September 28th, 2022
Earlier today, we received notification that the Darien League of Women Voters is canceling Candidates Night for 2022.  Board of Education candidate, Kadi Lublin, was the only one who accepted their invitation. John Sini, Jill McCammon, and Tracy Marra all declined to participate in the event. 

Sadly we are seeing this same behavior by Republican candidates and their affiliated RTCs all over the state. The candidates listed above are running uncontested, but the Darien LWV Candidates Night has a long history of giving each voter an opportunity to submit questions, hear candidate’s views and learn more about the individuals representing Darien and its residents. 

Laura Smits, President of  League of Women Voters Connecticut, wrote an Op-Ed addressing this issue.  It is attached below in full.

 

Setting the record straight on debates… It wasn’t that long ago, that during election season, candidates eagerly awaited being invited to a League of Women Voters of Connecticut debate. Our reputation as a century-old non-partisan political organization guaranteed that they would be treated fairly when it came to how the debate was organized and that each candidate would be treated in the same way, regardless of their party affiliation. This is the first time we have encountered so much opposition by the parties, and (some) candidates to participate in our debates or control how we run them. 

This is unfortunate. Something has changed, but it is not the League. 

Our rules of engagement for debates have remained the same:

 

  • We notify each candidate about the date, time, place and rules of the debate at the same time. 

 

  • Questions for debates are submitted by the voters (on index cards for a live debate or emailed beforehand) and then screened by League members from both parties and when possible, an Unaffiliated member to ensure clarity, accuracy and that each question can be answered by all candidates. The Moderator is then given the screened questions and decides which questions will be used during the debate. 

 

  • Our Moderators are trained on how to run a fair debate and not allowed to moderate in the town or city that they reside in to ensure impartiality towards all candidates on the debate stage. The League hasn’t changed this methodology in decades. 

 

  • We do not allow “empty chair” or one person debates. If a candidate chooses not to participate, and we have at least 2 candidates, the debate will continue. If we do not, we reserve the right to cancel a debate. The League can also choose to hold other events or forums besides formal debates, where voters can interact with the candidates. 

 

Meanwhile, there are third-party candidates eager to debate but may have trouble qualifying due to the difficulty of raising enough funds to mount a successful campaign. This is not their fault, our system favors the major parties, and while this is unfair, it is the system that we have and must contend with now. Our vetting and debate criteria for candidates is updated every year and in the coming years we may find a way to be more equitable to offset some of this unfairness. 

 

Debates are an important part of the voter education process. Unlike websites, social media, emails or mailers, debates offer the voters a chance to see the candidates answer voters’ questions in real time, live and unscripted. Seeing and hearing a candidate on a debate stage gives voters another layer of insight about how a candidate handles themselves when presented with an opposing point of view about a topic. Were they able to get their point across? Did they answer the moderator’s question? 

 

The job of a public servant is to serve and interact with the public. It is up to the candidate to make their case to the voter and earn that vote. Our democracy depends on a mutual relationship of respect between candidates and the voters who elect them. Not participating in a debate sends the opposite message. No vote should be taken for granted. 

 

The League will continue to educate voters by using all of our voter education tools: printed materials, online and social media platforms as well as debates to bring voters non-partisan information about the candidates and the issues. Our League mission to empower voters and defend democracy continues… 

 

Laura Smits, President LWVCT

 

Darien Democratic Town Committee (DTC) endorses Kadiatu (Kadi) Lublin for the Board of Education


July 21, 2022

 

Darien Democratic Town Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kathryn Doran, DTC Communications Committee Chair
info@DarienDemocrats.com

www.DarienDemocrats.com

The Darien Democratic Town Committee (DTC) is pleased to announce its endorsement of Kadiatu (Kadi) Lublin for the Board of Education.  

Kadi has been an active volunteer within our schools for many years, most recently serving on the Ox Ridge Building Committee and as chair of the Special Education subcommittee for the Council of Darien School Parents (CDSP). She is also a former co-chair of the Ox Ridge Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).  During the 2020-2021 school year, she volunteered as a substitute teacher to ensure that school buildings could remain open for students when there were pandemic related staff shortages.

Kadi is a graduate of Indiana University and has continued her love of learning by taking summer study and executive education courses at Columbia and NYU. She has a diverse background and skill set, having worked for both financial and design firms as well as having entrepreneurial experience starting and running her own business for several years here in Darien.  Kadi is currently working as a Director with Infralinx Capital Partners, LLC.  She also serves on the advisory board of ReadWorks, a non profit that partners with K-12 teachers to solve our nation’s student achievement gap.

