Letters to the Editor - October 20

Two important Salisbury P&Z decisions were made

On Oct. 4, the Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) voted unanimously to settle two important and controversial issues. The roots of these issues go back many years and arriving at a consensus was not easy and involved almost 14 months of petitions, hearings, discussions, letter writing and legal opinions.

The central issue was whether the P&Z should issue special permits to owners of nonconforming structures to expand them vertically. That is whether a one story house that did not meet the setback or other requirements of a particular zone could have a second story added or a basement excavated. In August of last year the Lake Wononscopomuc Association asked the P&Z to forbid the issuance of such special permits in the Lake Protection Overlay Zone. That is a 300-foot-wide band around Lake Wononscopomuc, Twin Lakes and Long Pond.

There were arguments on both sides of the issue by people who had sincere convictions about the impact of the regulations on property rights and public rights. They have been well reported over the past year. However, there seem to have been no published reports on the outcome.

The most recent issue was whether the P&Z should abolish special permits for the whole town and leave it to the Zoning Board of Appeals to issue variances.  That could have a major impact on many home or business owners. The commission’s legal counsel advised the members that the P&Z had authority to issue special permits and that special permits were not variances by another name. A hearing had been held Sept. 20 on a proposal to abolish these special permits for the whole town. There wasn’t much support for that idea. In fact there was almost total opposition.

 Even though the hearing was closed, the P&Z attorney said the proposal could be modified by reducing it in scope. The commission had to settle another thorny question first. Is the vertical expansion of a nonconforming building an increase in nonconformity? That discussion went on for several months. The commission finally voted 5 to 0 to say it was by definition an increase in nonconformity.

Then, 14 months after the issue was first brought before them, the commissioners voted 5 to 0 to prohibit special permits for the vertical expansion of nonconforming buildings in the LA Zone only. That would affect homes only around Lake Wononscopomuc. The deciding factor was an agreement that the lakes are different. They have different characteristics and different needs.

We applaud the commission members for their patience, their willingness to investigate all sides of the issues involved and to listen to many hours of testimony before coming to their individual decisions.

Bill Littauer, President
Lake Wononscopomuc Association
Lakeville

 

Lakeville Post Office in danger

With the help of Charlene LaVoie, who is the community lawyer in Winsted, my wife, Rita Marshall, and I  on Sept. 27 appealed the Final Determination to consolidate the Lakeville Post Office with the Salisbury one, and to continue to provide a Classified Branch (by “declassifying” the Lakeville Post Office to a branch.)

We discovered many inconsistencies in the eight- page document provided to the public, and therefore are suspicious that the Postal Regulatory Commission has decided to close the Lakeville office.

The response of the Postal Commission to the appeal was fast and furious: they gave the order to the Lakeville employees not to speak with us — or they would lose their jobs.

Three major points in the PO misinformation:

1) Postal Service officials made the decision by comparing the revenue of the Salisbury and Lakeville offices, but firmly refuse to let the public know what the Salisbury revenue is. For good reasons.

Postal Service officials argued also that they were saving $55,816 a year by not officially naming a postmaster in Lakeville (he filled in for two years as a temporary postmaster). But they moved him to Winsted, where he continues to receive a salary.

2) In the 85-page boilerplate document given to the public explaining their motivation and answering the questions in an absent minded way, they constantly go back and forth from the wording of “declassifying” to “closing”the Lakeville PO.

3) The public cannot obtain a written agreement that a branch cannot be closed without a public hearing (even if Chris Murphy’s assistant has been looking into the matter.)

As you well know, Lakeville and Salisbury badly need a normal post office to keep alive this aging community. No post office, and every young person will be leaving town even faster.

We got the written backing of  local businesses (Litchfield and Salisbury Banks, etc.) as well as the personal help of Ralph Nader: after we spoke, he wrote on behalf of the Lakeville community to the Postmaster General Patrick Donahue, whose answer was again noncommittal and bland.

It is not clear what criteria were used to make the determination, and the statements within this determination are inconsistent with known facts. For instance, both Lakeville and Salisbury rank 16, but Salisbury has one delivery route and 500 PO boxes, Lakeville has 900 PO boxes (700 rented) and two delivery routes.

The fight is on. Petitions will be available at all Lakeville merchants to oppose the declassification and back the appeal.

