Lavielle: The Champion for Wilton’s Future
October 10
To the Editor:
Why will I vote for Gail Lavielle? Let me count the reasons. Gail listens to us, acts quickly and effectively, and delivers satisfying results. Gail repeatedly went to bat for disenfranchised Wilton commuters last year and drove substantial positive changes with the MTA that dramatically improved our miserable commute last winter. Gail is pro-business, pro-people and pro-Wilton. Gail is a compelling and reasoned voice effectively representing us in Hartford. As the champion for Connecticut’s future, Gail is equally the champion for Wilton’s future. Gail is one of us and is our BFF. That is why I will vote for Gail.
AP Duffy
DePanfilis Personal and Professional Attention to Complex Circumstances
October 11
To the Editor:
I am writing to urge members of our community to re-elect Anthony DePanfilis on Nov. 4 as Probate Judge. I have known Judge DePanfilis for over 35 years as a close family friend. He is a highly respected professional, is an involved member of the community and has been recognized and praised for his dedication to this position.
Norwalk/Wilton Probate Court is the sixth largest in the state and one of the most diverse. The Connecticut Probate Court System is responsible for more than just settling estates. Family issues such as adoption, finding safe homes for children in need, deciding on the care of aging parents experiencing mental disabilities such as Alzheimer’s and those experiencing other mental and physical challenges can fall into Probate Court.
More than a political position (although electable every four years), the Norwalk/Wilton Probate Judge plays a unique and critical role in helping families who should find themselves in need. Complex issues we may or may never face must be handled by someone with knowledge, experience, integrity sensitivity and care. Judge DePanfilis’ personal and professional attention to these circumstances holds significant value.
We are so fortunate to have this extraordinary individual in this meaningful role. Therefore, please join me in re-electing Judge DePanfilis to the Norwalk/Wilton Probate Court.
Jen Hulse
Lavielle, a Devoted Politician
October 13
To the Editor:
From the day Gail Lavielle was elected into office she has worked hard to do what the people of Wilton want at the state level as you can tell by her achievements. For example, she was instrumental in securing the funding for the walkway in the center of town and has fought to lower the cost of public colleges and schools of higher education. She has also worked to ensure that all children learn to read before entering third grade and has sponsored legislation to make sure that all children with dyslexia receive proper special ed service.
My choice, Lavielle!
Claire Dunn
Himes an Effective Advocate for Wilton
October 14
To the Editor:
Jim Himes has been a thoughtful, articulate and effective advocate for Wilton and our district at a time when the U.S. House of Representatives is rife with partisan dysfunction. Jim has rightfully earned a place alongside his great independent and moderate predecessors of Christopher Shays, Stewart McKinney and Lowell Weicker. He secured the funds needs to re-open our station house and is tackling decades-deferred railroad maintenance ignored by both parties. He has raised the discourse regarding transportation here in Fairfield County by condemning partisan “squabbling” that has stunted progress.
We can trust that he will not cave in to gun lobby extremists. He is challenging insurance companies along with our senior House Rep. Rosa DeLauro to get women the health care screening they need and deserve. He’ll continue to curb the influence of the Koch brothers and their corporate far right agenda with measured policies and a steady hand. He has represented Main Street, Wall Street, and all of our streets in-between well. He deserves our full support this Nov. 4.
Keith Rodgerson
Himes and Rodgerson: Strong Advocates for Women and Children
October 14
To the Editor:
I am writing to support the election of Congressman Jim Himes and Keith Rodgerson, two candidates whom I know will be strong advocates for women in Congress and our State Legislature. On issues ranging from access to healthcare to equal pay, Jim and Keith are there for us. As fathers and husbands, they are there for our children, too, fighting for greater educational opportunities from pre-K to college and equipping our children with the tools they need to succeed. I will be casting my vote for them this Nov. 4 and I hope you will support them as well.