Kadi and her husband, Derek, moved to Darien in 2008.  They have three children, the two oldest are at Darien High School and Middlesex Middle School, while her youngest is at The Winward School.  Their two energetic yellow labs round out their busy family.

Stacey Tie, Darien DTC Vice-Chair, in her nomination of Ms. Lublin said:

“Kadi is a passionate advocate for our schools and our children.  She is smart, measured, dedicated and is an independent thinker.  She stands up for what she believes in. She is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.  I can’t wait to see her work on the Board.”

Of her run for Board of Education Kadi said:

“When I visited Darien for the first time, I was immediately charmed by the friendly community, beautiful beaches and educational reputation of the town and I am proud to call Darien home. 

Having been involved for several years, I have seen many sides of our educational system – from individual school PTOs, to the district wide CDSP, meeting regularly with administrators and parents in both of those roles.  Additionally, I have served on the Ox Ridge Building Committee for three years working with multiple stakeholders – at all levels, across diverse skill sets – in collaboration to design and construct a modern and sustainable school that, I hope, will inspire students and staff and set a new standard for educational facilities in Darien.  As a member of the Board of Education,  I will serve our community and our students – always putting their best interests first.”

Theresa Vogt, Darien DTC chair stated, “The strength of our district and the community means always moving forward to prepare our students for their lives beyond the Darien schools. Kadi’s wealth of experience in our schools, community and business world will enable her to get to work on Day 1.” 

22′-23′ Town of darien budget

The Board of Finance has approved the 22-23 Town of Darien Budget. It now moves to the RTM for final approval on May 9th.  The Board of Finance budget files are now available on-line for residents to review.

Taxpayers are encouraged to reach out to the RTM with their comments by emailing RTM members at darienrtm@darienct.gov

Charlotte Hunter

Designer

Nettie Allen

Engineer

 

We want to extend our Congratulations to Darien’s FIRST female Police Captain, Alison Hudyma. Captain Hudyma’s many years of service to the Darien community have been a powerful example to young women and men in town. As Darien residents, we are proud of our Police Department and the many officers who work each day to make our community safer and stronger. To learn more about Cpt. Hudyma please click this article from the Stamford Advocate

 Assistant Registrar
(Democrat)

Special Requirements pursuant to CGS Chapter 146 Section 9-192:
To be considered for this position you must be a
Town of Darien resident and a registered Democrat
for at least six (6) months preceding appointment to the position.

Location:

Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT

Hours: 
Part-time, 19.5 hours/week, Mon. – Thurs., approx. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(There is some flexibility in the work schedule. Additional hours are required on and around Election Days.)

 Compensation:

 

 $16.50 to $19.00 per hour
(Eligible for paid sick leave.)

Closing Date:

 November 1, 2021

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Accountable for registering Town of Darien eligible residents to vote in person, by mail, or through online methods; maintaining, certifying, and purging Town of Darien voter records through continuing contact through written correspondence, online and telephone communication, and personal contact with the voters of the Town of Darien.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of the Registrar of his/her party, but must be willing to assist other office staff, when needed, because of the collaborative nature of the voter registration process and election preparedness.

Supervision Exercised:  May supervise volunteer or paid election workers.

Examples of Essential Duties:

Duties entail review and comprehension of the changing CT election laws and best practices that affect elections and the voter registration process. Duties per CT General Statutes and Regulations, and CT Secretary of the State’s Office (SOTS) Best Practices:

  • Processes and adds new voters though voter registration applications received by the Registrar of Voters
    (ROV) Office either in person, by mail, through the DMV, or online;
  • Verifies license or other form of identification and makes sure all information is filled out and complete;
  • Generates confirmation of voter registration acceptance to new voters in person or by mail;
  • Assists all voters and Town residents who appear in person in the Registrars’ Office;
  • Assists in preparing invoices, memorandums, and reports;
  • Assists the Registrar(s) in preparing the voting locations and the voting equipment for all the district
    polling locations;
  • Changes voter status per voter request, DMV, duplicate voter, party affiliations, move within towns
    pursuant to General Statutes §9-192;
  • Collects, collates, and compiles relevant voter data from various internal and external resources and
    provides the data in a concise format to the requesting parties;
  • Files voter registration cards in alphabetical order and keeps all hard copy files and relevant documents
    safe and retrieves them as needed;
  • Keeps the Darien voter database current; which includes entering new voter information, voter changes,
    and voter removals into the CT voter registration database;
  • Prepares voter reports for the Democratic Town Committee (DTC) and Republican Town Committee
    (RTC) leaders and members;
  • Provides administrative support to the Registrar(s) as needed;
  • Provides assistance to all voters and polling staff over the phone and in person on Election Day;
  • Tabulates figures and generates reports for use by the Registrar(s);
  • Removes voters per voter cancellation, when voter moves outside of Darien, DMV, duplicate voter,
    death, or felony conviction;
  • Reviews the CT voter database reminder list for removals;
  • Notifies other states’ election officials when their voter registers to vote in Darien;
  • Supports and represents the respective Registrar when required;
  • Conducts statewide annual canvass of voters and moves voters to inactive status or removes voters,
    where applicable;
  • Assists in poll worker recruitment and training preparation;
  • Takes part in all state-mandated administrative and financial audits and studies, and assists the
    Registrar(s) in preparing associated reports; and
  • Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Resident of the Town of Darien and registered Democrat for at least six (6) months preceding
    appointment to the position;
  • High school diploma or GED, Associate’s degree preferred;
  • One year of paid, full-time or equivalent part-time office experience;
  • Considerable computer literacy including proficiency using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook; and
    ability to learn and utilize the secure CT voter registration database, on-line training, and security access programs;
  • Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation;
  • Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and standard clerical techniques;
  • Ability to prioritize and multi-task;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Basic skills in performing arithmetic computations;
  • Interpersonal skills and previous experience interfacing with the public;
  • Ability to work in a team environment;
  • Ability to read, understand and apply a variety of laws, regulations and ordinances;
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions; and
  • Required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Application Procedure

Applications may be emailed to kdunn@darienct.gov (Reference “Assistant Registrar” in the subject line and submit attachments in Word or PDF format) or mailed to Ms. Karen Dunn, Human Resources Department, Town of Darien, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT 06820.

Please submit the following three (3) documents:

  1. Cover Letter;
  2. Typed Town of Darien Employment Application; and
  3. Resume

The Town of Darien is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of intellectual disability, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Town when necessary

 

Posted 10-05-2021

The Darien Democratic Town Committee and all Darien Democrats stand united against hate speech in any form. We are saddened to learn of the misogynistic and homophobic graffiti discovered at Darien High School this week. In another incident, also this week, a Darien High School student posted anti-Semitic language on a closed Facebook page. While many will argue these are isolated incidents, in 2019 swastikas were scrawled on a desk and external windows at the Middlesex Middle School on two separate occasions.

These appalling incidents highlight that the increasing polarization and animosity towards underrepresented groups that has permeated much of this country has now found root in Darien. These behaviors and actions reflect poorly on our community and leave many Darien residents disheartened and concerned about our town’s future.

The discriminatory and abusive behavior and actions within the Darien High School community this week are appalling and must be condemned by all students and adults. But much like “thoughts and prayers,” condemnations will not solve the problem. Words are not enough.

In recent weeks we have seen parents, candidates, and elected officials question the need for a curriculum that espouses Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. They have attached themselves to the national outcry that learning about those who are different from us may hurt their children rather than open their minds. A common refrain heard at the recent Board of Education meeting was that the discussion and education of our students on these topics belongs at home. However, the recent incidents and those occurring in the not-too-distant past illustrate exactly why we need to teach Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our schools as we prepare our children for their future.

Darien residents and public officials need to do better. This is why local elections matter.

Pursuant to recent legislation, the COVID-19 pandemic may be used to obtain an absentee ballot for the fall 2021 municipal election in Darien. 

http://www.darienct.gov/filestorage/28565/28567/29344/40169/ED-3-1202-Rev-2021-fillable.pdf

Return your completed application today to: Town Clerk’s Office, 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT  06820

Our Candidates in the November 2021 Election

Tara Ochman for First Selectman:

https://www.taraochmanfordarien.com

Facebook:  @TaraOchmanForDarien

Mike Burke & Sara Neumann for Selectmen:

https://www.mikeandsarahforbos.com/

Facebook @MikeandSarahforBOS

Twitter- @MikeSarah4BOS

Instagram @mike.sarah4BOS 

Julie Best and Stacie Tie for Board of Education:

www.julieandstaceyforboe.com

Facebook is @julieandstacey4dpskids

Twitter @4dpskids

Instagram @julieandstacey4boe