The article “Old Lyme police union raises concerns over potential East Lyme merger,” (Dec. 8), reminded me of a question asked by the Roman judge Lucius Cassius: “Cui Bono?” or “Who Benefits?” Any merger between the two departments begs the question: Can broader jurisdictional implications surrounding two separate towns with two separate charters be disregarded? Wouldn’t a resident of either town be justified in appealing to the other town for, say, redress in the event of a rejected zoning application? How about transfer station usages and access? Beaches? Ordinances? Fees and taxes? Those registering to vote in Old Lyme; could they revise their political affiliation in East Lyme?

Now that we know the Old Lyme police union’s concern about the matter, what does the East Lyme police union have to say? What is its position? East Lyme First Selectman Mark Nickerson spoke earlier of a “new facility.” Now there’s mention of a new police captain. At what price tag? Not long ago, East Lyme combined water resources with New London. How did that turn out for East Lyme’s denizens?

Chris Powell's column, "Whitewashing State Police misconduct against gun advocate is a disservice to citizens," (Nov. 12), shows the need for mandatory body cams for every officer; now that's a "merger" that would benefit all.

Eric Straub

East Lyme