VOTE! |
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Tomorrow, we observe Veterans Day and pay tribute to the unbroken line of brave citizen soldiers going back to the Revolutionary War who stepped forward and served our great nation in times of peace and armed conflict. We honor the brave men and women who fought to preserve freedom for each successive generation. This year marks the 103rd anniversary of the signing of the armistice to end the First World War - the war to end all wars. Armistice Day - Veterans Day in the U.S. - is commemorated every year on November 11th to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany to end hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. The signing took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning - the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. Please join me in commemorating the day by reaching out to Veterans and thanking them for their service. I hope you will join me in honoring their service to our great nation. God Bless! State Rep. Greg Howard As always, please contact me should you have any questions about this important issue or concerns on any other topics relating to state government at Greg.Howard@housegop.ct.gov. |

I am honored to be currently serving as Selectwoman in Stonington. I have a long history of public service in Stonington including: eight years on the Stonington Board of Education (BOE), 14 years on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, including serving as both Chairman and Vice Chairman of that group; serving for a number of years on the K-12 Building Committee, Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), and Stormwater Task Force. I was also an active member of local PTO, Booster, Boy Scout, and other non-profit groups. I have lived in Stonington for 26 years. I have been married to my husband for 33 years and have three grown children who all graduated from Stonington High School. My oldest is a Captain in the Army with three young children of his own.
Professionally, I have Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology and Biology from Bucknell University and a master’s degree in Geology/Specialization in Hydrogeology from the State University of New York. I originally trained as a petroleum geologist and spent five years working as an Exploration Geologist on wildcat rigs offshore Texas. For the past 35 years I have worked as an Environmental Consultant and Project Manager. I am a Connecticut Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) and I work with private companies and municipalities to help investigate, remediate, and promote redevelopment of contaminated properties and help clients negotiate state and federal environmental permits and regulations. I have also assisted municipalities and businesses with community relations associated with contaminated sites. For several years, I volunteered as the Community Co-Chair of the Subbase Superfund Restoration Advisory Board helping the public make sense of the technical data presented by the consultants and regulators.
As a lifelong learner, over the past two years I have attended webinars and programs associated with Climate Resiliency, Green Infrastructure, Stormwater Utilities and Regulatory Updates and reported back findings to the BOS and Town staff. I have used my experience as a Connecticut LEP to make connections with regulatory agencies to advance several local Brownfields Projects. I took an active role in writing our successful State Grant Applications for the Mystic River Boat House Park and Stillman Mill properties and continue to work towards retaining environmental consultants to begin the assessment and remediation work at those properties. Through my activities with the local Brownfield sites and outreach to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), I work to preserve municipal liability protection on Brownfields sites. I was selected to serve on a working group to develop new environmental regulations for reporting and cleanup of historical releases. I am honored to actively participate in the working group and represent Stonington and other smaller municipalities.
I have worked successfully with the other two Selectwomen to solicit and interview volunteers to fill openings on Boards and Commissions – we currently have the most positions filled in many years. Along with the other Selectwomen, I serve as a liaison to various town committees which allow improved communication between the BOS, Town Hall, Commissions, Committees, and the public. Over the past two years, the BOS has worked together to hire qualified staff to fill 8 open positions at Town Hall. I take an active role in the Capital Improvement (CIP) process, prioritizing projects and working to reduce the CIP before sending it to the Board of Finance (BOF). The BOS recently worked through a process for expenditures of the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to assess needs and priorities and obtain input from the public, BOF and outside agencies. Other projects completed within the past two years – despite the challenge of COVID – including a successful, ongoing lease of the West Broad Street School, collaborating with the BOF and WPCA to pursue a critical bond for Wastewater Treatment Facilities Improvements, which resulted in the Town securing its best-ever interest rate (1.56%) and maintaining its AAA bond rating.
I believe in Public Service over Politics. I will continue to emphasize communication, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in town government. I know that I am making important, positive contributions as a Selectwoman and am running for reelection because I love this town and want to do what I can to make it even better.