Etienne Delessert
Lakeville

 

Shocking closure of The Roast

This morning at Joe’s, a/k/a The Roast Coffee Shop, in Salisbury, we heard the news that Joe would be closing his shop at the end of October. A shock!

For the last nine years now, when we return to Salisbury for the summer - that first morning - we head to Joe’s for our long-awaited cranberry scone and amazing coffee.  For the rest of the season, Joe’s becomes a regular destination, at least three times a week.  When our children and grandchildren visit, they look forward to sitting in the courtyard at Joe’s, enjoying the atmosphere and the victuals.

It is understandable that Joe’s health is a contributory reason for this action.  We can only wish him well.

Let’s hope this wonderful watering hole will continue, run by someone who understands the spirit and importance of this Salisbury treasure.

Good luck, Joe!

Ronald and Susan Match
Salisbury

 

Track at Lime Rock is quieter

Last spring at a special Planning Meeting of the Salisbury Planning and Zoning Committee, Skip Barber and Georgia Blades, on behalf of Lime Rock Park, announced that the track was requiring the racing school to improve the mufflers on the racing school cars so that the noise level would be reduced in Lime Rock and surrounding areas.  For those of you who may not have followed the issues, the racing school uses a majority of the time at the track, and consequently the racing school had created the most noise.  

A racing season has now nearly concluded with the new mufflers on the racing school cars. The level of noise during the frequent racing school events has indeed been reduced in Lime Rock and Amesville. The difference is quite noticeable throughout the area.  

We thank Skip and Georgia for this change in policy that has brought about a pleasant improvement in our daily lives.

Martha Miller
Lakeville

Farewell, Anna E. Whitbeck

I read Anna’s obituary which was as simple and unadorned as it could be. She abjured hyperbole.

But her passing signals the end of a era: Anna was the last Whitbeck to live or work on the Salisbury Pharmacy property. Her family owned that business for a significant period of this community’s existence.

She was a daily patron of The Roast, and her sweet smile and conversation were always a gift to those who’d meet her there.

And when I met her 7 years ago, she was quick to befriend me.

And her embrace enabled me to then meet so many other natives.

As a “summer” resident, it would have been difficult to assimilate without Anna.

She was my dear and loving friend and Salisbury has lost a gem. RIP.

Tom Murphy
Salisbury

 

Comment on previous letter

I was slightly amused to read Patricia Allyn Mechare’s letter —  “Had Concerns about Region One Action.”

Her letter ends: “This issue should be properly addressed and corrected. It certainly seems important enough to include on an agenda.”

I recall an incident in August of this year where Ms. Mechare joined with three other first selectmen and Tri-State Public Communications concerning a request from Northwest Corner Public Access Inc. to the local boards of selectmen.

In a letter from Aug. 23, Tri-State’s president wrote, “I am emailing a copy of this letter to Mike, Anna McGuire and the first selectmen who have contacted me, so they can remove any possible agenda that might be coming up at their selectmen’s meeting.”

I suppose the double standard is in play here.

Michael J. Flint
Lakeville

Thanks for the support for OWL

The Bible says, “By their fruits you shall know them,” and OWL’s Kitchen could add “By their vegetables, their pasta, their soups and their cereals, too.” We refer to the community of Sharon Center School, students, teachers and parents, and their donations to OWL’s Kitchen.

A group of teachers at the school had a wonderful idea.  Why not commemorate 9/11 by sponsoring a year of service?  Their first service-related project was a food drive for OWL’s Kitchen, a food pantry in Lakeville serving residents of the Tri-state area.

The entire Sharon Center School community amassed a large and varied collection of food to stock OWL’s Kitchen shelves to feed our hungry neighbors.  What a great teachable example that if each person contributes something, we can begin to address and alleviate some of our problems. OWL’s Kitchen is sincerely grateful.

Barbara Pogue, Co-president
NWCTOWL
Lakeville

   

Beloved trees

I was pleased to read your article on “Beloved tree creates new benchmark” in the Oct. 6 Lakeville Journal. Back when the tree was slated to be felled, my daughter came home in tears. As a student of Cornwall Consolidated School at the time and an early tree hugger, she was greatly distraught.

We went to the tree that afternoon to measure it. As is customary, we measured 5 feet off the ground, and got a total girth of 20 feet, 7 inches, with three branches of the trunk at 11 feet, 6 inches; 8 feet, 5 inches; and 7 feet, 10 inches.

