KCE Proposal
Given the importance of accurately reporting information regarding developments in our town, I take exception to what was reported in the article entitled Key Capture Energy Proposed Battery Energy Storage Plan (September 2024). After listening to Mr. Williamson’s (of KCE) presentation on GCTV, and at the board of selectmen meeting Aug. 5, in my opinion there are questions regarding how and why KCE came to Granby.
Information given by Williamson and provided by Mr. Schwager, chairperson of the development commission, indicates a pre-existing friendship brought Williamson to Granby. Williamson stated, “I have a relationship with Marty, and he introduced me to Mr. Guarco.” Call it semantical, but one wonders if KCE’s stated process for identifying land for projects in Connecticut might have led KCE to a location other than Mill Pond Road.
To his credit, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino clearly identified the Guarco Estate and Mike Guarco, board of finance chairperson, as the owners of the property, and that Schwager “played a role in putting parties together.” Fiorentino also stated that “…there will be no communication with town staff and any representatives of the town with the project.”
Residents need to realize that our local boards, including planning and zoning, board of selectmen, and inland wetlands and watercourses commission have no jurisdiction regarding the outcome of this proposed project. Currently, the town has been recognized as “parties” in the process controlled by the Connecticut Siting Council.
Maureen Eberly
In response to Susan Patricelli Regan and Granby Schools
After reading Regan’s opinion piece in the July/August Drummer, I am curious to know the origin of her information relative to bullying in the middle school. Unless she or Mr. Kramarenko had students involved in bullying complaints, their information would not be firsthand.
Privacy laws govern information regarding individual students and families and regulate access to that information. Prior to coming to the board of education, did Regan and Kramarenko follow a chain of command: i.e. did they speak with the guidance department, the assistant principal, the principal, and then the superintendent of schools? Bullying in any school grade is a common situation; it is an unfortunate fact of the human condition since I was in elementary school in the 1950s. How we handle it is important. Accusations must be substantiated!
I would also suggest that specific names are not mentioned because of slander laws. Slander is speaking in a derogatory or defamatory manner in a public situation, such as a board of education meeting. Libel is defaming someone in print, such as a newspaper. Both can be actionable under the law.
In commenting about the shop/tech/ec classes, Regan stated classes “occur apparentlywithout teachers and are mostly study halls.” This seems to be a doubtful statement, and one I find hard to believe. Relative to the swearing comment, have you sat in the classroom and heard the swearing by students and teachers?
Barbara Urso
Support for Anderson
I have known Mark for more than three years. He is a man who cares deeply for our state.
Serving on the commerce committee, he works hard to keep business in the state. He tries to introduce bills that are favorable to both small and large businesses alike.
He also serves on the environment committee. My wife and I support our local farms, and it’s good to know that Mark cares about them as well. He is an avid outdoorsman who cares about all environmental issues in the state. As a former member of our military, he supports the military and the police.
Even though he represents the minority party in the state legislature, he does not give up on trying to enact policies that my wife and I support. I believe we not only need Mark Anderson to continue to represent our district with his common-sense conservative values, but we also need more like him to take back the senate and house and get our beautiful state back to a place where people are proud to say they live.
Nicholas R. Faraco
We are writing to support Mark Anderson to continue to be our representative at the State Capitol. He has helped bring $2 million to Granby for public safety. He and Senator Lisa Seminara worked to pass legislation to improve the flow of the Farmington River so that we all can enjoy the tubing, fishing and boating in this area. He has worked on a bipartisan plan to keep fiscal guardrails on our state budget for the next five years and won approval for a merger with the New Hartford fire district to improve efficiency and lower costs. He is working on cutting taxes, fees and regulations to help keep our costs down and help job growth in our district. Mark continues to prioritize local aid to help keep taxes down and he is also working on maintaining local control over housing and education. He has helped pass legislation to support in-home care for seniors and improved quality of care in nursing homes.
