.

7. If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?

It would have to include coffee and a scone from Café Sole to get things started.  It would inevitably a baseball or soccer game for the kids.  A short hike at Oswegatchie.  And then you gotta’ browse at the Book Barn.

8. What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?

Props to Cafe Sole for sure, but I think maybe I have to say: Tumbleweeds.  Great music, great gear and Tara is just the best about music and life.

9. Who is someone in our community (past or present) that you admire, and why?

I’ve been here for 6 years, which makes me a total newbie.  I’m gonna say Dave Jacobs, he’s the one who got me into politics, and he has worked ceaselessly for this town for over 3 decades, I’m constantly amazed by his work ethic and his dedication to the area.

10. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?

The East Lyme Public Library created Scallop Dude, it is a scallop, so we already get the water connection for Niantic.  But he is also super cool, and he loves books.

11. Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?

Having a quiet night at home playing a game or watching a move with my family.  Also, chocolate, does that count too?

12. If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field (music, carpentry, juggling chainsaws), what would it be?

A musician. I do not have the skills to be a real musician, but I aspire to be one, that would be amazing.

13. What’s the most unusual or surprising job you’ve ever had?

I conducted research for David Byrne about Imelda Marcos.  He wrote a musical called Here Lies Love, and I was brought in to do some research about Imelda.

Connecticut Democrats to Support All Americans During the Government Shutdown

The federal government is once again grinding to a halt. Republicans in Congress have—once again—chosen brinksmanship over governance, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans with their manufactured shutdown. They are not just holding government funding hostage—they are actively working to dismantle programs like the Affordable Care Act, cutting health coverage from families who are fully and legally entitled to it.

And let’s be honest about the motives here. For too many in the Republican caucus, this is not about fiscal responsibility. It is about exclusion. They believe that if you were not born here, or if your skin color doesn’t match the majority of the really, really old white men sitting in Congress, then you don’t deserve access to basic services in this country. That is not leadership—that is cruelty disguised (quit poorly by the way) as policy.

Here in Connecticut, our courageous Democratic leadership refuses to let the politicized and inhumane cruelty of US Senate Republicans stand unanswered. The Nutmeg State is stepping in to support essential services during this shutdown, making sure that families can access health care, food assistance, and other basic needs while Washington Republicans play their adult (?) games with people’s lives. Connecticut has always believed that every resident—citizen or otherwise—deserves dignity, fairness, and access to opportunity.

Even at the local level, Democrats in East Lyme like Board of Selectmen candidates Dan Cunningham, Ann Cicchiello, Jason Deeble and Cindy Collins see the absurdity of this moment. Our slate of endorsed Democratic candidates for municipal office is committed to working tirelessly so that nobody in our community is left behind. We know that strong local leadership is what keeps towns like ours running when silly politicians in Washington abandon their responsibilities.

Republican billionaires may carve out more and more of our national resources for themselves, but here in East Lyme, Democrats are carving out a future for all of us. East Lyme Dems are continuing to build a community rooted in fairness, compassion, and the simple belief that government should work for everyone, not just the privileged few white, moneyed ones..

This November, the choice could not be clearer. We in East Lyme want leaders who show up, stand up, and refuse to walk away from the people they serve. We are lucky to have leadership from our state and local Connecticut Democrats—and we should all keep working really, really hard to make sure we get them all elected!

Meet East Lyme Board of Selectmen Candidate Cindy Collins

1. What motivated you to run for office this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

“What motivates me is that I want to be a bigger part of my community.  What I’d like to accomplish is to help our community to become a little more cohesive.  It’s so important for us to know very clearly where our police department is going in the future, and I’d also like to work them and also with the fire department to see what more can we do to make it more cohesive for both of these critical groups of dedicated public servants.  We need them!  We need them in case of an emergency, so we must make our relationship with them better.  I am also a proponent for our schools because I know we have great schools, they deserve our attention and support.”