Barbara E. Massy Bear
DePanfilis: Common Touch and True Compassion
October 15
To The Editor:
As a Fairfield County lawyer of many years, I have worked with Anthony DePanfilis as Probate Judge on a variety of estate related matters. I have always appreciated his sound advice and practical problem solving. However, this letter is intended to highlight an entirely different talent of Judge DePanfilis from a personal vantage point.
Approximately six years ago my wife and I needed to be appointed the legal guardian of our daughter, Anna, who has special needs. Although such matters are routine, Judge DePanfilis dealt with us thoughtfully and evidenced an appreciation of this emotional challenge. Even more importantly, his interaction with Anna showed a remarkable understanding and compassion. Not only did he interact with Anna in a straight-forward manner, but he treated her with dignity. Some months later, at the Judge’s invitation, Anna returned to the Norwalk Probate Court with a group of her classmates. The Judge greeted Anna by name and invited her to give her classmates a tour of his chambers, a task she proudly accepted and which left her beaming. Judge DePanfilis has a talent for making those who appear before him feel welcome and respected. His extraordinary personal skills, in combination with his legal ability and years of experience, are what make him a special person for a special job.
I encourage my fellow Norwalk and Wilton residents to join me on Nov. 4 to re-electing this seasoned Probate Judge.
Mark R. Carta
Gail Lavielle – Commitment and Integrity
October 15
To the Editor:
This election, without question, the right choice for our state representative is Gail Lavielle. Since first being elected in 2010, Gail has shown a firm command of the issues and has represented all of us with a level of commitment and integrity second to none.
Her dedication to achieve positive results has earned her the appreciation of her constituents, the respect of her colleagues, and the endorsement by so many including the Sierra Club, Connecticut Realtors, Commuter Action Group, and the NFIB, to name just a few.
On Nov. 4, please vote for Gail Lavielle, our very own champion.
Eric Cameron
Lavielle Deserves Thanks Regarding Metro-North
October 16
To the Editor:
All Wiltonians, not just commuters, should thank Rep. Gail Lavielle for the work she did to restore thru-service on the early morning Danbury branch train. Gail’s petition to Metro-North, her personal meetings with railroad executives, and the unrelenting pressure she put on management did the trick, and thru-service was restored. This is a key feature of Wilton’s livability and helps make Wilton attractive to families, home buyers and all workers. Metro-North is a critical part of our state’s transportation network, and we need to be expanding service, not cutting back. Gail’s constituent service is really exceptional, and I will be pleased to support Rep. Lavielle next month.
Dave Finkelstein
Sharlach: New Thinking and New Ideas
October 16
To the Editor:
Phil Sharlach is running for State Senate in the 26th Senatorial District. At the recent League of Women Voters debates held in Westport and Ridgefield, Phil put himself on the political map by presenting actual concrete proposals to address Connecticut issues. While presenting actual numbers may be a sign of a political novice, it also demonstrates Phil’s background as a management consultant where real solutions are expected and delivered. Here are some examples:
- Establish the New York-Connecticut Transportation Authority (NYCTA) to raise the $Billions required to repair and upgrade Connecticut’s deteriorating transportation infrastructure. A modern integrated rail network will dramatically decrease truck traffic on I-95 and I-84; improve commute time by car or rail; and is a key enabler of Connecticut economic growth.
- Stop paying unemployment insurance compensation to people who don’t live in Connecticut, and may have only worked here a short time within the past 15 months. This could save Connecticut businesses an estimated $270 million.
- Deploy wireless technology to automatically collect commercial highway use fees, estimated at over $140 million per year. Today Connecticut relies on voluntary paper reporting.
- Conduct a State-wide efficiency and productivity analysis of the 104 CT agencies. Savings will be found!
Partisan gridlock has paralyzed the US Congress. I urge voters of all political persuasions to give serious considerations to Phil’s ideas. Give new thinking and new ideas an opportunity.
Jason Cutler