Two selectmen vie for promotion to East Lyme’s top spot
East Lyme ― Voters in November will decide if the town’s top spot will go to the Republican deputy first selectman or the moderate Democrat looking to end the GOP’s 15-year dynasty.
Republican Anne Santoro, elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2021 after serving four years on the Board of Finance, announced her candidacy after current First Selectman Kevin Seery said his first term would be his last.
A lawyer not currently in practice, Santoro describes herself as dedicated and data driven. The 67-year old said she brings an analytical perspective to the role held previously by local restaurateur Paul Formica, insurance salesman Mark Nickerson and Seery, a retired state trooper.
Hers is “a little bit of a different kind of leadership,” she said.
Four-term Democratic Selectman Dan Cunningham, 69, said he’s the type of leader who can galvanize his own party and get cooperation from the Republicans.
“I’m a moderate,” he said. “I think I have respect from both sides.”
Vying for the five-member Board of Selectman over which the first selectman will preside are three candidates for each party.
The Democrats are running incumbent Ann Cicchiello along with Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jason Deeble, who currently serves on the Planning Commission, and Democratic State Central Committee regional representative Anthony “Tony” Attanasio.
Republicans are backing 19-term Selectwoman Rose Ann Hardy, who is unaffiliated, as well as current Board of Education member Candice Carlson and Harbor Management/Shellfish Commission member Don MacKenzie.
Cunningham, an attorney who hangs his shingle on Main Street, said his municipal experience extends back to the days when he advised town officials on the purchase of 301 acres surrounding Darrow Pond for $4.1 million in 2011.
It’s a relevant skill set as town officials look to protect open spaces such as the swath in the Oswegatchie Hills currently owned by developer Glenn Russo, whose controversial proposal to build as many as 840 apartments overlooking the Niantic River remains mired in two decades of litigation.
One way to ensure the land remains untouched is to get funding from the state, Cunningham said.
Formica, whose tenure as first selectman was a springboard to four terms as a state senator, unsuccessfully appealed to the state bond commission last year for $10 million to purchase the 243 acres. Now retired, Formica was replaced last November by state Sen. Martha Marx, a Democrat.
“I think there are some people up in Hartford that, if I am elected, will listen to me,” Cunningham said. “I may be able to get some help and maybe get the state to kick in what we need to secure that land and preserve it and keep it from development.”
Santoro, too, said it’s time to talk about making a deal with Russo.
“The time might be right for him financially to make that move. And how long can he sit on that and litigate,” she said. “I’ll bring everything I can to the table.”
That means working with the nonprofit advocates who have rallied to save the land, consulting local commissions involved in environmental planning, and lobbying state officials for funding.
She cited a “very good working relationship” with state Rep. Holly Cheeseman, R-East Lyme, and said she would tap Marx as a resource when seeking funding for open space.
“It doesn’t matter the party,” she said. “They represent East Lyme.”
Open space is one element of a focus on preserving the town’s character ― identified in the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development as a key priority ― that has come to the forefront amid controversy about multiple large, three-story mixed use buildings in Niantic and an affordable housing development in the woods near the Montville border.
Cunningham acknowledged development is largely the purview of the Zoning Commission and the Planning Commission.
“What the first selectman can do is set the tone and help establish what priorities are, and help to make sure the boards are informed and educated as to the statutory framework they live in,” he said.
He pointed to the affordable housing law in Connecticut known in statutory parlance as 8-30g that makes it easier for developers to sue the commission if their proposal is denied, provided at least 30% of the units are set aside at affordable rates. Municipalities with more than 10% of their housing stock deed restricted as affordable are not subject to the law.
One thing the first selectman can do is bring attention to a provision in the law that allows towns to apply for a four-year moratorium from the 8-30g statute, Cunningham said. Officials can use the time to seek out affordable housing developments on their own terms instead of waiting for a developer to come in with a plan over which they have no control.
“To think we’re not going to have development in town, that’s not the way it is,” he said. “Things are always expanding. What we have to be able to do is manage that growth in a way that makes sense.”
Santoro was critical of the 8-30g statute because she said the 70/30 ratio of market rate units to affordable units is untenable. She said adding more market rate units than affordable units at one time effectively moves the goalpost so the 10% target can’t be reached.
A bill raised last year in the General Assembly to require a study of the effects of 8-30g – which many viewed as an attempt to weaken it – got support from suburban Fairfield County homeowners trying to preserve town character as well as statewide environmental groups looking to conserve natural resources.