Mark has shown that he is working for us all and keeps us informed through flyers, emails and town hall meetings and is easy to contact with any concerns through email, mail or phone. He has a perfect voting record at the State Capitol and works across the aisle for the benefit of all who live in our district.
He also volunteers in several local organizations. He will be getting our vote in November.
Carol and Herb Hulbert
Support for Anderson
I have known Mark Anderson since I moved to Granby in 2017 and always looked to him for guidance, as my life’s issues require a calm voice and intelligent thinking.
He has always been the voice I needed to hear to be sure I was making the correct decision for me and not overlooking important options.
Well, today we all have to listen to Mark’s advice and guidance as we approach another election for a State Representative for District 62.
Mark has been a strong voice against attempts by the majority Democratic Legislature to force EVs upon an unwilling public. Although it was defeated, citizens are being asked to support an electric grid update at taxpayer expense. You have also been subjected to two PURA-approved rate increases which includes helping Eversource pay for building EV charging stations which are not needed without an EV mandate. This idea is laying the groundwork to eventually force EVs on an unsuspecting public since the charging stations will be already available. Sneaky. But that is what the Democratic government is planning for you.
Mark has been on the forefront asking the governor—a Democrat—to call a special session to resolve several rate issues.
Mark Anderson is in the legislature representing District 62 and he is pushing all the issues affecting his constituents with the governor and legislature. He deserves to be re-elected and he has my vote and deserves your vote too.
Robert Moss
Support for Becker
I am proud to support Kim Becker for representative of the 62nd District. Since moving to Granby eight years ago, I have been fortunate to not only serve in a variety of volunteer capacities with Kim, but I consider her one of my greatest friends. She has always been there for me in times of challenge and need, and I know she will bring that commitment, without fail, to the district.
While Kim is an individual of many strengths, her greatest strengths are her capacity for reason and to care—she shows up for people, not for herself. She has put these strengths to work in Granby for years—with Valley Preschool, the Granby Ambulance Association, the Granby Commission on Aging, and as chair of the Granby Education Foundation. And this is just a small sampling of her actual commitment and service to the community. Our schools are greatly enriched with programs brought about by the generosity of GEF and the time she commits to supporting additional needs to our district.
Kim has steadfastly dedicated her time to improving people’s lives for almost two decades. Her approach to issues and those with differing opinions is reasonable and kind. She is approachable, genuine and understanding that people may not always share the same opinion. True leadership is not about serving the interests of only those you think are like you. Kim will work to serve the entirety of the 62nd and bring representation that will promote the interests of everyone.
Monica Logan
The 62nd district of Connecticut deserves a representative that will fight hard to support the beliefs and issues important to its constituents, someone who has a strong commitment to making our rural district the best it can be. I believe Kim Becker to be the best choice for our district and I endorse her in the race for state representative.
I met Kim and her family when our children began preschool together in town. Over the years we have forged a relationship based on common values and mutual respect. I have watched Kim become an essential part of the fabric of Granby—someone who gives of herself to so many organizations across the district with the sole hope of making life better for its citizens.
Kim went from concerned parent to advocate for forward-thinking programs and wise budget planning and spending in our schools. She is tireless in her efforts for educational grants through the Granby Education Foundation. She believes in affordable housing and services for the elderly and underserved through her work with Stony Hill Village and the Granby Commission on Aging. She never gives up, always looking for ways to serve local businesses and grow our communities while still maintaining the unique and charming nature of our small farming communities.
Kim genuinely believes in supporting a diverse and welcoming community. Her kindness and inclusion cross boundaries and political parties.
I urge you to join me in voting for Kim Becker for state representative on Nov. 5.
Marcy Green
I ask you to vote for Kim Becker for state representative in the 62nd District, of which Granby is a part. Kim has the concerns and needs of all district residents in mind and will always do what is best for our community.
I first met Kim when I joined the Board of Granby Homes for Senior Citizens (aka Stony Hill Village), a housing complex for low-income seniors and the disabled in Granby. She is vice president of this organization. Kim is passionate about affordable housing for all but, particularly, for our seniors. Her contributions go far beyond attending board meetings; she speaks her mind at meetings in a calm, intelligent manner. I admire her way of approaching difficult issues.