I had to bring her home from the nurse’s office the day it was brought down. I am sending her the article, as she is in college now. I’m sure she will appreciate the honor that has been paid to a grand old lady.

Jane Prentice
West Cornwall

 

Municipal election is a town referendum

This November, Salisbury voters will decide if they want an independent minority voice in local government that’s heard, or a continuance of the present administration that includes a Republican Selectman not endorsed by the Salisbury Republican Town Committee (SRTC), which overwhelmingly endorsed 20-year Salisbury retired resident state trooper Mark Lauretano. Apparently this was not a newsworthy enough event for the Lakeville Journal to ask the simple question and report to Salisbury voters. Why?

While the reasons are many, the bottom line for the SRTC is Salisbury needs to have a strong independent minority voice; not simply a Board of Selectmen who essentially agree 100 percent of the time on 100 percent of town issues.  

How is it that our current Republican selectman resigns from an elected position on the Zoning Board of Appeals because of a schedule that per his resignation letter makes it “very hard to make the meetings” and “commit the time” only to shortly thereafter reappear as the appointed Chairman of the Affordable Housing Commission that has two Selectmen on it who report to a 3-man board of selectmen? Why is there still no Code of Ethics for Salisbury, which the SRTC is pushing for with First Selectman Rand?  

Now we have the fight over CATV 6 emerging where TriState Public Communications, Inc. does a 180-degree reversal from their documented intention to spin off their “authority” to operate a donation dependent public access non-profit to Northwest Connecticut Public Access, Inc. headed by (unaffiliated) resident Michael Flint. Mike has definitely not ingratiated himself to many in local government and politics. In fact, in 2010 when I was publicly debating the SDTC’s failure to properly legally notice their caucus to select delegates to the Democrat State Convention Mr. Flint described me as the “eunuch Chairman of the SRTC.”  Like Flint or not, he is a strong independent — albeit very conservative — voice in Salisbury. As for this CATV fight, follow the money and draw your own conclusion as to what’s really going on.  

Consider that Salisbury Central School budgets — a significant factor consolidated with the town budget that determines Salisbury’s property tax mill rate — have increased more than 6 percent over the past two years while student enrollment plummets and is projected to continue to drop for another decade! School budgets are always approved by the Board of Finance and then, as usual, overwhelmingly approved at a mid-week town meeting dominated by resident parents and teachers while most of the Town’s non-resident property owners who own over 50 percent of Salisbury properties, are not registered voters but are legally permitted to vote on any town matter involving finance can’t make the meeting! Absentee voting not permitted.

That’s Salisbury government as usual.  

Mark Lauretano, Donald Mayland, Chip Carleton, Dana Scarpa and John Higgins are highly qualified candidates for the positions for which they are running this November. They will be strong independent voices.  The SRTC doesn’t represent 100 percent of the registered Republicans, but its candidates have much to offer.

Chris Janelli
Chairman, SRTC
Salisbury

 

Vote for current Salisbury selectmen

I would like to speak out in favor of our current team of selectmen and to thank them for doing a difficult job well. Look at some of the recent projects that have been undertaken and done so in a  manner that is both fiscally responsible and forward thinking; the transfer station, a big project that had to be dealt with by 2020 so easily could have been kicked down the road to a successor but wasn’t; and the new fire house another big project handled with skill and an eye for fiscal restraint that leaves all of us safer, better off  with negligible effect on our taxes. This team has proven itself to work well together for the benefit of all of us irrespective of political or philosophical differences.

 The fact that Bobby Riva did not get the Republican town committee’s endorsement is pretty sad. In a time when national politics are at  a low point, when partisan lines prevent our government from working, I would think we would be pleased and proud to see members of both parties working together for a functional government. Has our local Republican party become a little Tea Party, or maybe signed a pledge with Grover Norquist? Hey, many people love conspiracy theories, can’t I have one too?

Let’s keep our town working together by re-electing the current team of Rand, Dresser and Riva. They have done a  consistently good job and deserve our support.

Allen Cockerline
Lakeville

 

Scooter Tedder deserves vote

Scooter Tedder is a team player who is ready and willing to roll up his sleeves to get the job done as a member of the Region One Board of Education.  Scooter has the qualities that we need in Region One  — hard working, dedicated to his community, and putting the children’s educational needs first.  

He is also a believer in giving back to the town where he has lived and raised his family.  In fact, both he and his children attended Salisbury Central School, and he is an HVRHS graduate.  Similar to what we teach our children, Scooter plays well with others.  He understands the value of nonpartisanship and knows that it is just as important to listen to the other guy as it is to say what’s on his mind.  

