I have truly enjoyed being first selectman of Old Saybrook for nearly 12 years. I knew that there were those who have always felt empowered by lodging personal attacks, creating misinformation, even to the extent of fabricating total mistruths to cause political chaos, embarrass and intimidate elected officials; and discouraging good people from considering running for office.

If one looks back at local history, you will find that I am not the first one they have done this to; and if left to their ways I won't be the last. The negative tactics they employ are the absolute opposite of what I originally campaigned on, in 1999, which was to bring a "positive voice" to Old Saybrook and to develop an outstanding "positive exemplary community."

It has been with the assistance of Bill Peace and Velma Thomas, who served on the Board of Selectmen for a decade, that we accomplished so much. If one researches those who have a negative opinion on everything and who focus their attacks on me, you will find they represent all that I stand against. It may also be that they are the fronts for those who believe they are "entitled" and who have not been able to influence this administration.

I don't respond to the cowardly bloggers who use fake names; nor to letters to the editor which are signed by the same group; (which I refer to as Citizens Against Virtually Everything.) This is a group that, if and when they are against something we are doing, I listen, but upon deliberation, have found our position validated.

Bullies won't be victorious

While I, as with other towns' chief elected officials, have to tolerate what would be libelous and slanderous statements, I will not be bullied but will stand up against that which is wrong and not in the town's interest. My administration's vision and accomplishments have been validated by the voters, residents and business interest of our town as well as by external agencies. Obviously, this does not sit well with the CAVE group.

This is a wonderful town with good and just people. The caution I would express to the public is not to be dissuaded from the truth and the best interests of the town. Scratch the surface and you may find those who stay out of public view, but who sponsor and contribute to bad behavior, for they have personal and political gains at stake.

Majority support welcome

For those who have supported our efforts with 65 percent to 70 percent of the vote, not only in my elections but also in budget referendum and many other town wide votes, I thank you.

The bottom line is that we are a No. 1 town with acknowledgement of strong, competent management despite those who have tried to stop us. I fully understand and can appreciate that not everyone agrees with everything we have accomplished and some have complained that "they" would have done it differently. Well, the reality is that my administration has resolved issues that had long gone unresolved, dividing the town and costing it huge sums of money.

On some matters there was an avoidance to make the hard political decisions. In other situations it was the financial and organizational skills we brought to this office, to not only resolve but to do so with significant benefit to the town and its residents, both now and into the future.

Together with the collaborative efforts of our various boards and commissions, we have demonstrated that Old Saybrook is a progressive community that has built its foundation on financial responsibility.

Editor's note: The writer is

Old Saybrook first selectman.