Kim is also the chair of the Granby Education Foundation, board member of the Granby Ambulance Association; was appointed to the commission on aging; and is on the executive committee for the Kearns Community Center, among many other organizations to which she contributes.
Kim Becker focuses on issues important to our Granby community: fully funding police, fire and ambulance services; supporting our farms and small businesses; funding education; improving senior housing. She deeply cares about Granby. I have seen Kim in action and know she is intelligent, values-driven, kind and passionate about what she believes. She is a person who keeps her commitments and follows through.
I hope you will join me in voting for Kim Becker. It’s not about the party, it’s about the person.
Helen Frye
I was reminded of what a wonderful town we live in as I accompanied the challenger for Connecticut’s 62nd district door-knocking on a beautiful late summer day. Again and again, I heard, “Hello, my name is Kim Becker. I am running to be your State Representative, and I’m here to hear what issues are important to you.” And again and again, people engaged. They said they are concerned that the financial responsibilities of governing—like assuring quality public schools—are left on the backs of small-town property owners. Granby needs a stronger voice, with a seat at the table, in Hartford. They said they were tired of politicians trying to impose their personal beliefs and values on others. Politicians should “mind their own business!” And all of them, regardless of party affiliation, appreciated someone willing to hear their views. (And don’t get me started on their well-kept homes and gardens: the “Pride of the Valley,” indeed!)
I already knew I would support Kim; my time in the community with her inspired me to endorse her here, with readers of the Drummer. It’s time to send to Hartford a representative who will be welcomed into “the room where it happens,” and have a strong voice, informed by the people she represents. Kim will work in a bi-partisan way and will understand the implications of actions taken in Hartford on towns like ours. I hope others will join me in sending Kim, this year, to Hartford.
Jenny Emery
I support Kim Becker for State Representative in the upcoming election. Having observed Kim’s journey from a dedicated community-driven mother to a candidate for public office, I am inspired by her commitment and vision for our community.
Kim’s evolution from community advocate to state representative candidate is a natural progression of her passion for public service. Her firsthand experience tackling everyday challenges—whether advocating for better educational resources, supporting local small businesses, or ensuring our community’s safety—gives her a unique perspective that is both practical and empathetic.
Kim has been involved in local initiatives that directly impact our families. Her hands-on involvement in local organizations, including the Granby Education Foundation, Stony Hill Village, Granby Commission on Aging, Granby Ambulance Association, Lions Club, Barkhamsted and Granby Senior Center, and Granby Grange, is a demonstration of her profound dedication to improving our neighborhood.
As a mother who has navigated the complexities of balancing family life with community involvement, Kim brings personal insight and dedicated service. Her candidacy represents a shift towards a more inclusive and responsive representation that genuinely understands and reflects the diverse voices of our district.
I urge all voters to support Kim Becker. Let’s elect a leader who is not only deeply invested in our community but also equipped with the vision needed to make a positive impact at the state level. The upcoming election is a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our district, and Kim is the leader we need.
Nancy Knutson
Support for GOP Candidates
We are writing to support Senators John Kissel and Lisa Seminara and Representative Mark Anderson for reelection on Nov. 8. They have stood firm against the monolithic Democrat party. The Democrats have pushed Connecticut into an unaffordable state because of uncontrolled spending, driving “Going Green” with a path toward electric everything with no accountability; unreasonable electric rates caused by legislative mandates; doling out millions of taxpayers’ (our) dollars to placate the majority of low information voters who subsist on government handouts; 33 percent pay raises to state employees over the past four years; allowing biological males to participate in biological girls’ sports and use the same locker rooms. We could go on and on.
We cannot allow the Democrats to continue their stranglehold on our pocketbooks, while most people have a hard time paying for groceries and medicine.
Reelect Kissel, Seminara and Anderson. Our future is at stake.
Bill and Susan Regan