2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?

“I believe it is the fire department.  Once I let it be known that I’ve been seeking this elected position on the Board of Selectmen, I’ve gotten quite a few phone calls from people questioning the recent hiring of a few captains and whether that’s the right move for the department.  What can we do to make the relationship between the volunteers, and the new staff hires at our Fire Department more cohesive?  A lot, and I intend to do just that.”

3. How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?

“That’s such a hard question and important question at the same time.  I would say that I am absolutely determined to help find any unnecessary waste in our town spending.  Having responsible growth is critical and I intend to spend as much time as is needed on ensuring that the decisions we make as a Board are efficient and financially prudent ones.  That will be such a critical key to helping our magnificent East Lyme community become affordable for all, including young families just starting out along with senior families and singles who must work within a fixed income.  So much in our world is not really affordable these days, it will be our job to make sure that East Lyme is!”

4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively on the Board of Selectmen?

“I have been on our East Lyme Planning Commission for a number of years.  I have learned so much from those meetings and so I know I’ll bring that knowledge into my everyday life on the BOS.  It has helped me to understand the growth needs—and the limitations on growth—within our community.  In my professional life, I’ve been fortunate to work in the real estate industry, which has given me a very broad depth of knowledge of our own community needs are, and also how we compare to other surrounding towns in Southeastern Connecticut.  I’ve worked in the public realm my whole adult life, and I’m very level-headed in my approach to our public challenges.  I look forward to bringing my skills to the Board.”

5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?

“We need to hold more public forums for people to come and ask their questions.  For example, the leadership of our Police and Fire Departments could really benefit both their individual departments and also our entire community if we begin to hold more of these public discussions.  I really don’t know why our fantastic police volunteers have not been getting together with the leadership of the Police Department so they work through the many challenges we face, and everybody can share their own views?  What are their needs, what do they have to have in order to be successful? We count on them to be a vital part of our community.  Is there some kind of incentive that we can offer them, so they keep helping out our paid officers?  I’m so happy that we have a new Chief at the Police Department, but I have to say that I would really like for him to get out there and have a conversation with people; these are the kinds of communication priorities that we are going to do moving forward to make sure this doesn’t happen.”

6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?

“Oh my.  Is it bad if I say my house?  Oh gosh, I have so many!  I’m gonna say Smokey’s Bar & Restaurant, only because when I go there, I know so many people, it’s such a friendly place that I can just relax and also spend lots of times with some really nice people, from so many walks of life. Also, I really enjoy going to our playhouse on Main Street in Niantic, they have great stuff for everybody to enjoy and they do it really, really well!” 

7. If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?

“Being with my grandchildren probably just hanging out with them for every possible second that I can at my house in Pine Grove.”

8. What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?

“That’s tough because I like so many!  Maybe I’ll say that it is Dev’s Restaurant in Niantic, because the owner has been such an outspoken supportive of a philosophy that I really like: “If you support me, then I’ll support you!”.  And I really feel like that’s such an important way for us all to behave in this day and age, we need more people to act like that!”

10. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?

“Whatever represents resilience, like a giant tortoise!  We’re tough like that in East Lyme!”

11. Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?

“Can it be an adult beverage?  Like maybe a cold beer?!”

12. If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field (music, carpentry, juggling chainsaws), what would it be?

“The law.”

15. When you need a laugh, what’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

“I Love Lucy, she is just so clean, and fun and she’s just such a natural comic, she’s real.  I love her.  I love Lucy!”

Campaign Signs in East Lyme

Unfortunately we must report that Democratic campaign yard signs have been stolen or discarded on at least two occasions during the month of September.

East Lyme is in the middle of a spirited municipal election season. Candidates from both parties are working hard to earn the trust of voters for seats on the Board of Selectmen and other important town boards. Yard signs, as always, have begun appearing around town.

