Once again, I want to applaud Old Saybrook’s Republican leadership for how well they operate the town, specifically, the $3 million-plus of budget surplus with which we find ourselves (I fully acknowledge that these surplus dollars are likely a welcome anomaly and not an annual windfall!).

First Selectman Carl Fortuna leads the town with a rigor and a discipline that even corporate Americ would envy. His strong financial management—a stickler for managing expenses to expected revenue—is only eclipsed by his ability to identify and include the necessary stakeholders to support sound decision-making.

Some of the notable projects that will benefit from these surplus dollars are $85k for shoreline resiliency efforts, $525k for culvert repair at Beaver Dam Trail, $110k for an Acton Public Library generator, $68k for Parks & Recreation improvements, $30k for early voting program, etc.

Old Saybrook Republican leadership has demonstrated a tremendous track record of success for our community over the last 24 years. Let’s keep the momentum going. When you vote this November, please continue to support the Republican Candidates who have helped make our town into what it is today.

Chuck Gaden

Old Saybrook