What a surprise! For the third time in as many elections, there will be no contest for selectmen in Lyme on account of another backroom deal coordinated by the Democratic and Republican Town Committees.

This scheme was first designed by Democrat Steve Mattson and Republican Ralph Eno and continues unabated with Republican David Lahm and Democrats, John Kiker and Kristina White. It’s a simple shell game in which the town committees either cross-endorse or do not run candidates; thereby guaranteeing the election results.

In the past, the First Selectman retires during an off year, allowing the remaining two to promote their predesignated successor. It is, essentially, a way for a handful of pretentious elites to pick the town leaders by circumventing the democratic process and depriving voters of having their say. It is a shameful practice, but now equally predictable. And it will continue.

These are not people who care about a healthy democracy. These are people who care only about their own wealth, their blinding white privilege, and their keeping Lyme to themselves. But history will not forget their decision to take choice away from their fellow citizens and will judge them accordingly.

Stephen Gencarella

Lyme