Latest News
Campaign Signs Vandalized
October 29, 2023 — Various campaign signs supporting both Republican and Democratic candidates were vandalized with over night. The Mesham-Read signs, located on Halls Road, were spray-painted with vulgar, sexist, and antisemitic graffiti. The Republican Town Committee issued this statement:
Mesham, Read Answer Lymeline’s Questions
October 26, 2023 — Local online newspaper Lymeline posed written questions to all the 2023 candidates for the Board of Selectmen. Today the paper published the responses.
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Read the published responses by John Mesham and Jude Read.
Old Lyme Republicans Open Campaign Headquarters
August 29, 2023 — The Old Lyme Republican Town Committee has opened its 2023 campaign headquarters in the Old Lyme Shopping Center at 19 Halls Road in Old Lyme. Beginning on August 29, First Selectman candidate John Mesham will hold regular office hours at the site every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 1pm. The public is welcome to stop by to meet John during those hours; other candidates from the GOP slate will also be on hand at various times.
“This location, with prime visibility on Halls Road and plenty of parking, makes it easy for people to stop in,” Mesham said. “We look forward to welcoming Old Lyme residents to our headquarters and hearing what they have to say.”
The GOP headquarters will be open more hours as Election Day draws closer. As Mesham added, “If the lights are on, we’re here!”
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Old Lyme Republican Town Committee Announces Candidates for 2023 Municipal Elections
July 19, 2023 — At its caucus on July 18, the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee voted in its slate of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections.
Leading the slate for First Selectman and Selectman, respectively, are John Mesham, a retired Connecticut state trooper and 30-year resident of Old Lyme; and Judith Read, a small business owner and public servant.
RTC chairman Randy Nixon pointed to the qualifications of the individuals on the slate, commenting, “Our candidates are all people with extensive and relevant experience for the offices for which they are running. The committee is proud to endorse them. These candidates were selected because they each have proven track records of public service and community involvement.”
The full slate of Republican candidates endorsed at the July 18 caucus:
First Selectman: John Mesham
Selectman: Judith Read
Town Treasurer: Matthew Ward (U)
Tax Collector: Suzanne Thompson
Board of Finance: H. Perry Garvin III
Board of Finance Alternates: Maria Corrao Marchant and Matthew F. Olson
Board of Assessment Appeals: David W. Evers, Jr.
Planning Commission (Term Begins 2023): Barbara Gaudio (U)
Planning Commission (Term Begins 2024): Donald Willis
Zoning Commission (Term Begins 2023): Paul Orzel (U)
Zoning Commission (Term Begins 2024): Tammy Tinnerello
Zoning Board of Appeals (Term Begins 2023): Dan Montano
Zoning Board of Appeals (Term Begins 2024): Nancy Hutchinson (U)
Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates: Roderick Clingman, Peter Lucchese, Brian Cole (U)
Regional Board of Education: Steven Wilson, Suzanne Thompson, Michael Presti
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John Mesham and Judith Read
John Mesham, Jude Read to run for Town Hall posts
July 14, 2023 — Two longtime Old Lyme residents have announced their intentions to run for positions on the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen.
John Mesham, a former Marine, law enforcement officer, and community advocate, will seek the Republican nomination for First Selectman; while Judith Read, a seasoned public servant and small business owner, will pursue the nomination for Second Selectman. Read the full press release.
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Dave Kelsey honored with 2023 Prescott Bush Award
May 31, 2023 — At the Connecticut GOP's 44th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner held at the Stamford Hilton, the prestigious Prescott Bush Award was presented to Old Lyme RTC's David Kelsey! Congratulations to Dave on this well-deserved honor that recognizes his efforts on behalf of the Republican Party.
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Letter from RTC Chairman outlines Republican values
In the Spring of 2023, OL RTC Chairman Randy Nixon sent a letter to all townspeople detailing the core principles of the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee and asking voters to support the work of the committee and its candidates in the upcoming election.
You can read the letter by clicking on the image here.
Annual picnic draws hundreds to Griswold Point
Sunset on the Sound, the Old Lyme Republicans' annual picnic, drew hundreds of supporters to beautiful Griswold Point on September 11, 2022, for an "all-American barbecue." Guests enjoyed delicious food, festive music provided by the String of Pearls band, an exciting Silent Auction, and remarks from an array of candidates for statewide office, including gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski, candidate for US Senate Leora Levy, state representative Devin Carney, and state senate hopeful Jerry Labriola.
Scroll through the slideshow below to see images from the picnic!
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August 9 Primary Results
Connecticut Republicans went to the polls on August 9 to choose candidates in two statewide races, for the US Senate seat and for Secretary of the State.
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In the Senate primary, Leora Levy won over Themis Klarides and Peter Lumaj.
In the Secretary of the State race, Dominic Rapini emerged as the nominee over Terrie Wood.
Summer Cocktail Party
On June 11, Old Lyme Republicans gathered at the Old Lyme Country Club for a cocktail reception honoring this year's candidates. A number of statewide candidates attended, including Laura Devlin (lieutenant governor candidate), Jessica Kordas (attorney general candidate), Jerry Labriola (running for state senate 20th district), Themis Klarides (then-candidate for US Senate), and Mike France (candidate for the US House, 2nd District).