A vote for Scooter Tedder for Region One Board of Education is a vote for working together in planning our children’s education.

Sarah Zarbock
Salisbury

 

Square dance a success for SCS eighth grade
On Saturday night of the Salisbury Fall Festival weekend, the Salisbury Republican Town Committee (SRTC) hosted a fall Hoedown square dance to help fund the Salisbury Central School eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C. The event raised over $750, of which $170 came from the Eighth-Grade Bake Sale at the dance.

The Salisbury Central School eighth-grade class trip has become an annual event, which will take place this spring between May 29 and June 1.  School librarian Trudy Allyn will guide the 31 kids in the class on this valuable educational trip to our nation’s capital.

The non-partisan event, to which the entire town was invited, had over 75 attendees. It was held in the Riga Meadows Equestrian Center party barn located at 339 Under Mountain Rd. in Salisbury courtesy of the Center’s owners Jackie Hallihan and Linda Bushnell. Center staff Dave Humbert and Dean Davidson did a great job. Dana Scarpa, a former SCS PTO President and who has been involved as an athletic coach with Salisbury and surrounding area kids for many years, was the Hoedown event Chairman; Dana is also the proprietor of the retail shop Encore in Salisbury.

The event bake sale was organized by the eighth-grade fundraising chair Kay Lindsay, eighth graders Amelia Bell and Seth Sherwood ran the bake sale with their parents and also danced the night away. A big thanks to Amelia, Seth and their parents.

Long Island weekenders Greg and Dina Meidl learned about the event ahead of time and not only brought some friends along, but appropriately dressed the part. Libby Hall from the Lakeville Journal was on hand dressed to the nines and kickin’ up her heels and can’t wait for another one!

At the end of the evening with the last dance for the kids, it was clear it was the kids who had the best time of all. Sixth-grader Allison Holmes and her mother had a ball and can’t wait to do it next year.

Thanks to everyone who made this event a success and please consider making a contribution to support this worthy class trip.

Cynthia Smith
Assistant Treasurer, SRTC
Salisbury

 

Selectmen work well together

One of the many pleasures of living in Salisbury these days is having a government that works well. Three intelligent, caring, hardworking individuals who have worked as a team. They have engaged a diverse pool of our town’s talent to investigate and move on major town issues. We are indeed lucky. Let’s keep them all working for us.

George Massey
Salisbury

 

Vote for Curtis Rand and Dresser on Election Day

“All politics is local” is a phrase that came from the late Thomas P. (Tip) O’Neill Jr., successful Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives through most of the 1980s. It summarizes the point that “a political leader’s success is directly tied to that person’s ability to understand and influence the issues of his/her constituents. Politicians must appeal to the simple, mundane and everyday concerns of those who elect them to office.” (ref. Wikipedia.)

In Salisbury, we have the team of Curtis Rand, first selectman, and Jim Dresser, selectman; they should be re-elected. They have worked tirelessly listening to our present and future needs, doing so in a way to foster community. They have completed important projects and are motivated to bring talented citizens together to keep moving forward.

Achievements have included completion of a new firehouse, new senior center at the Grove,  initiated work on the new transfer station in concert with Sharon, obtained a federal grant for new sidewalks and sewer repair in Salisbury, received a grant to repair the Amesville Bridge, and continued to support important programs in education, recreation and conservation. They have been leaders in the effort to create more affordable housing. All this has been achieved working with many talented citizens giving their valuable time and talents.

Almost as important as the achievements is the “how.” They have brought people together, been open, encouraged participation, and given recognition to ideas that were contentious. Please recognize your appreciation for what’s been done, what’s moving forward and the way they have performed. On Nov. 8, vote for Curtis Rand, first selectman, and Jim Dresser, selectman.

Jack Ritchie
Salisbury

 

Yerks is my choice for Region One Board of Education

I am delighted to write this letter of endorsement for Marilyn Yerks, candidate for Region One Board of Education representative from Sharon.  

I have known Marilyn since my days as principal of Sharon Center School in the early 2000’s.  I witnessed first-hand her considerable interest in public education and her tenacity in seeking advancement and achievement for our school and its students.   She was an avid questioner and certainly demonstrated a keen ability and strong willingness to help move the school in a direction that benefited children and their learning.  Quite honestly, her queries were not always easy to answer as she often challenged me to rethink the way business was conducted.  Marilyn did this with a genuine desire to make things better and an eagerness to become part of the process.   I believe this would be her greatest asset as Sharon’s representatives on the Region One Board of Education.

