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Leaders on Both Sides

I read the several letters to the editor in the Sept. 30 edition that talked about the strictly Republican leadership that led Old Saybrook through the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 shouldn’t be political. I want to be clear. As the Democratic member of the Board of Selectmen during the pandemic, I worked with Carl Fortuna and Scott Giegerich in a truly bipartisan way for every taxpayer, child, and business in our community. I’m proud of our work and our collaboration.

As a town, the entire emergency response team all worked together regardless of party affiliation for the best interests—in public health and economic health—for Old Saybrook. I am honored that I was in a position to lead our recovery task force’s effort to support Small Business and Employment. This wasn’t just a standing committee. I participated in a number of webinars and calls to our town businesses on how to access and apply for the PPP and EIDL federal relief programs in March, April, and May of 2020 and beyond. I walked the streets to hand out informational flyers to the restaurants in advance of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant program opening not because it would win votes, but because it was the responsible thing to do as a leader.

Our town has benefited from strong leadership over the last two years. That great leadership is a result of the diversity of views that is expressed across our boards and commissions, leading to better decision making. I’m writing so that voters know that we have leaders on both sides of the aisle who are willing to work hard, compromise, and make Old Saybrook a better community.

Selectman Matt Pugliese

Old Saybrook

Democrat Matt Pugliese is seeking re-election in November.