Old Saybrook Democrats

Old Saybrook Democratic Town Committee Statement on Voter Suppression

A bedrock principle upon which our Democratic Republic stands is the right the people to free and fair elections, where every citizen has ability to cast his or her vote.  Recent attempts by Republican controlled states to restrict voter access, in particular, the recent law passed in the state of Georgia, raises grave concerns.

This law and similar efforts across the country are justified by the claim that “some” people are concerned about voter fraud.  Yet there is no credible evidence of such fraud having taken place.  The practical consequence of the Georgia law and others now being considered is to make voting more difficult, particularly for people of color.  It hearkens back to the Jim Crow era of voter suppression.

The Old Saybrook Democratic Town Committee takes issue with States taking legislative actions to suppress people’s right to vote.   We support and applaud the actions of Major League Baseball, U.S Corporations, and the efforts of African American CEO’s and others, who are taking stands against these voter suppression tactics.  We call upon all citizens of Old Saybrook, including our Republican neighbors, to stand with us on this matter.  It is too important to the future of our Democracy to look the other way.

NOTE: *Alternate position on the Land Use Boards (Planning, ZBA, and Zoning) are nominated but do not appear on the November 2, 2021 Municipal Election ballot.  Vote is taken at the Annual Town Meeting held on the 4^th Monday of November:  November 22, 2021.

The Old Saybrook Town Committee Nominating Committee is interested in speaking with town residents interested in running for positions on municipal boards and commissions in the November 2021 election cycle.

Elected boards and commissions include:

• Board of Selectmen (each one of these would link to the page for the appropriate board/comm)
• Town Treasurer
• Tax Collector
• Board of Finance
• Board of Education
• Board of Assessment Appeals
• Planning Commission
• Police Commission
• Zoning Commission
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Parks and Recreation Commission
• Harbor Management Commission

The process for interested town residents is to speak with the Nominating Committee about the position they are interested in serving as a candidate.  The nominating committee then presents a slate of candidates to the full Democratic Town Committee, no later than July 26, 2021.

Boards and Commissions have different meeting schedules, responsibilities and terms.  Interested town residents are encouraged to attend the board or commission meeting that they are interested in serving on.  At present, all board and commission meetings are held virtually.

A candidate information meeting will be held virtually on May 12th, 2021 at 7pm.  Pre-registration is recommended for this event.  This event will serve as an opportunity to speak with current board and commission members to better understand the role and responsibilities of membership and service.

Interested candidates can email oldsaybrookdemocrats@gmail.com to express interest.

NOTE: *Alternate position on the Land Use Boards (Planning, ZBA, and Zoning) are nominated but do not appear on the November 2, 2021 Municipal Election ballot.  Vote is taken at the Annual Town Meeting held on the 4^th Monday of November:  November 22, 2021.

 Vacancies

Town Committee:  Two Vacancies.  Term to expire March 2022.  Candidates will be elected by DTC, after recommendations from the Nominating Committee.

If you are interested in applying or know of a good candidate for the Town Committee or for positions in the upcoming election ,  please send an email of interest to Colin Heffernan, Nominating Committee Chair at  jcolinheffernan@gmail.com   or to John O’Brien, Town Committee Chair at :  john_hlr@yahoo.com

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