In my 31 years as a public educator — teacher, principal, and now superintendent of schools — I have worked with many people and served on myriad boards and committees.  During my tenure, I have learned repeatedly that those individuals who care most are not necessarily the ones who protect status quo, but those who demonstrate a critical eye and a genuine desire to be part of something that can make a real difference and enact positive change for students and learning.  Marilyn is truly the latter of the two.

The declining performance data from Region One concerns me, such as: the percentage of students reaching goal (not proficient) on our state assessments, the numbers of students taking and passing advance placement exams, and our students’ performance on SATs.  In addition, we have seen several reports with accounts of weaknesses and obvious need.  It is equally disturbing that all this comes despite Region One ranking 5th in the State of Connecticut in our Net Current Educational Expenditures per Pupil (NCEP) at a whopping $19,781.50 per pupil.  (Sharon, Cornwall and Canaan rank in the top three at costs in excess of $20,000 per pupil.)    

Fellow Sharon residents, we need an intelligent and objective representative  asking those critical questions and holding people accountable for decisions that are costing us a great deal of money with only mediocre results.  We need someone who, while asking those crucial questions, demonstrates the willingness and ability to help solve the many challenges that currently confront our regional school board.  Please vote for restoring objectivity and credibility to our regional Board by electing Marilyn Yerks as Sharon’s first elected  representative to the Region One Board of Education.

Philip B. O’Reilly, Ed.D.
Sharon

 

Marilyn Yerks is highly qualified

Marilyn Yerks is the clear choice for Sharon representative to the Region One Board of Education.

Marilyn Yerks has been an invaluable volunteer to the Sharon Center School Community.  Marilyn has served on the Sharon Center PTO in many capacities.  She has been the secretary, treasurer and the president.  She has also served on the Sharon Daycare Board as the treasurer.  Marilyn has served on the Sharon Center School Board of Education for four years.  Marilyn’s accounting background and education make her a fabulous volunteer.    She understands budgets and finances.  She knows the importance of accurate financial reporting, transparency and accountability.  

Marilyn spearheaded the campaign for a new playground at Sharon Center School. Together with the school administration, she researched different playgrounds throughout the state and then put together a year-long fundraising campaign.  The end result is  a much needed and very welcome improvement to the Sharon Center School.

Marilyn wants to be the Region One Board of Education Representative because she values education, and she wants the children of Sharon and the children throughout Region One to have the opportunities they deserve.

I have worked with Marilyn on many projects over the years. She does her homework.  She knows how to get things done, and she is not afraid to work hard.  Our kids and our community deserve the best representation they can get. Vote for Marilyn Yerks on November 8th and we’ll get it.

Sarah Paley Coon
Sharon

 

Riva a successful selectman

For almost 10 years now there has been an inclination on the part of the Salisbury Republican Town Committee to bring hard-right philosophy and policy to the local level. It has been vocalized on a number of occasions that Republican candidates for local office must oppose, as a matter of course, virtually every proposal brought forth by an independent or Democratic elected official. This is, simply, wrong-headed and counterproductive to the continuing welfare of the town of Salisbury and its citizens. Good people who are good and  productive leaders get sacrificed on an altar of change for change’s sake.

Bob Riva has worked long, hard, and most importantly, successfully, beside his fellow Selectmen and the list of positive changes he has help bring about is considerable: the new Grove building, the new firehouse and the new ski jump are but two of the high-profile improvements that Bob, as a hard-working team member and with the help of many others, helped bring about. Under the current SRTC-professed planks, the disinclination to accept — or even apply for — STEAP grants would have scuttled those projects.

 A writer in last week’s letters column criticized Riva for working “too” well with his fellow selectmen who happen to be Democrats. Indeed, it can be concluded that Riva did not receive the SRTC’s endorsement precisely because he was not in “lockstep”[the writer’s term] with ultra-conservative national party politics.

The adage goes that if something is not broken it should not be “fixed ” simply for the sake of monkeying with it. When change is made for spite, rather than reasons of value, improvement and benefit of those governed, it exemplifies a pettiness that brings good work to a grinding halt.