Vote For Deborah Motycka Downie for Selectwoman November 2
Professionally, I have Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology and Biology from Bucknell University and a master’s degree in Geology/Specialization in Hydrogeology from the State University of New York. I originally trained as a petroleum geologist and spent five years working as an Exploration Geologist on wildcat rigs offshore Texas. For the past 35 years I have worked as an Environmental Consultant and Project Manager. I am a Connecticut Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) and I work with private companies and municipalities to help investigate, remediate, and promote redevelopment of contaminated properties and help clients negotiate state and federal environmental permits and regulations. I have also assisted municipalities and businesses with community relations associated with contaminated sites. For several years, I volunteered as the Community Co-Chair of the Subbase Superfund Restoration Advisory Board helping the public make sense of the technical data presented by the consultants and regulators.
As a lifelong learner, over the past two years I have attended webinars and programs associated with Climate Resiliency, Green Infrastructure, Stormwater Utilities and Regulatory Updates and reported back findings to the BOS and Town staff. I have used my experience as a Connecticut LEP to make connections with regulatory agencies to advance several local Brownfields Projects. I took an active role in writing our successful State Grant Applications for the Mystic River Boat House Park and Stillman Mill properties and continue to work towards retaining environmental consultants to begin the assessment and remediation work at those properties. Through my activities with the local Brownfield sites and outreach to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), I work to preserve municipal liability protection on Brownfields sites. I was selected to serve on a working group to develop new environmental regulations for reporting and cleanup of historical releases. I am honored to actively participate in the working group and represent Stonington and other smaller municipalities.
I have worked successfully with the other two Selectwomen to solicit and interview volunteers to fill openings on Boards and Commissions – we currently have the most positions filled in many years. Along with the other Selectwomen, I serve as a liaison to various town committees which allow improved communication between the BOS, Town Hall, Commissions, Committees, and the public. Over the past two years, the BOS has worked together to hire qualified staff to fill 8 open positions at Town Hall. I take an active role in the Capital Improvement (CIP) process, prioritizing projects and working to reduce the CIP before sending it to the Board of Finance (BOF). The BOS recently worked through a process for expenditures of the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to assess needs and priorities and obtain input from the public, BOF and outside agencies. Other projects completed within the past two years – despite the challenge of COVID – including a successful, ongoing lease of the West Broad Street School, collaborating with the BOF and WPCA to pursue a critical bond for Wastewater Treatment Facilities Improvements, which resulted in the Town securing its best-ever interest rate (1.56%) and maintaining its AAA bond rating.
I believe in Public Service over Politics. I will continue to emphasize communication, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in town government. I know that I am making important, positive contributions as a Selectwoman and am running for reelection because I love this town and want to do what I can to make it even better.
Vote For Deborah Motycka Downie for Selectwoman November 2

Since moving to Mystic seven years ago, I’ve said that our town is magical. Now, with Matt and me living in Pawcatuck, I’m truly in love with Stonington. Everywhere I turn there is another neighbor doing their part to make our town better, and another chance to serve the community. I knew I needed to be part of that.
In 2009, I convinced my husband to reboot his grandfather’s business, Mystic Knotwork. I’ve been leading the team day to day for over 10 years and manage the cash flow that keeps the business growing and contributing to the community.
Our iconic knot business has won numerous awards, including:
I’ve helped raise money for Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Research every year I’ve lived in town, I’ve worked with the Ocean Chamber and Mystic Chamber to help our fellow small businesses. During our own COVID-19 shutdown last year, we used the energy of that stressful time to raise $1,000 for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. It was a highlight of last year, if there can be such a thing, to be blessed enough to give back last May. I’m serving on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Mystic Merchant’s Association and help with numerous activities there.
I've donated so many raffle prizes to all the schools and organizations in the area that I can't list them all, but we are proud to sponsor the Como and the Stonington Crew. It is such a great feeling to be able to help out in any way we can.