Unfortunately, while Republican signs remain untouched, many Democratic signs have been stolen or defaced within just days of going up. It is discouraging that we still face this problem in our community. Campaign signs are a simple, visible way for neighbors to express their political choices. Tampering with them doesn’t strengthen democracy -- it undermines it.

Our residents deserve to see all candidates represented fairly. Removing or destroying signs denies voters the opportunity to make informed choices in November. It may feel like a small act to those who do it, but the impact is larger: it breeds resentment, stifles open debate, and chips away at the respect we owe each other.

We are better than this. Political differences can and should spark strong debate, but they should never cross into intimidation or vandalism. East Lyme deserves an election season where every candidate can be seen and heard. Let’s argue with words, not with wire cutters or spray paint.

The ELDTC has spoken with local Republican leadership and we’ve agreed to work together to reduce the likelihood of this activity.

If anybody sees, or hears of, the stealing or defacing of any campaign yard signs in Niantic or East Lyme (regardless of party affiliation), please reach out to either of the ELDTC co-chairs so that we can investigate and inform local authorities as appropriate. Thank you!

East Lyme Democratic HQ Now Open!

**Our Democratic Campaign Headquarters is Open!**

Earlier this month, we opened the doors to the East Lyme Democratic Campaign Headquarters, and we invite you to stop by! This space is here for everyone -- whether you want to take a breather from the rigors of campaigning (or from reading the national newspapers), or you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and help our 15 Democratic candidates running in this November’s municipal election.

At HQ, you can:

* Connect with fellow members of the East Lyme Democratic Town Committee.

* Make phone calls to East Lyme voters.

* Help our Board of Selectmen candidates strategize on local issues.

* Team up with other Democrats for door-knocking shifts. (We’ve set a goal of reaching more than 4,000 doors before Election Day!)

You’ll also find campaign signs ready for pickup -- perfect for front yards or supportive local businesses in East Lyme and Niantic.

Our headquarters is located downstairs in the Spice Club building. Just look for the set of blue double doors between the Nail Salon and T&B Provisions, and you’ll know you’re in the right place.

And don’t miss our **Sunday Donuts and Coffee gatherings**, when our candidates will be out front to meet with voters and neighbors in a casual, welcoming setting.

So come by, spend some time with your fellow Democrats, and help us build the energy we need to win this November!

Mad Hatter Trivia Night 2: A Community Success

The fall municipal campaigns in East Lyme are well underway!

The East Lyme Democratic Town Committee held its second Mad Hatter Trivia Night on Monday September 22, 2025 at the extraordinary Five Churches restaurant bar in Niantic, and once again the house was full of laughter, outstanding food, and friendly competition.

Dozens of local residents joined in for 3 1/2 lively rounds of random trivia, enjoying the delicious dinner and drink options at Five Churches while supporting the full slate of ELDTC-endorsed Democratic candidates running in the 2025 municipal election.

The evening was made possible through the efforts of many: ELDTC Fundraising Chair Cindy Collins organized the event; East Lyme Registrar Wendi Sims kept time and tallied scores with steady precision; and East Lyme Selectman Jason Deeble, as always, managed the sound with a sure hand. Presiding over the fun was the fuchsia-capped Mad Hatter himself, back for his second stint as host and question-reader, keeping the crowd laughing between questions.

East Lyme First Selectman Dan Cunningham and Deputy First Selectman Ann Cicchiello attended with their families, gave it all they had,, but despite some very determined efforts, they couldn’t quite claim the top prize this time.

Thanks to the generosity of Five Churches, which once again turned over its restaurant for this community event, and to all who attended, Trivia Night 2 raised critical funds to support Democratic candidates in the fall campaign

East Lyme Trivia Night—once again, it was Game On!

An outstanding fashion choice for the Mad Hatter.

East Lyme First Selectman Dan Cunningham, Deputy First Selectman Ann Cicchiello and supporters.

Apparently they answered the question correctly.

ELDTC Trivia Night at Five Churches in Niantic