Every person in Salisbury has, in one way or another, benefited from Riva’s accomplishments as a selectman. Please vote for him and let him continue his good work.

Doug Richardson
Former chairman, SRTC
Sharon

 

Perotti works across spectrum

I’m writing to urge all of Sharon to vote for John Perotti for selectman on Nov. 8.

I’ve known John and his family for many years. He has volunteered repeatedly, serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Sharon Housing Authority, 21st Century Fund, and Sharon Lion’s Club.

In his role as a business leader in our community, he had to work regularly across the political spectrum. There was no thought of liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans and Independents – just issues that needed to be resolved.  

Political office is no different.  His success as CEO will translate uniquely as he knows how to surround himself with the best resources and drive results.  He wants what we all want — great schools, services for seniors, protection for our capital assets, and planning for the future.

As a life-time Sharon resident, I know how important it is to have honest, proven leaders in both good times, and times of uncertainty.  With John on the Board of Selectmen, I know there will be a healthy collaboration among the board, working together to advance Sharon.

Please join me in voting for John Perotti for selectman on November 8th.

Doug Cahill
Sharon

 

Please vote for Darin Hudson

Darin Hudson would be a great addition to the Sharon Center School (SCS) Board of Education.  He has two daughters at SCS which gives him firsthand knowledge of issues that need to be addressed.   Darin is approachable, a good listener and open to suggestions.  In addition, he has a critical skill set that is needed at this time of fiscal challenges facing our school and community — 25 years of business experience in managing and controlling budgets of $3 million.  

His top objective is having our students excel scholastically and preparing them for high school and beyond. A good education is paramount for children to succeed as adults. Darin has continually demonstrated a strong commitment to the community as a volunteer for the Sharon PTO, Girl Scouts, Sharon Day Care and the Sharon Garden House Project providing food for the needy.  He is a member and treasurer of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.  

Vote for Darin Hudson on November 8.  It is an excellent investment in the future of Sharon’s children.

Lea Davies and Larry Power      
Sharon

 

Vote for Rolo

I would like to express my support for Claude Rolo as a candidate for Salisbury Board of Education. In his role as the chairman of our road association Claude has shown himself to be committed, organized and fair-minded.

Claude has a child in the Region One schools and has an interest in what happens on the Board of Ed. He cares what happens with our schools, and I endorse him and encourage the voters to vote for Claude.

Anne Day
Lakeville

 

Randall for second selectman

What can you say about a man who has organized a folk festival for more than 9,000 people for the last 26 years?

What can you say about a man who has had a solid crew working in the construction business in the Northwest Corner even in this recession?

What can you say about a man who so deeply cares about his community (Sharon) he is on several town boards and has consistently attended all town Selectmen meetings for many years?

You say, “He’s the man we want to join our selectmen to guide Sharon forward.”

Vote for Howard Randall on Election Day.

Carl Chaiet
Sharon

 

A great team for Sharon: Loucks and Perotti

Bob Loucks and John Perotti would make a great team as First Selectman and Selectman for the next term. I endorse their candidacies based on both personal and professional experiences with them.  

I had lots of contact with Bob during Swaller Hills’ repaving project, and the weather made it quite a challenge.  When torrential rains deposited several truckloads of roadbed in my yard, Bob had the road crew clean it up, and they did a great job.

I called Bob again when ice and rain chewed up the shoulders of the road. Bob had the contractor line the sides with reclaimed asphalt, and the problem did not recur, despite this summers’ storms! When weather threatened the uncompleted work on the culverts, I called Bob yet again, and the problem was handled.

I have been pleased with Bob’s responses whenever I’ve had need to call. The road project is not yet done, and I’d like Bob to see it through to completion.  His many years as a successful businessman have naturally translated to his approach as Sharons’ top elected official.

I also believe John Perotti would be a great addition to the  Board of Selectmen. I’ve known and worked with him on a professional level most of my adult life. As our local banker, John is well-known to many of us as the man who approved our first mortgages.  His leadership at Salisbury Bank and Trust has led to steady growth of the bank through good times and bad, while other, less prudently managed financial institutions have disappeared.  

That is the kind of stewardship I want watching over our town expenses. I have served with John for over 20 years in the Sharon Lions Club.  He was already a veteran member of the club when I joined and he quickly got me involved in the many community activities of the club.

I’ve seen Johns’ expertise not only in financial matters, but community issues as well. Both Bob and John  have an upbeat, enthusiastic can-do spirit about matters that benefits Sharon and its residents.