“We need to start putting some pressure on the state legislature,” Santoro said, describing it as a conversation the first selectman can start among the town’s land use commission and staff.
Santoro said the town should continue to increase affordable housing options while exercising care when it comes to the “long-range overdevelopment of the town.”
Q&A with Board of Selectmen candidates
The Democrats and Republicans have each put up three candidates for five open positions on the Board of Selectmen. Learn more about them in their own words.
1) What do you consider to be the most pressing issue in East Lyme right now?
Tony Attanasio, D: The most pressing issue in East Lyme right now is the same as it has been for more than a decade: overdevelopment. I was concerned about this when I first ran for Board of Selectman in 2007, and it has only gotten more severe. I lost that election 16 years ago and moved on to other public service. However, now it is more important than ever that the Board of Selectmen take steps to preserve key areas of open space to protect our aquifer and other resources, reduce the stress on our infrastructure, and preserve the character of the town. I believe that since 2007, the Board of Selectmen has not done enough to help preserve open space and ensure that town hall is enforcing zoning regulations. The performance of the Board of Selectmen over the 16 years since I last ran has motivated me to run again.
The Board of Selectmen should work closely with the land use commissions to keep control of development, as well as encouraging architectural consistency in downtown areas. Another example of positive action the Board of Selectman could take is reasonable regulation of short term rentals which seem to be getting out of control. The Board also must work closely with neighboring towns on issues like the data center proposed for Millstone. To allow this data center could be the most consequential decision made by either the towns involved or the Siting Council.
Candice Carlson, R: I consider Economic Development to be one of the most pressing issues in East Lyme at the moment.
Ann Cicchiello, D: As an elected official, my most valuable resources are the voices of the residents of East Lyme. Public comment periods in town meetings, emails from concerned citizens, or phone calls with opinions are critical for me to hear what people want and to help me make the right decisions to serve the best interests of the town. But the processes of local government are difficult for many to find, and I often have to help people find out when a town meeting is being held or where to submit a public comment -- but oftentimes, it is already too late for that person to make their contribution.
It is critical that we work to make town government more transparent and accessible for every resident to express their opinion. Increasing effective communication and making town meetings more accessible is key to informed decision-making at every level of town government. Elected officials cannot faithfully execute their responsibility to the town unless they hear from everyone, whether the issue is zoning, development, education, or the budget. Only by hearing the voices of East Lyme residents can we effectively address the needs of our town and our community.
Jason Deeble, D: I believe the most pressing concern isn't a single concern. Rather, it's finding the proper balance between smart development and the current quality of life in the town. It is a complicated balancing act which connects to pretty much all the issues facing the town. Environmental stewardship, affordability, and quality of life for the folks in are community are all top priorities for me when it comes to striking this balance.
Rose Ann Hardy, U: Continuing to create opportunities for smart growth which protect the environment and maintain a small town atmosphere. People like to live in the town of East Lyme. Secondly, to continue to provide quality services while maintaining a stable tax base.
Don MacKenzie, R: Controlled Growth. If you aren’t growing in some fashion, you are dying. No, we do not want to be Mystic (I am talking about the tourist destination and marketing that to the entire Eastern Seaboard). But, we do want to be a desired location to live and be a part of. Even though some people may say they want the town of yesteryear, I truly doubt that to be true. We are no longer the Main Street of years gone by. If people want services, those providing services need to be paid, so some growth is necessary whether it be in education, public works, law enforcement, shopping, dining, etc. We have waterfront and amazing beaches…people want to come here! We have an amazing boardwalk and a Main Street on the water.
2) If you’re running again, why is it important for you to continue serving? If you’re running for selectman for the first time, why did you decide to put your name in contention now?
Candice Carlson, R: I am running again, however for the Board of Selectman instead of the Board of Ed.
It’s important for me to serve because I believe when you invest in your community, it is a better place. I consider running for the Board of Selectman the natural trajectory from the East Lyme Board of Education. Additionally, for myself I don’t consider it “contention.” I’m honored to be considered to serve at one of the highest levels of our municipal government. Representing our towns people and their voices is a sharp skill set that I have, partnered with an immeasurable amount of commitment and natural pulse on our community. It’s a “win” all the way around.