When I think about the responsibility of Treasurer, I realize that it’s a responsibility to keep a final check on spending. Because Glenn Frishman, Lynn Young, and Faith Leitner are so conscientious and detail oriented, finding errors will likely be limited. I’ve seen the work they all do, and feel the stipend paid to the Treasurer should be reinvested into also helping the town. So, I pledge to donate that salary to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and other charities to help our neighbors through rough patches. I’ll keep a sharp eye open to protect our treasury, and I’ll continue giving back in other ways.
Please vote Jill Beaudoin for Treasurer Nov 2
In 2009, I convinced my husband to reboot his grandfather’s business, Mystic Knotwork. I’ve been leading the team day to day for over 10 years and manage the cash flow that keeps the business growing and contributing to the community.
Our iconic knot business has won numerous awards, including:
- 2020 SBA Connecticut Small Business of the Year
- 2017 Eastern Chamber Small Business of the Year
- 2015 SCORE Small Business Champion for Connecticut
- 2014 Martha Stewart American Made Heritage Award
I’ve helped raise money for Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Research every year I’ve lived in town, I’ve worked with the Ocean Chamber and Mystic Chamber to help our fellow small businesses. During our own COVID-19 shutdown last year, we used the energy of that stressful time to raise $1,000 for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. It was a highlight of last year, if there can be such a thing, to be blessed enough to give back last May. I’m serving on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Mystic Merchant’s Association and help with numerous activities there.
I've donated so many raffle prizes to all the schools and organizations in the area that I can't list them all, but we are proud to sponsor the Como and the Stonington Crew. It is such a great feeling to be able to help out in any way we can.
When I think about the responsibility of Treasurer, I realize that it’s a responsibility to keep a final check on spending. Because Glenn Frishman, Lynn Young, and Faith Leitner are so conscientious and detail oriented, finding errors will likely be limited. I’ve seen the work they all do, and feel the stipend paid to the Treasurer should be reinvested into also helping the town. So, I pledge to donate that salary to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and other charities to help our neighbors through rough patches. I’ll keep a sharp eye open to protect our treasury, and I’ll continue giving back in other ways.
Please vote Jill Beaudoin for Treasurer Nov 2

Hi. My name is Faith Leitner and I’m running for the Board of Finance. Stonington has been home for nearly 40 years. My husband and I have been married 36 years and we raised two wonderful daughters who attended Stonington schools. I care deeply about what happens here and how our town is managed.
I graduated from Colorado State University more years ago than I care to remember and studied resource management and music. I started playing concert harps when I was seven, so music won out and I’ve been a working musician ever since. However, I grew up in a fiscally common sense household where I was taught the value of living within your means and that’s how I manage my finances to this day.
My dear late parents set another example. They both believed in contributing to the communities they lived in and did so through public service. That rubbed off on me so I served for two terms on the Stonington Board of Education from 2008 to 2017. I chaired the BOE’s finance committee for three years and was the board Secretary for two years during each term.
I want to continue to serve all the people of Stonington. I’m a realist and know you can’t please everyone all the time, but if I’m elected I will do my utmost to listen to all sides and make the most responsible decisions that benefit Stonington and make the most sense.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2021. I would appreciate your vote.
I graduated from Colorado State University more years ago than I care to remember and studied resource management and music. I started playing concert harps when I was seven, so music won out and I’ve been a working musician ever since. However, I grew up in a fiscally common sense household where I was taught the value of living within your means and that’s how I manage my finances to this day.
My dear late parents set another example. They both believed in contributing to the communities they lived in and did so through public service. That rubbed off on me so I served for two terms on the Stonington Board of Education from 2008 to 2017. I chaired the BOE’s finance committee for three years and was the board Secretary for two years during each term.
I want to continue to serve all the people of Stonington. I’m a realist and know you can’t please everyone all the time, but if I’m elected I will do my utmost to listen to all sides and make the most responsible decisions that benefit Stonington and make the most sense.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2021. I would appreciate your vote.
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