In these challenging  times, Bob Loucks is best able to continue on as first selectman and our local banker, John Perotti is a wise choice for the board of selectmen.

Dale C. Jones
West Cornwall

 

Thanks on road project

Bob Loucks has done a great job of not letting small town politics keep him from doing what he said he would do with our road project. Thanks should be spread out among all who contributed: contractors, town employees and to Gene Parsons for his expertise.

Kelly Casey
Sharon

 

Randall a wise choice

Howard Randall is running as petition candidate for the Sharon Board of Selectmen. He would be an outstanding selectman. He is a longtime Sharon resident and is committed to the future well-being of the town. I have worked with Howard for several years on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and observed his ability to listen to others, to offer his advice, and to work effectively with his colleagues.

Howard’s vision for Sharon exemplifies his knowledge as well as his ability to grasp immediate issues and to think “out of the box.” These qualities were evident in his comments regarding the repaving of Swaller Hill Road. Howard would add wisdom and cooperation to the Sharon Board of Selectmen.

Larry Rand
Sharon

 

In support of Judge Manning

We ask Sharon voters to join us in supporting Judge Manning for re-election as Sharon rep to the Region One Board of Education. Our town needs Judge to continue as our rep because he has the necessary commitment and experience for the position. Judge has served as Sharon rep for 10 years and has been elected by the town reps on the Region One board as their chairman each of the past six years, from 2006 through 2011.  They recognize Judge as an effective leader, as should we.

Devoted to our students, schools and public education, Judge attends about 90 meetings a year — two meetings a week — to represent Sharon and the Region One board. This is an enormous commitment of time that Judge has made and will continue to make, and the experience he has accumulated makes him especially valuable to Sharon and the region.

A self-made businessman who built his company over 33 years and now employs 16 people, Judge brings a focus on the business side of Region One. He has helped introduce cost savings at Region One, which takes a big piece of our town budget. With his experience, Judge is the ideal person to continue the important effort to keep the Region One budget consistent with the financial realities of today.

Judge is candid and direct. With Judge, what you see is what you get. For his experience, devotion to our schools and financial acumen, all of us in Sharon need Judge to continue to represent us. Please join us in supporting Judge Manning for Sharon rep on the Region One Board of Education.

Kate and Rick Beatty
Sharon

 

Dana Scarpa stands out

On Nov. 8 there will be five candidates vying for four positions on the Board of Education for Salisbury Central School (SCS).

Given the importance of education and the fact that the SCS operating budget makes up over one third of the town’s total annual expenses, it is imperative to elect the best-qualified candidates. Dana Scarpa is an outstanding candidate. She has exceptional and relevant  qualifications.

During her past ll year residency in Salisbury Dana has been president of the PTO. In addition, she has coached various sports. Dana will put the best interest of the pupils first. She has loving and creative energy, a quick mind, a huge heart, fair play. Dana, who has firsthand experience dealing with bullying a child will seek to prevent bullying. Dana’s business experience includes marketing and retail management positions, responsible for multi-million-dollar budgets.

Of particular interest is Dana’s bachelor’s degree in early  childhood education. In short, help elect Dana, someone who is proactive and loves helping kids succeed.

Mieke Armstrong
Salisbury

Latest News

Tuning up two passions under one roof

The Webb Family in the workshop. From left: Phyllis, Dale, Ben and Josh Webb, and project manager Hannah Schiffer.

Natalia Zukerman

Magic Fluke Ukulele Shop and True Wheels Bicycle Shop are not only under the same roof in a beautiful solar powered building on Route 7 in Sheffield, but they are also both run by the Webb family, telling a tale of familial passion, innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

In the late ‘90s, Dale Webb was working in engineering and product design at a corporate job. “I took up instrument manufacturing as a fun challenge,” said Dale. After an exhibit at The National Association of Music Merchants in Anaheim, California, in 1999, The Magic Fluke company was born. “We were casting finger boards and gluing these things together in our basement in New Hartford and it just took off,” Dale explained. “It was really a wild ride, it kind of had a life of its own.”

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Robert Cray’s soulful blues coming to Infinity Hall

Robert Cray

Photo provided

Blues legend Robert Cray will be bringing his stinging, funky guitar and soulful singing to Infinity Hall Norfolk on Friday, March 29.

A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned The Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. He has played with blues and rock icons including Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and many more.

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