Ann Cicchiello, D: During my years of service to East Lyme, whether saying no to another tax increase as the vcice Chairman of the Board of Finance or finding out the status of a permit for a concerned citizen, I am dedicated to serving the people of East Lyme. My only interest is to ensure we craft policy and implement change for the benefit of the whole town. That’s why I am dedicated to taking calls from any resident with a question. That’s why I’m not afraid to ask the tough questions. That’s why I always ask myself, and the other board members, how do our actions affect our taxpayers? How does this improve East Lyme? The payment of taxes is an investment each taxpayer chooses to make in our community, so it needs to be worthwhile. As a board member, I want to continue to be the voice for the trust our residents put in the board.
That’s why I am running for re-election, to make sure I can give back to a town that has given me the best opportunity to raise my family and be part of this thriving community.
Jason Deeble, D: I believe the next few years will be pivotal in East Lyme's future. Forces are at work that will affect us all of regardless of our age, income, or political persuasion. I want to make sure that all perspectives are represented when important decisions are being made. If we want a truly representative government, we need to vote for candidates who have jobs, young families, diverse expertise and experience. I have all those things. In addition, I believe I have the energy, enthusiasm, and experience to effectively serve my community. I believe strongly that, if good people don't run for government, we won't have good governance. Too many folks are shut out of the process because they don't have time or resources to get involved. Too many folks sit it out because they feel there's no real point of entry for them. It's my intention to win this election and make sure those folks are heard. Otherwise, we will have a government that doesn't necessarily represent the people and folks making the decisions that don't entirely have everyone's best interests at heart.
Rose Ann Hardy, U: My husband and I chose to live in East Lyme and have since 1966. I served as an educator for 54 years and would like to continue to help develop the town’s future as well as remind people of our history. We have many boards and commissions to help with this task as well as many volunteers and I look forward to working with them.
Don MacKenzie, R: On several occasions I have been asked to run as I do love (most of) the political process. But I had an obligation to my business, my customers, and my employees, and not until the business was sold did I really sit down and think about getting involved.
3) It’s not uncommon to hear complaints that East Lyme is becoming overdeveloped. What is an example of something you think the Board of Selectmen can do to help guide commercial, residential and/or tourism growth in furtherance of the community’s vision for the future?
Candice Carlson, R: Although it is not uncommon to hear complaints that East Lyme is being overdeveloped, it’s also not uncommon to hear that people choose to live and visit East Lyme because of their excellent school system, beautiful beaches, fun events and unique businesses.
First, choosing people to represent us that put “people before politics” is key.
Additionally, I believe a deep dive into planning and zoning regulations within legal parameters is warranted given the growth and concerns that residents in East Lyme are having.
I’m confident that with the right people we can collectively find the right balance for East Lyme in order to be financially sustainable while preserving and maintaining our quaint community that we all love and are known for.
One of the deciding factors for me to transition to the East Lyme Board of Selectman was to be part of the conversations that are needed that will ultimately design what the future landscape of East Lyme will be.
Ann Cicchiello, D: East Lyme needs smart planning with a vision of the future. Everything that East Lyme has to offer, from top education to diverse natural beauty to the welcoming community, has shown the world that East Lyme is an incredible place to live, work, and play. These great qualities are what drew me and many others to relocate their families here, retire here, or spend vacations here. However, increased interest in East Lyme also brings investors buying family homes or opening big box stores. As a growing community that values smart development, East Lyme needs to balance competing interests to ensure development is done for the benefit of the whole town. Our future development and growth must consider affordability, preserving open space, providing clean water, stimulating smart economic development, and protecting our shores from a changing climate. In striking a balance between these interests, we must recognize what makes East Lyme special and ensure that it remains so for posterity.
Jason Deeble, D: There are ways to redevelop existing areas of town to allow for smarter growth. Creating community spaces where folks can easily access transportation, recreation, and economic centers will allow for the kind of affordability we need right now. It will allow for the sort of sustained viability we'll need in the future to stay healthy. Massive building projects out on the edge of town may work to satisfy state requirements. They may work to please developers looking to turn a buck. But they won't create the kind of flow we'll need in the years ahead. We need to be creative and purposeful about charting a path forward and prudent about where we invest our resources. People want to live in East Lyme because of its beauty and character, its economic health and well-being, its educational prestige. We can welcome those folks into our community in such a way that we maintain these qualities and expand them. Careful planning with an eye towards redevelopment rather than just development can create a win win scenarios for all involved ― not just the well financed.
Don MacKenzie, R: Yup, I hear it too and, as earlier stated, I feel it is our most pressing issue. I understand those concerns, but people still want to make it their home and I see why as I too am a resident and I do love this town.
e.regan@theday.com
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